Granite Mountain

I was looking for a good day hike with a solid elevation gain, fall colors, serenity, and I didn't mind the threat of rain and a little cold. Meet Granite Mountain in mid-October.

I started out at about 11 a.m. with the threat of rain scheduled around 1:30 or 2. I intended get an earlier start but set my alarm on the M-F setting which, by the way, does not work on a Saturday. I came prepared and didn't mind the weather keeping what I have heard is a busy trail less populated. I hit the peak at 1:25 and was back at my car by 3:30. I was moving pretty quickly on the way up but did take a sizable detour to check out a boulder field. I jogged about 30% of the way down.

I saw a dozen people or so on the way up and down. When a steady downpour started as I was hitting the summit, I appreciated the company for safety.

This trail is already a quad and knee ripper on the descent, and I can assure the rain does not make it any easier. But, I wanted a good leg burner and am still feeling the remnants 4 days later. If you take it slow, it's definitely doable for hikers at almost any level.

Some good fall colors and a lot of evergreens, great views, and easy to access. The comment about hearing I-90 on the trail is true most of the way, but it blends in with the other ambient sounds and fades completely as you get close to the summit. Great hike.