Crystal Butte Hike

Yesterday was a do nothing kind of day so today we did what John likes to call a “Kill John Day”.  We decided we would take a hike on a trail that is not part of the National Park and therefore not covered with lots of hikers.  

This trail is actually in the town of Jackson up a mountain opposite of the Snow King Ski Area.  We chose the ‘short’ hike of 1.5 miles one way but it was the steepest trail in this area (according to a local hiker) with a rise of almost 1,400 feet in that mile and half.  There is no way we could have managed that hike without our poles and hiking boots, we consumed copious amounts of water and balanced on a log near the top to eat lunch.

We didn’t get to the butte but it was high enough for me.  The views were awesome overlooking the city and the valley that surrounds it.  Coming down was almost as strenuous as going up.  I have a tendency to slip and slide on any loose gravel so I have to side step and take it really slow, using my poles to keep me balanced and on my feet.

Our bodies had not been abused this much in a long time - we slept well that night!