How to get there:  I paid the $10 fee for daily use at Paso Picacho Campground. From the entrance, I pulled off to the right until I came to a parking lot in front of a large clearing. Once my gear was donned, I perused Lookout Road by walking back in the direction of the entrance and passed it. I continued walking until I was at the Coulton and Cedar cabins. There is a restroom here, it’s your last chance at relief until your hike is finished. If you walk directly between the cabins you will find yourself on a nicely paved road; Lookout Road. This road will take you to the peak, which is a Fire Lookout for the entire area.

My experience:  Let me preface this by saying that I learned A LOT from this hike. The conditions of the day were winds in excess of 15 mph, making the area fall under a Wind Advisory. The conditions at the base were steadily breezy at about 46°F. Upon the trail, the winds were stronger as it is more exposed than the campground, and they only grew stronger as the hike progressed. I started my scale at a jog. However, I soon realized that the Ice was going to become an issue; an issue that would parallel the wind with the altitude and cover most of the hike. After getting about two thirds of the way up the mountain, I was forced to shift my pace to a crawl, grabbing a stick to assist in scaling the very slick, sun-polished ice. The wind at the peak was deafening. The steady 25mph gusts ripping through the trees and the signal repeater created an oppressive and ominous ambiance. The wind itself was enough to sway me where I stood, even sliding me a few inches a crossed the ice at times. My stick broke. After collecting photographic evidence that professes a fictitious facade of confidence at the apex, I realized that I would have to diminish the speed of my descent even more so. What was even more taxing was the temperature that the wild environment created. I was forced to calculate and maneuver every step across that slick, steep road. I had to anticipate falling at every second: where would I land? If I slid, where would I slide to? Which branches had the potential trajectory to strike me if they were to fracture from their trunk? Walk in a manner that you aren’t debilitated by your cramping legs. Find a stick… find a stick…

Eventually, I did find a stick. After traversing the slippery trail back into the sunlit portion, I was able to jog the bare stretches. Once I came a crossed the Lookout Road sign, I knew that my way was clear. I jogged merrily until I reached my car, placing my stick ceremoniously to lean upon a sign in hopes that it would guide another foolish journeyer as it did me. I looked back to the peak and thanked it for sparing me. I sat gratefully as I nursed my knotted legs, doffing my 20lb. weight vest and smiling with a new appreciation of bare ground.

My lesson: I will now be using AllTrails to view the conditions before any hike. I will also purchase micro-spikes and maybe a rescue flare of some kind. I need to wear more layers and cover my face. I see now that sweating is better than freezing when you are at high altitudes. I’m considering buying a collapsible hiking stick as well, instead of waiting to be gifted one by the mountain gods.