My title is actually a misnomer, as this was only my fourth time ascending Mount Umunhum. I’m very sorry for being hyperbolic, but the potential for some alliteration was just too tempting.

As usual, the most difficult part of the hike was waking up hours before dawn and driving two hours to the South Bay in an attempt to score one of the few parking spots at Bald Mountain Trailhead, as this lot usually fills up quickly on most weekend mornings shortly after they open the gate on Mount Umunhum Road. Since this was a particularly beautiful winter morning, even though I arrived early, I was one of the last people to get a parking spot shortly after 7:00am.

Our group headed out to Bald Mountain to stretch our legs before we ventured towards the summit of Mount Um. The trail to the peak was in great condition, as usual, and although it was a popular day to visit the mountain, it never really felt crowded. After just over four miles, we found ourselves at the old radar station and stopped at the summit for some Oreos and to take some photos. After a fairly quick descent back down to the parking lot, we decided to head back out to Bald Mountain once again before heading home. In total, we completed 12 miles and 2,147 feet of elevation.

Since my next time up Um will be my fifth, I’m really hoping to start from Sierra Azul Parking Lot at Jacques Ridge to make the hike a little more challenging. I’m not sure when this will be, but I do know that there will be a return trip to this mountain in my future.