Also on this trip

Trails Used

Red Trail, West Peak Trail, Summit Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

First time doing this loop in a decade and significantly surprised by the amount of new switchbacks during the really steep stretch from 1500' almost up to 3000' before the ledges ascending the top of West peak. Very dry and minimal mud, saw a few people on the ascent. Amazing summit views including the presis obscured in a cloud bank and Willoughby gap in a golden hour sheen of sunshine. I would spend more time doing summits in my home state if more trails had switchbacks like these ooh la la

Parking

Lot mostly empty

Water Crossings

N/A

Wildlife

Buzzy down low early, minor

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Logging roads, bike trails, bushwhack, ski trails, summit trail, profile trail, west peak trail, red trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

I did an amazing 10 mile loop of Umpire and Burke, two 3000 footers. The logging road contouring around 1600’ to the south of the peaks was great for jogging back on. When I got about 1 mile in on it, I turned and bushwhacked straight up Umpire, it took only an hour. I was crossing the snaking bike trails and using them sometimes, they went further up than shown on Gaia, until signs said hikers only. They didn’t seem to go all the way to the summit, but there were lookouts along the way. No view at the summit, however whacking due west over to Burke paid off with a beautiful glade with views. There was some scrappy mixed woods and hobblebush but also lots of good woods and I made good time up to the ski trails on Burke. It was a beautiful sunset from the tower and the slopes, then I took the slippery but short hiking trail down to the logging road, and ran the last 5 miles by headlamp on the wide logging roads that have been converted to bike trails.

Parking

Off Victory Hill Rd. Dirt roads are in great shape. Parking for maybe two cars outside the closed gate. More parking inside when it’s open. No biking allowed during mud season.

Water Crossings

A few step-over streams throughout.

Wildlife

Black flies on the lower trails.