Getting There
Just after Doetsch Ranch you'll see the Ranger Station on the north side of the road just before the Beacon Rock parking lot, then another road across from the bathrooms. The road winds up the hill for a bit.
It was early afternoon and the weather was slightly overcast but I expected some nice views from up above. Not too cold, but I was hoping for some snow along the ridge between the top and the Saddle.
The Hike
Elev. gain: 2,487 ft
Moving time: 4:12:52
Avg pace: 27:08
Calories: 2,228
Total time: 4:54:56
I'd been a month since my last hike. I was dealing with a sore toe (ingrown nail, something else?). It was bothering me when I hiked Coyote Wall but fortunately my hiking boots are big enough that it wasn't an issue, esp. on the descent when you might be more likely to rub toes on the front of boot.
Anyway, I was looking for a conditioning hike and knew my favorite trail would deliver. I rarely start this hike thinking I'm going to CRUSH it. It's more "I hope I make it to the top."
As usual, by the time I reach Rodney Falls, I'm pretty well warmed up and ready for the rest of the ascent. This was no exception. I was ready to go. I remember seeing a pair of hikers and a dog (maybe two) leaving the parking lot just before I did.
I saw them again above Rodney Falls. I figured that was their destination and continued on. While taking a brief rest stop on the switchbacks I heard voices and recognized them. I'm not really competitive but the desire to stay ahead of them becomes are motivator.
They never were too far behind but I keep a comfortable lead. Near the top of the upper switchbacks, I found a dead rabbit on the trail. I did my best to move it off the trail but figured I'd try to alert them so the dog wouldn't mess with it.
I waited until they were within shouting distance. All I got for a response was "okay". Sometimes I wonder why I bother. Oh well.
As I reached the top and found a bit of snow. I passed some hikers on their way down wearing microspikes and exchanged the obligatory "you don't need 'em but might as well use 'em". At the top, I fished my own microspikes out of my pack and put them on just as those two guys and the dog were arriving.
I said hello again and started toward the Saddle.
I stopped there to munch about half of my sandwich and enjoy the quiet and solitude. I need to remember to do that more often on my hikes, even the conditioning ones.
I opted to skip Don's Cutoff this time and took the Equestrian Trail down to the Lower Hardy Creek junction. I stopped there to adjust my boots.
There were a few trees down across the trail but I'd left my folding saw at home. D'oh.
Near the bottom, I did my obligatory side quest to Little Beacon. There was a guy taking photos and told me he'd planned to camp but didn't realize the campground was closed for winter. I climbed up the steep incline to the eagle's nest on top of Little Beacon. I wasn't sure if the guy would follow, and sure enough he did. No matter: I wasn't planning to linger up there.
I pointed to the view and started down but this guy was close to follow. I was going to head to the car but waited for him to leave. I didn't get a creepy vibe but it was like chatting with someone, then saying goodbyes but walking in the same direction. In fact, instead of walking back to the trailhead through the campground, I doubled back to main trail and went that way.
I found a warning on my windshield from a park ranger. I'd posted a NFRP parking pass instead of a Discover Pass. I had to buy a $10 day pass and send proof of purchase to the ranger email. Oops. Sucks that I used the NFRP for nothing (wrote the date on it).
