Stats

Start: Deep Creek Hot Springs – Mile 307.9
End: Tent site past Cleghorn Picnic – Mile 333
Elevation Max: 3,800
Elevation Min: 3,067
Elevation Change: 3,310 up & 3,275 down
Average Heart Rate: 108
Walking Time: 6 hrs 35 minutes

The Walk

At 7am a few people were already in the hot springs. I was tempted to soak my feet, but decided to start hiking.

The crisp sound of flowing river through the gorge continued all morning. And the sun peaked over the mountain tops to warm my skin.

After a few cool bridge crossings, I met some hikers at a dam for a break. Apparently this place was known for its echos! So we spent 10 minutes yelling into the void.

The trail opened up to desert with a distant view of Mount Baldy and the next range to climb. We were back to low elevation. The trail was teaming with lizards and snakes! I saw two snakes and countless lizards dart across the trail ahead of me.

I took an hour for lunch of tuna and cheesits and almost took a nap on some comfy river gravel. It was a nice relaxing break and more hikers kept showing up.

The afternoon was highlighted by a Silver lake. It was biggest body of water I’ve seen all hike.

The trail meandered along a ridge around the lake for miles. A cool breeze filled the air. I enjoyed views for the last 4 miles to the campground. The campground had running water, bathrooms and picnic tables to relax. But clouds started to pile up on the horizon, a sign of a storm to come.

We called all the local pizza places. All 3 declined to deliver. Everyone was bummed. Especially Detour. It was her birthday😞

Highlife finally found one and 6 pizzas were on the way.

We killed time and did some backpack push ups. Then feasted on pizza. The sky was becoming more and more ominous. I could tell it was only a matter of time until the storms hit. The radar said 11 pm, but the clouds were pretty dark.

After pizza we all booked it another 3 miles to camp. Although the clouds got darker, the rain held off. Halfway we saw gatorades. Trail magic! We finished the day on a high note and pitched tents.

The rain came around 9. And lasted until 1 am. I slept on and off until then. I was glad my tent held up. My lesson to pile big rocks on tent stakes paid off!

Not sure how long the rain will last in the morning, but I was happy to be warm and dry. All that really matters!