It was a nice hike up Badger Mountain this morning, even with the heavy mist and fog. We took the loop going up the Sagebrush Trail to the top and then back down the Canyon Trail.
At the top, there were traces of yesterday’s snowfall on the brush.
Snow Dusted Brush on top of Badger Mountain
I hiked with my son, Justin, a real pleasure. He actually asked me to go up instead of me dragging him out to hike.
Me and Justin at the top of Badger
At the top, we were enjoying the view when two men with large backpacks arrived up the Canyon Trail. I asked what they were training for. One said “Aconcagua“.
Rob and Mike Both Carrying Heavy Packs up Badger for Training
“Wow”, I said. Aconcagua is the tallest mountain in the Americas, it is in Argentina. Rob said he is planning on climbing it around Christmas. He had a large pack and was hiking with purpose as he came up the trail prepping for the big climb. Another man was right behind him with a slightly smaller pack. Mike was his name. He said he is a Scout leader who takes his scouts on 50-miler hikes like we did two summers ago. Mike requires youth who want to go on the 50-miler to hike up Badger with a 40 pound pack in 30 minutes just to make sure they’re prepared for the trip.
While these two men can be an inspiration, you don’t have to hike at that level to get the benefits of activity. An active lifestyle will help anyone be healthier. Just start with a walk on the Badger Flats trailwhich has no elevation gain but still has the atmosphere of being out of doors and just a few steps away from the Badger Mountain trails.
Badger Flats Trailhead