Chose the scenic ridge trail over the valley shortcut last weekend

Figured the ridge would add maybe 2 hours but give better views. Ended up scrambling over loose rocks for 4 miles and missed sunset entirely. Was the view worth blistered hands and hiking in the dark?

2 comments

2 Comments

morgan.cameron16d ago

honestly the ridge was probably the wrong call but not for the reason you think. I did that same valley shortcut last fall and it was actually way prettier than I expected because of all the little spring creeks feeding into it. the trail guide online was super out of date though, said it was an easy 2 miles but half of it was blocked by a fallen tree that took forever to climb over. next time maybe check recent trip reports on the local hiking group before you decide. blistered hands suck but at least you got a story out of it.

terry_hayes1816d ago

Actually @morgan.cameron is right about the valley shortcut being underrated, but I think you made the right call with the ridge because those spring creeks can be totally dry by July and then you're just walking through a dusty ditch. I live near the trailhead and that fallen tree has been there since April, the local group has been lazy about updating their posts.