WOW 2024 - Swan Peak Hike

 

It was a beautiful afternoon for a hike! Swan Peak was next on Grandpa's list, and he had a large group willing to accompany him. We drove about ten miles down Highway 89 to a dirt road which we followed for a few miles to the trailhead and off we went. 

The first little bit was downhill, and then it was all uphill to the summit. The reviews said the beginning was the hardest part - extremely steep - and they were correct. We can do hard things!

Once the steep section was over, the hiking was much easier, yet still uphill. Occasionally we walked along a ridge for a bit before climbing the next hill. I lost count of how many ups and downs there were, but we kept going!

Eventually we were rewarded with a glimpse of Bear Lake, but that wasn't the end. It turned out there was no actual trail to Swan Peak proper, but once the trail started downhill - supposedly the "end" of the trail - several of us decided to bushwack uphill and we did find what we considered the peak. Look at that view!

Going down a steep hill is harder than going up; it took some creativity to keep from going too fast, but we all made it safely back to the car. Seeing the parking area all along the way was motivating and helpful.

There's the trail going up the mountain! (But Swan Peak is beyond that visible ridge.)