SMUT at Red Rocks

Maraya, Shane, Brad, and I went to Red Rocks on Saturday for the second SMUT field trip. Despite the small group this ended up being one of the most memorable SMUT runs yet.

We were treated to a pretty sunrise as we met at the Visitor's Center

Those pesky clouds would make the day interesting

We met at the Visitor's Center and drove to the Willow Springs parking lot. Maraya had her dog and husband to keep her company as Shane, Brad, and I did the White Rock Loop which is probably my favorite trail int the Las Vegas Area.

Shane behind White Rocks

Shad's behind

We originally planned on going up Rocky Gap Road to North Peak after the Willow Loop. The clouds looked pretty ugly up there, but after some discussion we decided to give it a shot and turn back if things got too bad. Shane took off a bit ahead going up the long climb up Rocky Gap Road. As we ascended the weather got worse and worse. I looked over to Brad and admitted I was constantly looking up in hopes of seeing Shane coming back the other way after calling it quits. The wind picked up and we even started seeing snow flakes around the 5000' level.

Brad on Red Rock Summit at the top of Rocky Gap Road

Looks  kind of peaceful here, but it was cold and windy

Just over a half hour after leaving the misery of Red Rock Summit we returned to a beautiful Fall day. The change was dramatic and almost unbelievable.

This was a really fun run for me due in no small part to the excellent company. Even the gaggle of unleashed dogs that went by didn't ruin this day. If this run was any indication, the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim the three of us are planning next weekend is going to be truly off the hook.