What was suppose to
be an 8 mile hike from the trailhead to Dry Pond Lead, turned out to be an 8.6
mile in and out from the trailhead. We
had some difficulty locating the trailhead due to its overgrown and obscured
parking and kiosk. By the time we
discovered the trailhead, we decided to do an in and out instead of staging the
vehicles. By doing so, we ended up doing
a longer and more strenuous hike.
Thankfully, the weather was good enough to allow for a great hike.
We departed the
trailhead at 10:20 and began the almost 3 mile ascent to the high point of the
trail. This part of the hike reminded me of hiking Frozen Head – a steady
relentless climb with little or no level or down slopes. The temperature when we left the trailhead
was in the pleasant 70's and we didn't seem to feel the humidity. As we ascended the climb, the temperature
rose along with the humidity. It was
however, still bearable. After arriving
at the apex of our hike, we began the descent to Rock Creek and arrived there
at approximately 12:35. We had our
snacks and began the return to the trailhead at 1:00. The ascent to the top of the trail was a
shorter but much more steep a climb out.
The trail was well maintained, but not blazed except for a short
distance outward bound. We exited the
trail around 3:20 – tired but all glad we made the hike.
It was a strenuous
8.6 mile hike. I plan on returning in
the fall and either hike from the other end of the trail in and out to Rock
Creek or hiking the entire Rock Creek loop.
If you would like to see some very nice pictures, including a map, click here. If you are viewing the pictures through the TTA website and having trouble, please go directly to the BLOG at www.sdctta.blogspot.com.
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