Mounting the Bear

I am new to hiking and decided to take on the challenge.  Purchased some trekking poles at the REI sale which made the hike successful.  Starts out slow and then gets into a deep scramble ascent. The views are worth it–make sure to stop and take them in at every vista.  The false peaks were a bitch but once at the top it was breathless and you could even see the snow-covered San Francisco Peaks.

Bring a lot of water.  Trail has little shade.  Bring snacks to keep your energy up.

It took us 5.5 hours.  About 3 hours up and 2.5 down–do not like climbing down–that fear of falling doesn’t pair well with hiking!