After a 1 hour drive from Grass Mountain, I had arrived at my destination. I decided since I was on a time crunch that I would start at Foothill instead of the other trailheads because it was quicker to get to and a little shorter.  Of course I forgot that shorter meant steeper!🤦🏻‍♂️  As I got my first look at the peak, I seriously considered just backing out of the parking spot and driving on home, but I’m not known for making the smartest decisions, so I got out of the car and started the hike!

I actually felt fine until i reached the really steep section just before the trail connected with the other route.  By the time I reached the switch backs my legs and lungs were definitely feeling the affects of the mornings first hike.  It felt like the switchbacks would never end, but then a couple of hikers told me I was almost there, just one more switchback to go!  That gave me the boost I needed to pick up my feet and get it done.  I eagerly sat on the bench labeled “end of trail” as I rehydrated and had a quick snack.

While it felt like quite the accomplishment to complete this hike in just over 1 hour 40 minutes, especially after the first hike, it still wasn’t as gratifying because I did not reach the true summit.  To do that I would have had to climb those rocks and I just didn’t think I had the energy left to safely do that.  One of the hikers I had just met actually did climb and I considered following him, until I read the plaque dedicated to a young hiker who had died falling from there.  That was enough to convince me not to try.  Some other time, perhaps!