| | -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
| 1 label |  |
|
|
-
-
| 1 label |  |
|
|
-
-
|
| | |
|
| Hiking | 5.40 Miles |
2,780 AEG |
| | Hiking | 5.40 Miles | 8 Hrs 30 Mns | | 0.64 mph |
| 2,780 ft AEG | | | | |
|
|
| |
| Linked |
|
none
[ show ]
| no linked trail guides |
| Partners |
|
none
[ show ]
| no partners | | My hiking partner and I had never done this trail and decided to do it at night. We started around 5pm. During the hike from the parking lot to the base of the mountain we saw a Horny Toad, and had to stop for pictures. At the basin right before the waterfall we stopped and took some photos and watched the sunset. We started hiking again around dusk in hopes that our headlamps, full moon and the blue and white dots would be enough to help us find our way to the top.
Along the way, we saw some greenish yellow eyes peering at us. The creature didn't make any noises but was fairly big from the size of the eyes. My trail buddy carries when we go on night hikes, and I felt safe knowing that whatever those eyes were, we would be O.K. because he could protect us. It didn't follow us and I breathed a sigh of relief.
We stopped again around 8:30 or 9pm to have our dinner of aged Swiss, ham, and fresh cut pineapple. The simple food tasted great! After our meal we spent some time trying to get some good shots of the city lights, and then we were off again. We spent about 30 minutes stopped for the photos and food.
We got to the top close to 10:30 pm. It was chilly and I was wearing shorts and a tank top, but didn't even notice the chill because I was so absorbed with the AMAZING VIEW!! WOW. The 360 degree view was the best night view I have seen yet. On one side we faced a glittering sea of city lights, and on the other side it was pure blackness. Every now and again we would see the headlights of a lone car weaving in and out of the mountainous terrain.
My buddy and I sat there for another hour just talking about life. It is funny how such a view can make one want to talk about philosophy. We were at the top, but in the darkness it was not obvious how we were supposed to get to the part of the mountain that was the "Flatiron." We tried a variety of ways and found ourselves kind of stumped. It was nearing 11:30 pm so we decided we should go back. Heading back to the trail we saw a spray painted arrow and "F.I." Yes! We had found the way over... Hurrah! We followed the dots and found ourselves on the "Flatiron" where the view got even better!! After another 30 minutes of chatting and picture taking we headed down. We got back to our car at about 1:45 AM. It was a great night and if it wasn't for the blue and white dots we would have never found our way to the top in the dark.
The hike was strenuous, but worth ever moment for the view at the top!!! |
|
Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated
|
|
|
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
|
|
| _____________________
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Route Editor
Route Scout
