Florence Peak — Saturday, Jun. 22, 2024

This hike was a pleasant surprise since I didn't even know it existed before a couple days ago when I discovered several trip reports here within the last few days. The trailhead is only 65 minutes from my residence in Lakewood. 

It was brutally steep in places and thus physically hard. But the trail overall is in great condition. How could such a generally well-maintained trail be such a secret? The waterfall crossing was no real problem; it just required careful footing on the slippery rocks and logs. Having poles definitely helped (I always bring them). 

There were many blowdowns but were mostly an easy step-over or go-around. Nothing was problematic.

I heard lots of bugs buzzing but nothing even landed on me. But I'm not the most delicious person for bugs either (they always bothered my kids more than me) so take that with a grain of salt.

It was also no problem following the trail through the meadow section approaching the false summit. Plus you're following a ridgetop so it's hard to get lost regardless.

I pushed on to the "real" summit past the false summit. This was a little rock scramble but shorter and easier than expected. There were lots of handholds so the one spot I remember being somewhat exposed wasn't scary or difficult.

Overall a great hike on a great day!