8-11-15

Me: Yesterday at 6:15am & at 10,340 ft, we started our 11 mile hike to Wilson Peak. Bob among the pretty wildflowers pointing to our goal. We saw a rare black furred red fox (with a white tipped tail) at tree line. So cool!

At 13,260 ft we reached the Rock of Ages saddle.

From the saddle you get a view of El Diente (the right peak @ 14,159'  that we haven't climbed yet), Mount Wilson (the middle peak @ 14,246'  that we hiked 2 years ago with Rich) & Gladstone Peak (the left stand alone mountain @ 13,913'). Wilson Peak (14,017' & today's summit) is out of the frame to the left & up! 

BTW: It's confusing that one mtn is named Mt. Wilson & the other is named Wilson Peak!

After re-reading the route description we put on our climbing helmets & continued up.

The remaining trail to the top is more technical with some potential for rock fall (or us slipping). Bob & I (like most hikers) are extremely careful & take great care along the way. We are really happy we purchased these climbing helmets to use for mountains like this one (they will be useful for future 14'ers)!

A view of the top & a good look at the rocky trail.

Feeling the altitude but making progress!

The TOP! 14,017 ft. August 10, 2015
Only two other people at the summit & they snapped our photo. :-)

Bob's summit shot.

My summit shot.

Coors Light summit shot!

Yes, I carried a full can of Coors Light to the top of Wilson Peak. Now, here's the story…

The mountain seen on the Coors Light can & in the Coors Light commercials IS Wilson Peak!

So, like some Wilson Peak hikers we brought a Coors Light along for a prop.

Cheers to Wilson Peak!

Thrilled about this tough summit! PS: Rethinking the jump on future rocky summits. Just what if we turned an ankle? :-/

After eating our usual PB&J & cheez-its we headed back down.

Relieved to be back at wildflower elevation & near the car. It was a long 8.5 hour day on the mountain. We finished happy & hungry!