Confession time – I dread hiking up Baldy. Every single year. Call it PTSD or something. I just don't look forward to it.

But Bear Canyon, though more challenging, makes for a different story or ending. It's not too bad. Yes, it's long and can be torturous especially during warmer months. I like that I can break it up in sections in my head – the beginning climb before the creek, the unshaded short switchbacks, the longer switchbacks, the ridge, that last uncovered stretch, the summit and finally, the trek down via Devil's Backbone.

So Baldy, I give you this – you're kinda growing on me. I hope to like you even more next year. Peace out for this year!