This particular mountain had done me in during the summer months and I really didn't get very far so on this day I was determined I would tackle the beast and get to the top!
The terrain starts off rather smooth and soon it becomes a challenge. Luckily for me my new hiking boots proved to me to not worry that they would be there for me assuring me sure footing and ankle support.
A lot of this trail is like walking on the points of rocks with few flat spots to place your foot so it is not an easy path to tackle. But as you progress you will gain confidence in your footing and ability to tackle this type of terrain.
For me it meant keeping hydrated even though it was a rather cool day in the low 60's with a lot of wind. For these types of temperatures it would be easy to think you wouldn't need as much hydration but I caution you to bring enough water or Gatorade to keep you well hydrated. If you are one that requires an energy boost after an hour or so of hiking be sure to bring a snack to replenish that energy source.
Slow and steady is the pace I chose on this day even though many people running/sprinting up the mountain passed us and made it look so easy. I know that in order for me to be successful I had to pace myself as this is not an easy trail for most. Lots of high step ups and rocky areas and I didn't want to fall or get injured in any way.
So my hiking partner Dan let me lead the way and told me right out the gate pace yourself you have a long way to go and he was right. It's 1.2 miles to the summit of this mountain.
Some points of interest - this is the most popular hiking area in the United States. There are between 4,000 to 10,000 hikers per week on this trail. So it's always pretty busy you have to get there early to ensure a parking spot. The Army Corp of Engineers helped create the trail and I must say all those steps - great job! The Summit Trail is 1.2 Miles one way and the elevation climbs up to 2,608 feet from a starting elevation of 1,400 feet. You will gain more than 1,200 feet in elevation on this hike. This particular trail is rated Strenuous and Difficult. I totally agree with this assessment!
There are rest spots with benches along the way and I encourage you to take advantage of them and give your legs and feet a break. The last few turns of the trail are probably the hardest with lots of little steps so you will feel like you have been on a stair climber just when you are running out of energy. Then there is a massive boulder with crevices that you have to maneuver to actually reach the top. The view that awaits you and the feeling of satisfaction knowing that you made it to the top is amazing.
Like I said before there are many people that hike this trail daily and some multiple times. On this day we spoke to a very young man that was on his 4th trip up for the day. He didn't have an ounce of fat on his body. He was running in converse tennis shoes and was moving with the ease and agility of a cat leaping and jumping from one rock to another all the while carrying his gallon jug of water in one hand. God Bless him! Oh to be young again.
This is definitely the most difficult hike for me to date and a great training site for preparing for the Canyon hike in March.
Happy hiking everyone!
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