Squaw Peak

My friend's brother staked this flag on Squaw Peak just last Saturday

Check that off the list! We finally hiked to Squaw Peak - something that we have always wanted to do and felt it was our duty to do having grown up at the base of it. Yesterday seemed like the perfect day so we packed up our kids (literally with SJ) and headed up Rock Canyon. We both love this canyon - and have so many memories of time spent there. Rock Canyon was our backyard! And so the day began...

Our destination looming above us. Have you heard the legend? It is supposedly named for a squaw who jumped to her death from the peak in order to escape either an arranged marriage or Mormon militia - I have actually heard both. Any other versions out there?

My favorite canyon.

Wes describing to the kids his old rock-climbing days. He gave a demonstration - yes, with SJ on his back - but I didn't get a picture.

A story to tell: This cliff face is called "The Green Monster" and if you successfully climb it - they say you have "Flashed the Green Monster." Going rock-climbing at this spot was our first date - not technically a date - but we count it anyway. I had never been rock-climbing before but in trying to impress this new guy - I "flashed the green monster" on my second climb. Wes was down below in awe of my strength and toughness. Little did he know at the time how scared and tired I was clinging to the rock face wondering what in the world I was doing!

The cave/mine off the side of the trail.

Our one mishap of the trip. Cate bumped into a boulder that was sticking out into the trail. Poor kid. Not the best way to start off what would turn out to be a very long, steep and difficult hike.

We took a wrong turn. The Squaw Peak trail is off to the left about 200 yards after the 5th bridge. We took a trail about 50 yards after the bridge and found this cave. Wes donned his headlamp and went in for a quick peak. Sarah got a little scared and after that kept talking about how she was scared of the "Green Monster". Funny how she picks up on things.


The right trail.

The awesome hikers! I was definitely the weak link in this group. This hike killed me. It was also pretty tough for Cate. But it was a cake walk for Addie, Isaac and Wes. The setting of the trail was very pretty - meandering through groves of trees and meadows. And at the top it was spectacular. But it was steep (very steep at some parts) and at least 3-4 miles. The hike up took us about 3 hours.






A very tired Mommy - getting close!
The peak! I can't imagine how my friend's brother carried this flag, flag pole and cement all the way to the top! It's pretty cool though.

Spectacular views!

We freed a kite that was tangled in the bushes. It was especially windy at the top - perfect for flying!


We rested, had some snacks, flew the kite, rested some more and then headed back down the trial. It went a lot faster than the hike up but was a killer on the knees! She was feeling much better.
Here's the boulder. You can see how it sticks out right at the level of Cate's head.
Even though we were sweaty and tired (tired is an understatement for my condition) - we decided to finish off the day with dinner at Brick Oven. Perfect.

Even though it took a toll on my unconditioned body - it was totally worth it! Highly recommended!