Wild flowers & solitude.
Rain was forecast for Beacon Rock State Park, so I headed east in search of dry weather. I followed the driving directions in the 2021 Monte Carlo trip report, parking at the upper "trailhead" (really just a curve in the road where there's space to park and the continuing road becomes grassier). The water bars were interesting to drive, but were easily passible in an Outback. At the trailhead I saw a Corolla, indicating that a low-clearance vehicle can make it.
The trail was pleasant. It started as an easy to follow Jeep trail. At the ridge it transitioned to a single track through a meadow filled with flowers. Parking at the upper trailhead gave me some time to extend the trip to Monte Cristo, which was the more interesting of the two peaks. The trail between these peaks had some evidence of motorcycle use, but it wasn't too bad.
Monte Cristo featured 150 degree views, as well as more wildflowers. Wind was cold and strong on both peaks.
I saw 1 hiker and 3 motorcycles. The hiker mentioned seeing some bears, but I didn't see any.
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