A Group Hike to Wasson Peak

I wanted to get in a fitness hike prior to restarting the hike to the Cleaver.  Saw a group had formed for a hike to Wasson Peak and joined.  While there are three approaches to the peak, the worst one is via Kings Canyon.  The trail is just a mess of rocks and gravel but I had a new pair of shoes and it is amazing what a difference when your shoes have soles:)  

I characterize this as a fitness hike because the average grade is only 9% for the 3.5 mile climb and you are not pausing to life yourself over boulders.  Just walk as fast as you can.  OK, the group was pausing too often and not going very fast so I took off to turn it into the desired fitness effort.

Hey!  Some trail maintenance has occurred.  This is on the upper reaches of the trail so it is smoother than the bottom sections.

While there are three approaches, they all combine at some point as I look at the finishing stretch.  

The views....sigh.

I reach the top and spot Panther Peak in the distance.

A few others are here too and I always enjoy talking.  People are always in a great mood at the peaks.

I was going to wait for the group but I became chilled and headed down.

Toward the bottom, the trail parallels a wash and I wondered if that too would lead me back to the parking lot so I jumped in.  You never know for sure it is a realistic option as a pour-off could be too much of a drop but while there were a few, they were all easily navigated.  I finished with 7.9 miles and  1900' of climbing.  Good day with a high in the low 70's.  I've got friends asking if I have given up cycling but no.  The cooler weather is perfect for hiking and while the rattlers never go completely into hibernation, they mostly stay in their dens so it is a good time for off trail adventures.  That comes next.