KENDRICK PEAK – Elevation 10,418′

My husband and I drove up to Flagstaff early Saturday, just after sunrise, and arrived at the trailhead at about 9:30am. We'd done this hike before, and it's one of our favorites.

The climb isn't too strenuous or steep. There are gorgeous views and lots of wildflowers. We didn't see too many other hikers, and while it was warm, it was so much cooler than Phoenix.

About two-thirds of the way up, the clouds gathered. We heard thunder in the distance, but no lightning. We donned our raincoats when we could see the Fire Tower, about 3 hours after we started our slow and steady climb.

The rain was light, until it wasn't. We were chatting with 2 other groups of hikers at the top, and getting our obligatory photos when there was a huge crack of lightning! One more and we were ready to get off the mountain top.

Our best photo, taken by a recent NAU grad who was with her parents, training for a Rim-to-Rim Grand Canyon hike, only wore leggings and a T-shirt. By then, the temperature had dropped to under 50 degrees and it started to hail.

My husband, Stu, and I hiked quickly, stepping in puddles and trying not to slip on the slick rocks and mud. The hail stung when it hit and I was grateful for our rain jackets and hoods.

Soon, our hands were numb. We made it to the cabin and sheltered in the doorway. Stu had a beanie and gloves. I hooked my poles under my arms, snug against my pack and put my hands in my pockets.

The hail stopped almost as quickly as it started and we continued our hike down, which was easier than going uphill.

When we got to the trailhead, there was only 1 other car in the lot. It probably belonged to the NAU graduate and her parents. I prayed they'd come down soon and be ok.

I had dry clothes in the car, and sandals. We cranked up the heat and even used our seat warmers! What an amazing hike. Highly recommend!