We arrived at the trailhead parking lot at 5:15am and as we were gearing up a black bear was strolling through the parking lot.

We began the 3.5-mile trek up Falls Road and Blady Road to get to the restaurant. Once there we stopped and made a cup of coffee and topped off our water and then headed up the Turkey Shoot to get to Devil’s Backbone Trail.

It was an easy climb and the weather was great. Very minor snow patches just above 9,000 feet and then a large snow cap that required a couple 25-yard passes that were easily manageable with spikes.

Ate a sandwich at the summit and took some pictures, then headed back down.

Nice hike! 😊