Dog Mountain — Saturday, May. 13, 2023

Clear day that started at 8:30. Using the CAT Dog Mountain Bus was a LIFE SAVER. And saved some $. Free parking at the Fairgrounds AND entry to the trail. Love to see it.

Wildflowers are really starting to go wild. The summit isn’t covered in blooms yet, but when you first leave the canopy you are met with a TON of color. I’d think it’ll really get going next week.

Took the ‘more difficult’ route up and the ‘difficult’ route back. The disparity between the two makes that distinction laughable. ‘Difficult’ was far easier and had more wildflower spots, including an area that was akin to a mini-summit with tons of flowers blooming. I would not change my route since the descent was far easier on my knees going back. Done in 5 hours. Would have taken less time but the views were stunning.

Pack trekking poles, snacks, tons of water and be prepared to sweat. The bugs were juuuust starting to be annoying - mainly flys. Apply sunscreen and bug spray to avoid bugs AND burns.