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| Hiking | 4.26 Miles |
992 AEG |
| | Hiking | 4.26 Miles | 2 Hrs 42 Mns | | 1.80 mph |
| 992 ft AEG | 20 Mns Break | | | |
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| no partners | | Checking my handy-dandy sunset/sunrise estimator, I thought I would take a hike up to an area with a clear view to the western horizon and catch a sunset. This little trail (or it's twin brother across the street - Lone Mountain/Ej Peak) sounded promising. And, off I went.
The cloudy skies did not deter me as I needed to get in some exercise either way. There was a bunch of activity on the eastern side of Usery Pass Road, but it looked pretty empty on the west side. I started up the sandy wash towards the saddle of Usery Mountain.
I wanted to get "up top" as soon as possible, so I just took the fastest, direct route up. I know there's some sort of mountain bike trail that goes along to the north of the wash. I will have to try that path one day.
I made my way to the 2nd section of the hike and started up. I guess this is called the "OLD GOAT TRAIL" and is used by mountain bikers. I thought to myself that it is quite appropriately named when I am hiking on it for sure! I located the faint use trail that goes to the saddle and started the last push to the top. I always forget how steep this section is. It's thankfully a quick hike up to the saddle.
I was in the cloud shadow for most of the hike, but I could see the sun finally shining through across the street towards Lone Mountain. When I reached the saddle, the sun was below the clouds and lighting up the western slope of the mountain really well. I made my way to the tallest peak 2972 and signed the registry. I did not have time to it the rocky Peak 2959 to the south and instead started over towards the short peak, 2933.
The sun was really nice as it was approaching the horizon. Also, I could tell by the position of the clouds, there was going to be a really nice sunset. About 10 minutes after the sun dropped below the horizon, the clouds turned from yellow/white to pink and for a few minutes, bright orange and read. The skies behind me to the east were also lit up in beautiful pink and orange tones as well.
I made a wise choice to come up to this one for a sunset for sure. After taking a bunch of pictures, I reached in my bag for my headlamp, but discovered the batteries were dead. I managed to make it down to the truck without engaging my cellphone light. The trail is easy to follow along the mountain bike and wash portions, even in the dark. |
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"Jobs fill your pockets, adventures fill your soul."
instagram: @andydilling |
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