Granite Mountain, Round 2

Our favorite hike is Granite Mountain.  We have been itching to get back and climb it again, but this year the snow seems to refuse to melt.  We've heard that the snow was gone/almost gone.  Well, once we got up there that wasn't the case, but it is passable. (We hiked the original trail.)  I would have loved my poles, but left them in the truck.  I would have only used them the last mile to the top as it is really snowy and footing is a little sketchy.  Terah is FAR braver than I am, that is for sure...she is part mountain goat and just goes.  I always worry.  Things to know:  the bugs are OUT. I used plenty of bug repellant but with it being so warm it seemed I sweat it off quickly and got eaten up anyway. 

We had a wonderful day of hiking.  We stopped at the meadow and took some time to sun bathe on the large flat rocks and get a little rest for the last snowy mile up to the lookout.  On the way down, we found that it was easier to slide down on hands and feet at times.  We sure wished we had long pants with us, many people were sliding down and it looked like such fun!  We took a little time to make some snow angels and cool down before the last 2.5 dusty hike down.  Granite is tough, but so worth the view.  We had wonderful visibility--with perfect blue sky.

The trail head is simple to find.  Exit 47 off of I-90.  Left at the end of the ramp---then another left when you can't go straight anymore. North west pass is all you need.  Bathroom at the trail head.  There are loads of hikes here, so the parking lot was full by 9AM.  We parked in the shade on the side.  We really took our time today, enjoying and savoring the sights.  6 hours total round trip. 

Our favorite meadow!

My nightmare...wish I had my poles here

Lunch buddy

The sliding hill! 

Today's lunch was:  chicken cobb wrap (delish with turkey bacon and sunflower seeds and creamy fresh blue cheese!) and of course the Irish Whiskey iced latte to wash it down!  We nearly ran to the truck the last mile...cold gatorade in the cooler was calling our names.