PINE VALLEY MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS, UTAH
I was sooo excited for this hike because it would be my first real workout in a few days, clocking in at 11 miles round-trip and an elevation gain of 3,500 ft, where the last 1.5 miles is supposed to be straight up. Plus, at a peak elevation of 10,322 ft, it would be the highest elevation I've hiked to date by about two thousand feet.
Recognize the foreshadowing here?
I got a late start since I went to Mass in the morning in St. George. By the time I got home, changed, and to the trailhead, it was just past noon. The first part of the trail was pretty easy with gradual inclines and pretty scenery.
In the pic below ... yes, that is snow. And I'm still not sure if that is Burger Peak or not.
After a couple miles in, I started seeing a lot of snow on the trail. No problem. I just picked my way through it. For the most part, it was frozen solid enough that I didn't sink in to my calves, yet melted enough that I could get traction on the top without slipping. It also helped that there were a few footprints already there.
I knew it would be cold on top of a 10,000' peak, so I brought extra clothes to layer with. And about halfway up the trail, I also realized the snow was only going to get worse, not better. As you can see on this picture of the trail:
After nearly three miles in, I ended up turning around. I realized the last half of the trail would be slow-going, with exclusive focus on trying to not slip and fall, with wet feet from snow that got inside my shoes. It would NOT be the workout I had hoped for.
I reluctantly turned around. As I got closer to the car, I checked the app again and saw a new review had been posted from the day before.
I haven't seen Lord of the Rings, but one of my friends explained the references in Brock's review and just how clever they were. Bravo, Brock, for making it to the top, even without eagles!
And to Travis, who posted a review two weeks ago, not even one little mention of snow? I don't even believe you were there.
I felt less bad about turning around after reading Brock's review, especially since it would have meant hiking until 9:00 pm in the dark! Next time, Burger Peak. Next time.
Total miles = 5.8
Total elevation gain = 1,458'
Peak elevation = 8,073 ... someday I'll hit 10,000!