1st Peak of 2025 – Mt St Helena

What a great day to set out on this solo hike, the day after MLK day, no crowds! I was expecting a boring fire road, but as far as fire roads go, this was a lovely slim fire trail with lovely views framed by rock and chaparral, lovely! The first mile is a lovely single track woody trail which means just under 20% of the trail will be single track. I took this hike quickly as I was alone and a bit nervous of running into wildlife, and as I started it just after 11am, I was worried it would get dark.  I managed to get back to my car by just after 3pm and so I completed the whole hike in 4 hrs, 9 minutes. Yes there are big ugly satellite towers at the top, but I chose to focus on a lovely rock cairn overlooking the view. ***Please note – no one mentions this, but there are no toilets to speak of on this trail***** The parking lot is smallish, maybe a dozen parking spots or so and after parking there, you’ll cross Highway 29 to head up the trail. I hope you all enjoy this hike as much as I did!!