Peak 2 Challenge – Welch-Dickey Loop

I arrived at the parking lot at 9:30AM, it was partially cloudy with cool weather. There are about 10 cars in the parking lot, so it was not busy yet.  I started the hike with two person in front of me, they are the only people I encountered all the way to the summit, plus another two people almost already there.  The trail was very pretty, it is mostly dirt trail in the first 30 minute and then all the granite after that. It was smooth granite, like pavement – so although it is a continuous slope of rock I found it easy to hike.  The scenery was very pretty  and there is a clear view of the valley and nearby mountains.  From time to time, the sun will appear but it is still cool weather which made the hike  enjoyable.  Some small trees started to change colors and the moss on the ground is turning gray – the evergreens growing on the granite are sight to behold. I’ve seen a few small board birds on the first peak but that is the only wildlife i’ve seen.  I reached the first peak at 11:15AM, I stopped for about 15 minutes to admire the surroundings and then started the hike to the 2nd peak. The hike to the second did not take long, I continued my hike to go back to the base and I’m back at the parking at 1PM – there about 25 cars at that point.