Looking up from the valley floor the 13,000 and 14,000 foot peaks can seem impossible to climb, especially if you’ve not participated in this kind of a hike before.  However with so many options what you will find is that there is a peak out there that matches up with your skill level, fitness.  The West Spanish Peak is a fabulous mix of approachability and difficulty and In 2019 Mandy Crockett and the Human Resources Team introduced a group of SLV Health Staff.   This particular hike provides a simple drive up, a beautiful hike up through the woods up to tree-line, and a challenging ascent.  My observation is that there is a little something for all skill/fitness levels.  Morey Aldridge and Zach Masterson recapped the hike with IWT host A.J. Webb.  The three give their response and reaction to the hike.  The trio represent a variety of hiking backgrounds and their respective approaches to getting outdoors, having fun, and staying safe; Morey even brought her children with her.

Here are the times and topics:

1:50 Start,

4:00 The drive up,

5:50 Taking children with you,

6:15 The trailhead,

8:40 Passing treeline,

11:30 Preperation - weather, water, snacks,

13:30 What the hike feels like,

16:00 navigating the rocky terrain,

17:00 monitoring how you feel on the hike,

17:40 the summit,

19:00 Trail etiquette,

20:00 The descent,

22:00 Footwear,

23:00 Going potty on the trail,

26:00 Parting thoughts,