09/02/2026
Day 5 of the SDTCT.
Jess got off trail today due to a pulled hip flexor. Soft sand, steep climbs, long water carries, desert heat, and high mileage out the gate make for very tough conditions. Not to mention it’s the middle of Winter! Most of us aren’t in hiking shape this time of year. We will miss you Jess!
Here’s what you missed 😉 a loooong and winding road walk that snaked downhill for 16 miles. A trailhead parking lot where we used the pit toilets and napped. Zach found a tick on him. gross 😷 now we're all paranoid 🐜.
Leaving the trailhead break, we thought surely we would head out in the direction of all the hikers that walked past us, but no. We walked a dirt road in the opposite direction. Disappointment quickly turned into awe as the road revealed gorgeous views and easy walking. 🌅 We crossed our first river of the trip and we almost walked right past it! Sheesh. My eyes lingered back at the water and Jabba said “Jolly you want to make a memory?” So we walked the 10 feet back and soaked our feet. Ahhh 😌 cold clean water🧊.
With fresh feet, we climbed 800 feet and were greeted at the top by a beautiful single-track trail. A choir of frogs sang their song under an orange sunset as the trail wound down to their homes in the valley below.
Night overtook us while we sat and listened to their song. 🐸 🎶
One last climb for the day under a full moon with the promise of pizza at the top. The notes for this hike all mention being able to order delivery pizza to this trailhead. And order we did! 2 pizzas and a 2L of Coke made for some happy boys. The cherry on top was the nice camp host who let us sleep under the picnic tables as long as we were out before 6. Done! ✔️
