This beautiful hike was worth the drive just to get to the trailhead. Recent rains had rutted the rocky dirt road a bit, so we had to pile some big stones in the gap at one spot. It’s monsoon season, so it was very humid. This made the trail less dusty and slippery, which was nice…but it doesn’t level out much on the way to the peak. We were soaked with sweat by the time we got there, and then it got cold. We kept layering and unlayering.

There aren’t many trail markers besides random stone cairns. So go with someone who is familiar or download a map ahead of time (there’s no cellular service out there most of the way). I guess there is one wrong turn that will put you downhill away from the peak for several miles towards Ski Lee.

Views from the top were incredible. Pines all around make it so you’d never know you’re in the desert region. Bring rain gear though. We got rained on twice.

Right as we got back to the cars, there were 2 gorgeous wild horses grazing on wildflowers, who were unconcerned we were there and obliged us by posing for pictures and videos!