I left Griff Peak and headed off to my true prize, Mount Charleston summit. This would be my new PR for highest point hiked, surpassing San Gorgonio in Southern California by a little over 400ft!  My leg was still feeling great, and though I was constantly having to catch my breath, I was motoring along nicely.

I had done my homework, so I knew all about the false summits I would be encountering, so when I got to them, I did not get prematurely excited.  I also was not excited cause it required more climbing and heavy breathing, along with a couple quick breaks to drink, have a couple more snacks and lulls my breathing and heart rate.  When I passed those and made it to the ridge, it was more exciting than anything, so I actually really enjoyed that stretch.  Although walking on scree is not the easiest thing to do, there’s something about the sound those rocks make clanking against each other that just sounds so cool!  Am I the only one who thinks that?

Now it was time for the final climb.  I passed the airplane wreckage, but did not veer off to check it out more closely. I was getting close and just wanted to push on.  Only problem was my body did not want to!  I was noticeably struggling now, taking very short and very slow steps, climbing several feet then stopping to catch my breath. The trail wasn’t even that steep at this point, I think it was more the elevation and my conditioning, or lack there of, that conspired against me.  But, I am stubborn, so I kept pushing on, no matter how slow I had to go, I was too close not to make it.  After what felt like hours, but was likely only about 15-20 minutes, I reached the summit!

I enjoyed my victory and the amazing 360 degree views. I rested a while and stared at Mummy Mountain, a mere 3 miles away.  I could continue on to the North Loop, tackle that third peak and be half done with the challenge on my first day!  That thought only sat in my brain a few seconds before I wisely decided against it. I was already struggling and my conditioning would not really allow me another steep climb. I still had four more days, I would be happy with my two peaks and make my way back down the South Loop.  The total trip up both peaks took me a little over 8 hours.

This was an amazing hike, with beautiful scenery, some fall foliage, lots of curious chipmunks, a couple deer and even a few horses!  The hike actually reminded me of two mountains in the Southern California challenge, San Gorgonio and Mount Baldy.  The ridge section is very similar to Mount Baldy’s Devil’s Backbone, but much wider and less scary.  Everything else was very similar to San Gorgonio, including distance and elevation gain.