I have looked up at Stegosaurus Butte so many times from the Middle Fork trail that I figured it was time to finally climb it. Started at 10:45am from the Middle Fork Trailhead parking lot on a Thursday. Reached the main lookout (near the summit which doesn't have a view) at 11:30am -- I took several breaks during the last 600 feet which was more of a scramble (grade 2) than I was expecting -- someone more fit could do it in much less time. There was one spot on the ascent where I lost the trail for a bit due to several large fallen logs, but found it again after clearing another 20 feet or so of elevation. A good quick workout with excellent views of Preacher and Garfield!
Going down took about 20 minutes although I was moving faster than was probably prudent given the grade.
Totally deserted up and back -- saw no one except squirrels, birds, and butterflies. A few buzzing bees at the top, but bugs were not a problem.
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