This week, I finally got the chance to hike the Pitchoff ridge traverse, which has 5 summits that make up its ridge. It's really a short and fun hike of 4 hours but I never went because I like big mountains and since it's a traverse, it requires 2 cars parked on both sides of the mountain, or thumbing lifts...or road hiking, which I want to avoid. My noob friends came with me this time, so it was the perfect day to hike it.
I was surprised by this little mountain because the trails are really unusual. I had chills when I cut into one of the shady parallel grooves as it was so silent and dark. There was also nobody after the first summit as most people return to their cars using the same trail. On the west side, there was a large open area with some glacial erratic left behind called balanced boulders, creating a wonderful panoramic towards the high peaks. The descent on the east side was quite steep but it was fun.
I finished the hike first as usual, and took a nap in my car. After 3 hours, it was getting dark. I started having all kinds of images in my head like someone getting hurt, someone getting lost, someone having a cramp, and I started calculating the maximum time it should take them to finish before I actually need to worry and take some actions. Some parts were tough for inexperienced hikers, one misstep in some places could result in injuries, especially during the descent on the east side. I wanted to go back to the mountain to look for them, but I had no water. I wanted to call, but had no reception. I didn't even have my wallet because it was in my friend's car on the west side. Luckily, she gave me her car keys, so I drove to her car to get my stuff, and was about to drive to a gas station to call rangers....and right at the second I drove past the east side trail again, I saw them coming out..I'm so glad they all make it!