My husband and I are in our 50s and looking for new ways to challenge ourselves so we took on the Six-Peak Challenge. As beginner hikers we've chosen the milder peaks. Our first hike was Santiago Peak via the Maple Springs trail. Trailhead was easy to locate, you will need a parking pass but you can pay online at the gate if need be (we have an adventure pass). Set out about 6am. This is an easy trail that is mostly dirt and gravel road for offroad vehicles. Elevation was slight. It was challenging enough but not too much for beginner hikers like us. The bugs are bad. Bring lots of spray and use liberally. Lots of foliage and forest landscape to admire on the journey. The views from the Maple Springs peak are lovely. It definitely got hot as the day wore on, so bring hats and lots of water and all that good stuff. We were so happy to make the peak and then head back, but we learned what probably all experienced hikers come to learn…that “easy slope” feels like a mountain when you're on the way down with jelly legs! The hike was about 5 hours in total. I'm a slow hiker and I rested often. Someone younger or faster could do it in closer to four, I'm sure.

The hike was great and wonderful trail to start our six-peak journey on.

This is a great trail for beginners with satisfying views and gradual elevation. Make sure you have a parking pass, start early to beat the heat and bring bug spray.