On a sunny morning I was looking forward to a early-July conditioning hike in the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness.

The Boulder Ridge Trail to 4,300-foot Huckleberry Mountain is steep, but well maintained. And, the views on the top of Huckleberry Mountain are spectacular from the open summit area.

I summit the mountain every year, alternating among this hike, the fun Bonanza Mine route or the overgrown Plaza Trail interconnection from Wildcat Mountain. All three routes are roughly 12 miles round trip and over 3,000 feet of elevation gain.

As I was sitting in a field of purple phlox, orange paintbrush, white cat’s-ear lilies and purple penstemon, I enjoyed the warm sunshine and the  entertainment provided by a few mosquitoes.

I thought to myself while sitting at the summit, this is why I enjoy hiking.