Driveway Butte — Tuesday, Jun. 24, 2025

This could have been called Driveway Butterfly the day I hiked it with some friends.  Butterflies everywhere!  Of course, I forget most of the species, but Hoffman checkerspot and swallowtail were the two I remember.  The trail is in great condition and easy to follow.  Don't let the stats fool you though, for some reason this felt a lot more difficult than the hike I did last week at the same distance and elevation.  We did not see any other people on the trail, which was pretty amazing.  Lots of wildflowers in bloom, but I was most excited to see so many scarlet gilia since I normally only see a few here and there.  A little overcast and cloudy, but still had great views.  It felt like three different hikes: first up a bunch of switchback in and out of shade, then over and through some stream beds and former fire affected areas, then up a more exposed hillside through the scarlet gilia to the top.  Sure, I kinda wanted to quit, but very glad I kept going since I doubt I'll have the chance any time soon.  Don't forget to stick your nose in a ponderosa pine and inhale deeply- they smell amazing!  Like some sort of vanilla infused beverage I'd love to drink.