Flat Top Peak (9539') The family is out of town for the week so decided to bag a prominent peak. I have hiked to the saddle only 500' below the peak numerous times but have yet to go to the top. Today, that changed. Route started at the first gate in Birch Canyon. Headed up the road 1 mile until the trail began. Headed up and up and up. Things started out very slowly and went progressively slower as things got rockier and steeper and more overgrown (the trail needs some love). The heat and the dead legs kept the pace very slow and things really didn't improve until the downhill. Oh well, it wasn't about speed. I got to hit some nice trails and see some spectacular views. I even saw my first moose of the season. A huge bull moose about 150 yards away. I didn't bring my camera today. Figures. Just image a black smudge mixed in some green trees. There's your picture. T-3:10 (2 hours up, 70 mins down) ~15 miles 4700' vert
| 