“Bump 4,” hahahaha. Solo, 29er finish!!

I usually avoid hiking on weekends as it is a major pain, but I wanted to finish this list since I hit #28 on Bald Peak yesterday. I read trip reports that a new trail had been cut ~6 years ago, and there were only 5 parking spots at the trailhead. With that in mind, I got up early to try to snag one of those spots, which I did. In fact, at 730am, I was the only damned person there. The log book for this trail needs to be replaced. It has way too many pages, and it seems as though each page has 1-2 people logged on it in different months (& also years!) what a mess. In terms of weather, it was ~50 degrees and fairly clear out. PERFECT.

Wow, wow, wow! What a great hike. This trail is fantastic. In fact, it is so fantastic, that I actually jogged it on my way out with no issues. Flat, steady, well-maintained, long switchbacks, no BS. Just wonderful! I took a quick peak out on Jay Lookout then continued on, and quickly noticed a lack of trail markers. When I got the ridges, I kept thinking of all the whiners on AllTrails claiming how criminal it was that there aren’t paint marks on the rocks or cairns. Welllllllll. It’s kind of dumb to expect explicit instructions on trails. Ever. I found there were cairns where appropriate, and the little brushy herd paths between the ridges, I guess to someone who doesn’t hike a lot, a stark contrast to the start of the trail, as much of those brushy paths had to be pushed through. I had no issues staying on trail (or creating my own!) it was kind of like a choose your own adventure. Some of the ridge areas had some somewhat difficult scrambles, one section similar to Saddleback Cliffs. I think it’s all granite (? Someone please correct me if I am wrong)- it is harsh on your hands & pants, but like yesterday, my trail runners stuck to the rock like glue. I didn’t feel unsafe at all.

I passed bump after bump after bump, knowing (& seeing) that the summit proper was still ahead of me. The views were supreme and I didn’t rush at all through this section. I took tons of photos and videos. When I finally got the summit, I had my celebratory beer & enjoyed the view unencumbered by anyone else, it was blissful. Feels so good to knock off another list! It was chilly up there though, with on/off winds, and I did put on a second long sleeve shirt.

On the way out I encountered some issues on the ridges, as suddenly there were probably ~40 people trying to climb this thing. This presented problems and waiting times for folks to pass through narrow areas.

Once I got off the ridges onto the gorgeous switchbacky trail, I ran. It felt good, so good! I did pass quite a few groups heading up, I’ll never understand why folks start hikes after noontime, unless they’re going out for a sunset (& judging by the small packs, shorts & tank tops, I don’t think that is their intent).

Anyway, I’m done with this list, and, with the favorable weather being a good part of it of course, I am solidly putting this mountain in my top 5 favorite peaks of all time. Had it not been for this list, I probably never would’ve come here- I’m glad I did.