Gearing Up for the Mountain
Alright, so today I finally tackled Mount Rice! Been itching to share exactly how it went down and what you absolutely gotta do if you’re heading up there. Let’s get into it.
The Ascent: Feeling the Burn
First things first: I woke up way too early. Seriously, like 4 AM early. But you gotta beat the crowds, especially in summer. Ate a quick banana and grabbed my backpack. Packing took longer than expected – I almost forgot the stupid gloves! Drove out to the main trailhead parking lot. Got there around 5:30 AM, and thank goodness I did, because spots were filling up fast. Paid the fee at the kiosk (bring cash, card machine was down!).
Started hiking just as the sun was thinking about rising. Used my headlamp for the first hour on the lower trail. It’s rocky, so watch your step. Trail got steeper quick. My legs were complaining loud by the time I hit the switchbacks. Stopped maybe three times just to gulp water and catch my breath. Saw a few deer chilling off the path – cool moment.
Reaching the Ridge: Hello Views!
Hit the tree line around 8 AM. Whoa. The view slapped me right in the face. Mountains everywhere, the valley below all misty and soft. Wind picked up something fierce, so I jammed my windbreaker on fast. Trail got narrow here, kinda scrambly on loose rock. Took it slow. Passed the sign for the summit ridge junction – turn left here. Found a decent sized rock out of the wind to sit on. Shoved a granola bar in my mouth and forced myself to rest for ten minutes, just soaking it in.
Summit Fun: What’s Hot Up Top
Summit scramble wasn’t too bad! Roughly 20 minutes of careful steps up the big rocks. Finally stood on the flat top bit around 9:30 AM. YES! Jumped up and down like a kid, even though my legs felt like jelly. Wind was whipping, I was shaking like crazy, but man, the feeling! Took a billion photos, obviously. Now, the must-dos while you’re up there:
- Snap the Panoramic Shot: Find the little rock pile everyone uses, step back, and get that full 360 view. Epic.
- Sign the Summit Log: It’s in a metal box tucked under the biggest boulder. Felt cool scribbling my name.
- Spot the Old Miner’s Cabin: Look down towards the south slope. See those little grey squares? Remnant foundations! Imagine living up here.
- Lunch with a View: Found a slightly sheltered spot facing west. Pulled out my sandwich. Tasted way better cold at 10,000 feet! Shared it with a super bold little chipmunk.
- Bear Spray Sighting: Seriously, check out that rock shelf just east of the summit sign. Bear spray someone forgot! Bright red. Highlighted why carrying yours is non-negotiable.
The Descent: Respect the Knees
Hung out for a good hour soaking up the quiet. Saw clouds rolling in around noon, knew it was time. Heading down is surprisingly tough! My knees were not fans. Used my poles religiously – saved me on all the loose rocks. Passed tons of people struggling on the way up now. Chatted with a few, gave them the thumbs up. Took a different, slightly longer trail down just to see a waterfall someone mentioned. Totally worth the detour – gushing cold water! Made the parking lot around 3 PM. Collapsed against my car feeling totally wrecked but stupidly happy.
The Real Talk Takeaways
- Start Stupid Early. Parking and crowds are real.
- Wind Layer is Your BFF. Don’t leave the trailhead without it.
- Hydrate Like Crazy. Drank two liters and still felt dry.
- Summit Log is Sacred. Sign it!
- Watch Out for Critters. Chipmunks are thieves, bears are bears. Spray stays ready.
- Poles are Leg Savers. Especially on the down.
Mount Rice kicked my butt, absolutely. But the feeling up top? Unreal. Go do these things. You won’t regret it. Just train those legs first!
