Four hikers accepted the challenge of a strenuous hike on a nice day: David, Michelle, Dave P, and Ralph (leader).  It was a cool day for early August, and we hiked under cloudy skies which we were thankful for.  The sky was slightly hazy, but the views were amazing, nevertheless. The wind was variable during the day, but we ate lunch at the peak with no wind.  Along the way we encountered a small rattlesnake who was not happy to see us.  As we finished lunch the weather become threatening as thunderstorms built.  We descended the ridge rather quickly stopping to put on rain gear as the rain began to fall.  Fortunately, the lightning was not close enough to require us to take shelter as we hurried down the ridge.

 Despite the recent drought there were wildflowers as well as insects and butterflies.  We observed some red tail hawks near the peak, flushed a couple of grouse along the way and heard coyotes yelping in the distance during the ascent.  We met four trail runners and one group of hikers during the day.

Trip Summary:

• Participants:  David, Michelle, Dave P, and Ralph (leader).
• Drove 7 miles to the Preston Valley Trailhead in Green Canyon
• Started hiking about 8:30, with lunch 12:30 - 1:00
• Back at the trailhead at 3:30
• Cool temperatures and hazy skies
• Our GPS track shows about 9.6 miles and 3300 feet of ascent/descent

Thanks to Ralph for the narrative, photos and GPS data, Dave P. and Michelle for photos and David for the video.