Oh man, this one kicked my ass!
it was beautiful on the last day of September. The weather was fantastic and the colors were booming with the beginnings of Fall.

I saw my first grouse, aka mountain chickens! I heard but did not see a pika!

When you get to open space and look up at the look out, it is VERY intimidating. We started too late in the day and were pressured with the time of sunset. Having to haul ass up those rocks to the lookout after the grueling terrain in the middle, was a feat. Bummed the lookout was closed, as it was my first lookout hike.

The views and Fall colors made up for it!

The way down was rough. Got stuck an hour in the dark, accidentally my first evening hike. The sunset was striking! But using my phone for light and not being fully prepared was my bad. I need to invest in a head lamp.

Note to others, if you’re an average paced hiker and aren’t comfortable hiking in the dark, don’t start this one after 2pm! Lesson learned.

All and all, a good hike but I will probably not do this one again!