This year we had a great group of 12 joining Lisa and I for our annual Mount Charleston Outdoor Adventures group hike.
This is the picture us at the Trail Canyon/North Loop trail junction
2 miles into the hike.
Mount Charleston as seen from the North Loop trail.
It was a little rainy in the morning causing some concern that the weather would get worse. As it turned out there were only a few sprinkles that made for great hiking weather.
Getting close enough to the peak to be able to see the final summit trail switchbacks.
When we got to "Devils Thumb" the weather cleared up and blue skies poked through.
Indian Paintbrush along the trail.
The flower bloom was spectacular this year with more varieties than any of us knew.
John Roberts on the North Loop trail where it winds through the rock bands near treeline.
Jess and Lisa following along behind.
Up the long switchbacks on the North Loop trail.
The weather-worn flag on the summit of Charleston (11,918 feet).
A wide angle view of Mummy Mountain to the northeast of Charleston. The town of Mount Charleston is in the lower right hand corner of the picture.
Lisa and John Roberts approaching the summit.
Lisa looking pretty strong after hiking about 8 miles and gaining around 5,000 feet in elevation.
Bob and Lisa on top.
Time for something to eat.
Ray Germain and Steve Hamilton making the final steps to the top.
Our good friend Ray Germain.
Jack Pestaner happy to be on top.
Jason Koenders
Enjoying one of the best weather days we've ever had on Charleston.
The requisite summit photo.
Hamming it up with Steve Hamilton as he puts his sunblock on.
Heading back down the South Loop trail past the 1955 military airplane crash site.
Fossils near the summit of Charleston.
Standing on Heartbreak Ridge with the summit behind us.
Moving down the ridge through the spring flower bloom.
Alpine beauty.
More fossils.
Bristlecone pine cones.
Flowers among the fossils.
Baby Bristlecone Pine tree along the trail.
Mount Charleston in the distance as we make our way down the switchbacks of the South Loop trail.
Lisa at the bottom and happy to get off her feet. Again, this was a challenging but wonderful hike.