I was curious how I would feed after yesterday's hikes and surprisingly I was ready for Humphrey's Peak. At 10.5 miles and 3,400 ft elevation gain, it would be the first one in a while of such intensity. The reviews promised amazing views, so I was up for the challenge.
Knowing that it was in Flagstaff, I was encouraged by lower temperatures as the hike started around 9,000 ft elevation. Indeed, when I arrived at the trailhead, it was nice and crisp. I was really glad it was not going to be another day like yesterday hiking in a 90 degree weather.
The hike started out with some incredible views of the field and wildflowers. The landscape at this elevation was much greener indicating that rain was not a novelty here even in the summer.
The trail slowly progressed into the forest, and very soon I was surrounded by beautiful pine trees. Somehow it reminded me of Yosemite...
The first few miles were a bit challenging due to elevation. The air was thin, and while the elevation gain initially was not too bad, I could feel the difference from hiking in the lower elevation. The temperatures were nice and low, so the hike felt very doable.
After the first few miles the trail started to gain elevation pretty quickly. It became rocky, and I felt I needed more breaks. Overcast sky was wonderful. Since mobile reception was available pretty much throughout the whole hike, I was glad to catch up on my podcasts. I am at least 3 weeks behind now!
As the trail gained elevation, the views opened up.
Soon the trees disappeared, and I knew I was officially above the tree line. I slowed down quite a bit. Every once in a while I had to stop quieting my heard down with multiple breaks. The air was thin up here.
I reached the first fork in the road where the trail split into two going in opposite direction. I turned left to go to Humphrey's peak. Later I found out that I was actually hiking a dormant volcano! That explained dark-colored rock. It became really windy as now I could see on both sides of the mountain.
The further up I went, the cloudier and foggier the sky became. Soon visibility was minimal to the ground. I've hiked in similar conditions several times. It's a bit disappointing knowing that when you get to the top, there will be no view, but I have already seen so much on the way to the top, I just wanted to get there.
And finally the last stretch - to top of the mountain was within visible distance!
Done at 12,633 ft elevation! Felt great to finally touch the sign. Another mountain behind my belt.
I did not spend too much time on the top. The storm approached, and the last thing I wanted to do is to be at the top of the mountain when the lightning strikes.
The way back was much easier, but scrambling down on the rocks in some sections required some thinking and patience. The latter, let's say, is not my biggest strength.
Somehow this hike generated a lot of peace. This feeling emphasized when at about 2 miles before the finish line it started to rain. At first drizzle and then full-on rain. Other hikers ahead of me started to put on their rain gear, but the rain drops felt amazing on my skin. The forest quieted down or so I though. I could only hear my footsteps and distant voices from other hikers. Peace... That's why I think I am so eager to escape the civilization at times in search for quiet and peaceful environment. My friend sent me a quote, "Some people want a big house, a fast car, and lots of money. Some people want a tiny cabin in the woods away from those kinds of people." I can't say I read something that resonated with me more.
I finally reached the bottom of the mountain, and it was time for lunch. Flagstaff was one of the places that I wanted to visit. I was a bit disappointed. I love small towns, but it felt a bit touristy, even without many tourists. Parking was paid on most streets, but was plentiful. We went to Annex Cocktail Lounge.
Read Christy W.'s review of Annex Cocktail Lounge on Yelp
It was time to go back to the cottage and relax. The rest of the night we spent lounging on the porch drinking kombucha. I sat on a small bench right in the middle of the garden overlooking the hill as my friend went inside. It was quiet and peaceful. I watched dozens of birds looking for food, deer chasing each other in the distance, a lizard hunting for his next meal... This is something I don't get to do often, or rather I don't get to the peaceful state when I can actually be present and observe the surroundings.
8 PM was a perfect time to end this day with a good night's of sleep.
Knowing that it was in Flagstaff, I was encouraged by lower temperatures as the hike started around 9,000 ft elevation. Indeed, when I arrived at the trailhead, it was nice and crisp. I was really glad it was not going to be another day like yesterday hiking in a 90 degree weather.
The hike started out with some incredible views of the field and wildflowers. The landscape at this elevation was much greener indicating that rain was not a novelty here even in the summer.
The trail slowly progressed into the forest, and very soon I was surrounded by beautiful pine trees. Somehow it reminded me of Yosemite...
The first few miles were a bit challenging due to elevation. The air was thin, and while the elevation gain initially was not too bad, I could feel the difference from hiking in the lower elevation. The temperatures were nice and low, so the hike felt very doable.
After the first few miles the trail started to gain elevation pretty quickly. It became rocky, and I felt I needed more breaks. Overcast sky was wonderful. Since mobile reception was available pretty much throughout the whole hike, I was glad to catch up on my podcasts. I am at least 3 weeks behind now!
As the trail gained elevation, the views opened up.
Soon the trees disappeared, and I knew I was officially above the tree line. I slowed down quite a bit. Every once in a while I had to stop quieting my heard down with multiple breaks. The air was thin up here.
I reached the first fork in the road where the trail split into two going in opposite direction. I turned left to go to Humphrey's peak. Later I found out that I was actually hiking a dormant volcano! That explained dark-colored rock. It became really windy as now I could see on both sides of the mountain.
The further up I went, the cloudier and foggier the sky became. Soon visibility was minimal to the ground. I've hiked in similar conditions several times. It's a bit disappointing knowing that when you get to the top, there will be no view, but I have already seen so much on the way to the top, I just wanted to get there.
And finally the last stretch - to top of the mountain was within visible distance!
Done at 12,633 ft elevation! Felt great to finally touch the sign. Another mountain behind my belt.
I did not spend too much time on the top. The storm approached, and the last thing I wanted to do is to be at the top of the mountain when the lightning strikes.
The way back was much easier, but scrambling down on the rocks in some sections required some thinking and patience. The latter, let's say, is not my biggest strength.
Somehow this hike generated a lot of peace. This feeling emphasized when at about 2 miles before the finish line it started to rain. At first drizzle and then full-on rain. Other hikers ahead of me started to put on their rain gear, but the rain drops felt amazing on my skin. The forest quieted down or so I though. I could only hear my footsteps and distant voices from other hikers. Peace... That's why I think I am so eager to escape the civilization at times in search for quiet and peaceful environment. My friend sent me a quote, "Some people want a big house, a fast car, and lots of money. Some people want a tiny cabin in the woods away from those kinds of people." I can't say I read something that resonated with me more.
I finally reached the bottom of the mountain, and it was time for lunch. Flagstaff was one of the places that I wanted to visit. I was a bit disappointed. I love small towns, but it felt a bit touristy, even without many tourists. Parking was paid on most streets, but was plentiful. We went to Annex Cocktail Lounge.
Read Christy W.'s review of Annex Cocktail Lounge on Yelp
It was time to go back to the cottage and relax. The rest of the night we spent lounging on the porch drinking kombucha. I sat on a small bench right in the middle of the garden overlooking the hill as my friend went inside. It was quiet and peaceful. I watched dozens of birds looking for food, deer chasing each other in the distance, a lizard hunting for his next meal... This is something I don't get to do often, or rather I don't get to the peaceful state when I can actually be present and observe the surroundings.
8 PM was a perfect time to end this day with a good night's of sleep.
No comments:
Post a Comment