As the first light of dawn painted the sky, we embarked on our hike up Mount Elden. The trail meandered through a picturesque landscape, with Juniper trees casting long shadows and vibrant Banana Yucca flowers adding splashes of color to the desert canvas. The gentle warmth of the rising sun accompanied us, illuminating the delicate petals of Evening Primrose as if they were tiny lanterns guiding our way. Each step brought us closer to the heart of the mountain, where the air was crisp with the promise of adventure.

As we ascended higher, the terrain transformed around us. The arid desert gave way to lush spruce trees, their branches reaching towards the sky in a silent dance of welcome. The scent of pine enveloped us, invigorating our senses as we pushed onwards. Finally, as we neared the summit, a majestic forest of aspens greeted us, their leaves whispering tales of ancient wisdom. And there, at the peak, awaited a breathtaking panorama of the San Francisco Peaks, standing tall and proud against the horizon.

At the summit, the wind greeted us with a fierce embrace, tugging at our clothes and tousling our hair. The lookout tower and antennae stood as stoic guardians against the elements, their metal frames humming with the energy of the mountain. We lingered for a moment, capturing the awe-inspiring views before the biting cold urged us to begin our descent. As we retraced our steps, the wind gradually faded into a gentle breeze, whispering tales of our journey to the mountain's heart.

Blue Skies!