Yesterday I decided I needed a break from the busy heat of Vegas. Considering it isn’t even summer yet, that doesn’t bode well for me.

I headed into the Spring Mountains, about 45 minutes northwest of downtown. The highest point is Mt Charleston, which I contemplated, but it is still snow covered and high enough that I need to get acclimated a little first.

My choice was Trail Canyon, a very steep climb through a pine forest covering about 1,800 feet of elevation gain in 2 miles. A fairly strenuous hike when you’re leafy starting at about 7,500 feet.

I hit the trail at 7:30 in the 42 degree air. It was spectacular. The pine smell was intoxicating and the views of the surrounding mountains were amazing. The trail terminates at about 9,300 ft on the saddle which leads to Mt Charleston, another six miles along the ridge. I hiked a portion of the narrow ridge away from Charleston and the views were great. I can’t wait to go back and do the whole 12 mile loop. But I need to do a little more at those elevations first.