This hike was unfinished business from about two decades prior. Back then, I took Brown Mountain Fire Road to its end and dropped down into Arroyo Seco Canyon to complete a loop hike. Since I wasn’t much interested in climbing peaks those days, I completely ignored the bump just to the left of the trail, which was actually the summit of Wella’s Peak. In looking back in time, I was that close to avoiding making a special trip here again to officially complete the task.

Today was the day I rectified this situation. I parked at Millard Campground and took Brown Mountain Fire Road once again. Unlike back then, the road is now a narrow trail most of the way to the peak. The road bed forms several horseshoe curves along the western flanks of Brown Mountain before reaching the saddle with Wella’s Peak after 5 miles. From there, it is an easy climb to the summit. I found a wooden sign on top that confirmed I was at the right place. Task completed!