Mount Sizer Dayhike

A few weeks ago I took on a Bay Area beast, Mt Sizer in Henry Coe State Park. Like all hikes in Henry Coe, it's a long slog up and down dirt roads, but at this time of year there are a lot of reasons to do it. The weather was perfect for a long day, a little overcast and cool, and the wildflowers were blooming. My GPS track told me I hiked 17 miles with 6000 feet of up and down, and my legs certainly wouldn't disagree with that! I took my time to enjoy the wildflowers, have a few picnics along the way, and even picked up a few geocaches planted around the park.

I have to say that I was happy to finally see what the fuss about the 'Hobbs Road Shortcut' was all about. Reputed to be the steepest trail in the Bay Area, I can now add my vote to the tally. Due to the direction I took the loop, I ended up coming down the thing, and if I hadn't had my trekking poles along I might have turned around and gone the long way back to Headquarters.

All in all, it was a long but enjoyable day. I certainly wouldn't choose it as a quick 'hike in the park', but I'd do it again. Pictures: Mount Sizer, Henry Coe