Bell's Waterfall

Diane and I decided to hike to the waterfall today. The first part of the trail has been our training hike that we do year round. In the winter we put on crampons and hike to the bridge. To the bridge, it is a distance of 1.5 miles. The waterfall is about another 1.5 miles but the grade increases dramatically. This hiking trail has gotten immensely popular. The parking lot is always full and there are cars lining both sides of the road. The first part of the hike is a nice family hike with a reservoir to view after about one mile. Many people who hike it for the first time are surprised at how strenuous the second part is.

We got an early start(to beat the crowds). And it was Sunday. Yeah, Sunday. Some people engage in other activities on that day. It was cool and crisp and we made good time to the bridge. The next landmark would be the Lone Peak Wilderness sign, about a quarter mile from the bridge. From the sign, the trail passes through greenery and shade. The steepness also increases after the sign. The trail winds over to the creek in a couple of places and the mist from the rushing water creates a cool mist. I have actually hiked the trail all the way without stopping and achieved my personal best. One hour and eleven minutes. Not today. With the crowds and the need for rest stops, we were in no hurry to get there. We just wanted to get there. And we did. The waterfall was rushing with more water than I have ever seen before. So much so that we could not get to our usual observation point but had to head down  to where the terrain was dry and not slippery. This seemed to be the gathering place for most of the hikers who had made it all the way. We took some pictures and had some refreshments and then headed back down. I think we can say that the hiking season has officially begun.