Icicle Ridge — Saturday, Jun. 11, 2022

TLDR; tick alert! Wildflowers up top still! Trail was *chef's kiss*

Long version: Hiked Saturday 6/11, like many other westsiders probably especially the grey misery by heading east. Arrived at 10.40am and cars were lined up along the road. There were spaces though and even as we started walking along the road to the trailhead, spaces were opening up. Please be considerate though and try not to double park along spaces that could actually fit more than 1 car.

It was busy in spurts, but there were also some really peaceful moments without anyone else around. We have a rowdy dog who sometimes gets nervous/lungey around other dogs, so we pulled over anytime anyone else was going to pass us. Trail is a little narrow but we made do, and the end of many of the switchbacks had enough of a turnout for us to wait longer for groups to pass.

The trail was immaculate. Not especially rooty or rocky, so even with the elevation gain, it's not at all technical - just one foot in front of the other. Lupine was abundant and up by the ridge, many more flowers including balsamroot. It was pretty exposed so be sure to wear good sun protection!

Views were lovely the whole way up, but really shone once you reach the ridge. We took a nice lunch break in the 2nd to last overlook and unfortunately was not able to see the very last overlook before heading down, because a completely oblivious man and his dog on a retractable leash sat down right next to us (when there was so much other spaces to sit).

Walk down was nice/uneventful. Trail was much quieter after 3pm. The only souvenir I brought back was a tick hitchhiker which I didn't notice until after my shower at home. Stuck on my shoulder blade. Dog and hubby did not get any ticks, just lucky me!