It was great to get out to the mountains and forest of the Bradshaw Mountains south of Prescott for a nice long hike after our day driving yesterday.
Qe had a nice bit of rain overnight so the morning was cooler and the landscape refreshed with the moisture. Lulu was happy to be out and about after being stuck in the car yesterday but she would have to settle for just her morning walk as my layer hike would be a long solo trek.
Dark clouds were gathering north of the Spruce Mountain trailhead but I figured (or hiped) that the weather would hold out for the 9 mile climb up to the mountain top and back - unfortunately the thunderstorms did toll through but it wasn't too bad and it was neat to hike among the old pines and spruce trees while the rain fell (sort of reminded me of the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota where I wish I was).
The trail was tough and steep at rides but it wasn't too difficult for me and the scenery was great as I got closer to the summit where the trail would thankfully begin the gentler 4 mile descent back to the trailhead. I took some time to sit and relax at the summit and gaze at the storm off to the north and the thick forest down below me.
The trail down wasn't as rocky so my pace picked up a boy and I was treated to a few more light rain showers and distant thunderstorms before reaching the parking lot just shy of 3 hours.
A great hike and I look forward to more adventures like this (plus I hope that Lulu can join me on a few).
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