May Valley Loop, Bullitt Gorge, Perimeter Loop Trail, Chybinski Loop, Bullitt Fireplace Trail, Bullitt Access Trail, Central Peak & Phil's Creek — Wednesday, Apr. 26, 2023

I was aiming for some specific mileage and elevation goals today, so I put together a Squak Mountain loop based on May Valley Loop. I started at the May Valley trailhead and headed up the May Valley Loop trail. When I saw the mountain out on my way to the trailhead, I decided to take the turn to the Perimeter Loop trail and then to Debbie's View to see if the mountain was fully visible. It nearly was - the bottom half was visible, but it was otherwise clear skies and birds soaring. Debbie's View was by far the most crowded I have ever seen it on a weekday; I estimate about 25 folks all hanging out and enjoying the full spring sun and view. After a brief snack break, I headed out, and turned left to hike the Chybinski Loop. I took that to the West Access Trail and then the Bullitt Access Trail to end up at the fireplace. After a lunch break, I continued onto the Central Peak trail, followed by the Summit Trail to the Phil's Creek Trail, and ending on the South Access Road. In all just under 9 miles with about 2400 gain.

I was expecting a muddier trail but there were only a couple of muddy parts on the Chybinski Loop and the Phil's Creek Trail. The tree that was on the trail to Debbie's View a month ago has been cleared, and there's just a couple small, easy-to-scale trees otherwise (one on May Valley Loop trail, one on Phil's Creek Trail). No snow at all, and it was 64 degrees at the fireplace. There was some significant still water just off the trail in the trees before the fireplace, which might be melted snow or recent rain, and means bugs might be a nuisance in the near future. 

Other than Debbie's View, the mountain was not crowded. I saw a couple of people at the fireplace, including one who chatted with me for a while (great to meet you, Jackson!). Indeed, this is a great mountain for solitude with lots to offer. This was my first time on the Chybinski Loop and it was absolutely lovely. Meandering, peaceful, lush trees and flowing water, well-kept bridges. The climb from the bottom of the Chybinski Loop to the fireplace was trying at times but a good workout. Phil's Creek Trail felt like a whole different world from the rest of the mountain, and I definitely recommend people give it a shot. 

Parking lot was 1/4 full when I arrived mid-day and similar when I left mid-afternoon. Vault toilets are still closed, but the porta-potty was in good condition. According to the service log, it gets serviced once a week on Tuesdays, so hiking on a Wednesday probably helped my opinion of the condition.

In all, a great loop on a day that finally felt like spring has arrived!