Jolly Mountain — Sunday, Jun. 30, 2019

Arrived at 7:45 and parked in the lot off the main road just past the horse camp entrance. Two other cars were there.

Start the hike by walking up the driveway to the horse camp and go through to the other end, where you’ll see the road continue. There’s a Jolly Mountain detour sign a couple 10ths of a mile in - keep going straight. After nearly a half mile there’s an official trail sign. There’s a footpath to the left and a broader path to the right - take the footpath. (The other is a dead end.).

Trail is in good shape, but this route is no picnic. The first five miles (and 3000 feet up) is mostly under cover. Some nice forest scenery but not many views of surrounding mountains.

Once you reach the ridge, however, it’s stunning. The route to the peak takes you through areas destroyed by the fires a couple years ago. And the peak is spectacular as advertised.

Some wildflowers were out, but only for a short area in the ridge.

I saw just one other hiker all day on the ridge. But the trail is open to dirt bikes and several of those flew by me on the trail. I returned to my car at about 1pm and there were only three other cars in the lot.

Great hike, but a lot of work - 13.6 miles and 4050 feet up per Gaia app. The Sasse Ridge route is said to be shorter and easier and so given the lack of views on the lower part of this trail the other route is probably more satisfying if you’re not looking for as much of a workout.