Winchester Mountain — Wednesday, Sep. 5, 2018

Great to run into my friend, Geezerhiker, on the trail today.  Have hiked with him a couple of times but haven't seen him for awhile.  For my money he gives the best trip reports on the WTA.  Trust what he says!  I refer you to his comments today on the trail.

For my part this hike rates with some of the best I've taken.  Tough to get to the trailhead however...I wouldn't recommend taking any car that isn't high clearance and 4WD beyond the Yellow Aster trailhead.  Proceed at your own risk if yours doesn't qualify...I believe there was a fatality in the last few years from an auto going off the road and over the edge.  Ugh! Be careful...

As to the hike, it's a moderate, short few miles to the top with open and spectacular views all the way.  The only negative today was a smoky atmosphere which detracted from the views of many of the mountains in the distance and, I promise you, there are a lot of those.  Add them in on a clear day and you've got yourself a near perfect hike.

At the summit, the lookout was unoccupied.  I had my lunch, talked with a couple of young ladies, one of whom backpacked her child to the top, and when they left I had the place to myself. 

My hiking buddy Stan (who had given me this trip as a birthday present) left the summit ahead of me and also hiked to High Pass at the base of Mt. Larrabee which is a branch of this trail.  Looking forward to doing that next time...