Josie's Ridge - The Big Hike

At first, we thought the forecast missed the mark yesterday as we awoke to what looked like fog and no sun. The sun started coming through what was actually a haze from the now multiple wildfires that are burning in Idaho. We started out to conquer Josie's Ridge on top of Snow King Mountain at around 10:20 AM. It has been the target, the big kahuna, for some time now since we started to hike most of the other trails that are in the area.

The trail was familiar as we started out and we could see the effect of the haze on our views:

We also took this shot of the lodge and campground as we started out:

We walked the familiar lower section of the KC Trail that we hiked about a week or so ago until we came to the turnoff sign that showed the way to Josie's Ridge:

The hike immediately took on a new perspective as we began climbing at a much steeper rate than before. These shots show various points along the climbing trail:

 There were lots of switch-backs as we took frequent breaks and we also ran into several other hikers, some of who were with their dogs, and all of whom were younger than us. At one point, we could see the Teton Pass in the distance, and we took this shot through the haze:

The Pass runs through the cleared areas in the photo above, and you can also see how the haze has blocked a clear view of the mountains.

After over 2 hours of hiking, we reached the top. The following photos were taken on the top of Josie's Ridge:

It was a shame that the views of the Tetons were blocked by the haze. Those majestic mountains should have been clearly visible from the summit. We decided that, should we return here next year, we will take this same hike in June - before the wildfires ruin the views, and before the wild flowers are done blooming.

We didn't see any wildlife on the hike, but we did hear gunshots in the distance as yesterday was the opening day for the Bison hunting season. Even though we didn't see any wildlife, we did capture a couple photos of a chipmunk:

and this butterfly:

After hiking for over 3 1/2 hours, we arrived at the tower where the Snow King Chair Lift ends at the top of the mountain:

This is also the location where the hang-gliders launch from the top and float down to land just behind our campground. Below is the pole that we see from our campground and where the wind sock shows wind direction for the gliders:

The Tetons should be clearly visible in the above shot, but can barely be seen through the haze.

This is a shot of the Elk Refuge from the top:

Again, the beauty is hidden by the impact of the haze.

At this point, we were not anxious, nor were we in any physical shape, to hike back down the mountain. After 3 1/2 hours and over 4 miles of the most strenuous hike we have taken to date, we were ready to ride the chair lift down to the bottom. We popped for the $5 ticket to ride the lift:

The following shot is of our lodge and campground as we descended the mountain:

We made it back to the fifth wheel after 2:30 PM. We then sat outside and had a cold beer before deciding to take the truck to the wash area in our campground and give it a much needed bath. we must be gluttons for punishment.

It was an exciting day and we feel very satisfied that we were able to accomplish our goal of hiking along the summit of Snow King Mountain on Josie's Ridge.

Today is a recovery day and we don't have anything planned - yet. The sun is out and the haze is still present, so we will figure out something to do to take advantage of our free time on day two of our weekend...