Our way back down was quick and pleasant. With no rough trail to speak of, it was easy to put one's mind on autopilot and just enjoy the scenery - scenery that looked even better than on the way up due to the more favorable angle of the late-afternoon sun.
Another below-the-wall shot
Danger, warning, yada yada
We arrived back down at the trailhead just before 6:30pm, less than six hours after we started out. We had consulted with some fellow hikers on the way down, determining that the last shuttle was well past 8pm, so our arrival was not particularly hurried. We made it back to the visitor center around 7pm, capping a very successful outing.
Many thanks to Brian, Sarah, Kathy, Arn and Nic for agreeing to come. It's not the same experiencing such beauty without friends!
Arn and I parted ways with the others here, who needed to get back to Las Vegas to prepare for various flights back home the following morning.
Observation Point - Hike Data
Start Time:
12:49p.m.
End Time:
6:32p.m.
Duration:
5h42m
Distance:
11.83 km
(7.35 mi)
Average Speed:
2.1 km/hr
(1.3 mph)
Start Elevation:
4356ft
(1328m)
*
Max Elevation:
6522ft
(1988m)
*
Min Elevation:
4353ft
(1327m)
*
End Elevation:
4354ft
(1327m)
*
* : +/- 75 feet
Total Elevation Gain:
2154ft
(657m)
*
Total Elevation Loss:
2175ft
(663m)
*
* : +/- 75 feet
Elevation Graph
