Our trip up Cox Hill was warm and sunny, with lots of flowers both along the ridge as well as lower down in the forest. We reached the summit in just over 2 hours, then sat out of the wind for a leisurely lunch while watching golden-mantled ground squirrels and a chipmunk. Afterwards a couple of us walked the length of the flowery ridge to the south while the others enjoyed the sun and looked at peaks and flowers more closely.

Rather than coming down the regular trail, we dropped off the north edge of the ridge and enjoyed extra time above treeline, intersecting the trail partway down. The long descent through the forest was made much more interesting thanks to the lively conversation, and we arrived back at the cars about 6 hours after starting out. Thanks to everyone for a fun day.

Cox Hill ridge

Dryas everywhere

Cox Hill summit

Off-trail descent from Cox Hill

Hermit thrush (photo by Bill)

Participants: Bill,Aldis,Carl,Jo, coordinator Ingrid.