Challenging hike! Hardest one so far!
Started out around 0615 while still a little dark. Some bugs at the beginning but not bad. Started raining as we headed toward Baldy Notch. I was soaked! Had only anticipated heat, not cold – so brought 1 long sleeve and a light wind breaker! I was so cold! Could barley feel my hands! I had to borrow my friend’s vest when the winds started picking up at the Notch. Winds were howled through to Devil’s Backbone Trail. Suddenly the rain stopped and the sun started peering through the clouds! Took a looong minute to get up that last part to the Summit! (Yay!) Took Manker Flat trail down – that was more challenging than expected! Lots of maneuvering over larger rock formations. Beautiful views, small rivers crossed and scenery and wildlife prettier overall than San Antonio Notch but steep! I don’t normally use hiking poles but found them helpful for this part of the trail. Finally made it back to the car in the late afternoon!