Thursday, September 5 // 6:39am – 10:55am

After a few summits, I'm a firm believer in starting at sunrise (6/6:30am).

After a few weekday hikes, I'm also a fan of those for the solitude they offer (we didn't encounter a single-other hiker over the course of the hike!).

The Mt. Baden-Powell hike is really one big switchback, okay, 40 of them.  Still, it's one long, winding switchback from the trailhead at Vincent Gap to the saddle, just before the last push to the top.

We saw small lizards and chipmunks along the way, but that was the extent of life along the path.  Not much dust either, our shoes stayed very clean, sans dirt.

The summit is interesting – there is a cement statue honoring the namesake of the peak, as well as a flagpole without a flag (looked a little sad), and a homemade “Mt. Baden-Powell” sign.

Overall, once we acclimatized to the switchbacks, going slowly but steady, we appreciated the sweeping views, shaded path and monument waiting for us at the top.