High Noon Hills Off-Trail hike on 10-May-2025

Our large group enjoyed a lovely spring day in the foothills. There were quite a variety of flowers seen, including a Low Larkspur, many shooting stars, a Calypso Orchid, some remaining crocuses and other spring/early summer wildflowers. The trails were very dry, actually dusty!

We saw a couple of deer along the trail and heard a variety of birds, but had a hard time spotting them. Surprisingly, we didn't see any ticks and as far as I know, none came home with us.

After climbing to the high point along the boundary fence and enjoying a first lunch with the glorious mountain views, we descended steeply along the fence to the Sheep River. The last stretches of the trail to the river were quite eroded, so many of us opted to have a longer 2nd lunch break above the river, where the others rejoined us for another break.

Climbing hillside for great mountain views

First lunch at high point

By Sheep River

2nd lunch above Sheep River

Thanks to a great group: Rosanne, Philip, Bill, Barbara, Susan, Aldis, Marietta, Margo, George, Cheryl, Laura and guest, Marilyn, from Barb (c). Particular thanks to Cheryl and Bill for the photos.