We (Mary, Vicki and I) met up at the Maple Springs Visitors Center and carpool up the long dirt road to the Trailhead at the NMD intersection. Strongly recommend a high-profile vehicle and at least AWD. The recent rains have severely damaged the road. There are very deep ruts that are new which adds to the difficulty of driving up. I've driven my Hyundai Elantra up this road about 5 years ago. That said, with the current conditions, my Elantra wouldn't come close to making it.

The hike itself is relatively easy. We did take a different route up once we passed Modjeska Peak. There is a really nice trail on the left which one, shortens the distance of the hike by about 1.5 miles total; and two, gets you off the road and away from the bikes and vehicles that pass by. The summit was nice, a little cool and clear skies all around. On our way down we decided to hit up Modjeska Peak. So, the 1.5 miles we saved by taking the trail, got tacked back on.

There were several trucks driving up and down the road throughout the morning and no other hikers. I'd imagine tomorrow (Saturday) the trail will be packed. With the rains coming back Sunday night/Monday the trail will certainly be closed again.

Anyway, Peak #3 for me!