Our first Outdoor Adventure for 2014 was a beautiful hike to the summit of Fortification Peak. This one of our favorite Southern Nevada hikes because it's seldom busy and the views are spectacular.
This year we had 18 hikers and two dogs join us for the adventure. This is a picture of some of us about 1/2 mile into the hike.
On our way to the summit we enjoyed great views like this of Hoover Dam, the recently completed Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, and Boulder City beyond.
Our good friends Phil Spargo, Summer Mudd and Paul Mudd.
One of our great trail companions. The dogs did great.
Our hike followed a couple days of wind and blustery weather, but the winds had died down and the weather was clear and cool. It was a perfect day for hiking.
Lisa having a spectacular day.
Our beautiful 13 year old daughter. She became a teenager a week earlier.
Our group at the "Big Rock" rest stop about a mile into the hike.
Heading up the steep scree slope before the class 3 rock band that lead to the summit plateau.
Lexi and her friend.
Caleb above the rock band and almost to the summit plateau.
Fortification Hill is the remnant of an extinct volcanic flow. This is a picture of us on the trail as it winds around the rim of the flow.
Summer and Hannah at the summit.
John Roberts with his daughter Lily. Lily was the youngest hiker of the group and did great.
Paul and Summer with nature's grand palette behind them.
Our good friends Paul and Summer.
The group on the 3,718 foot summit of Fortification Hill.
Mandy and Lexi at the summit.
A 300 degree panorama from the summit of Fortification Hill.
The volcanic landscape has an ethereal beauty. Here John Roberts follows the winding trail with his daughter Lily following behind.
Jerry Norton and Jen LeBarron enjoying time on the summit.
Bob at the top with a gorgeous view of Lake Mead behind him.
Paul and Bob making sure nothing's left behind after spending a fun time on the summit.
Obviously being outdoors is Lisa's "happy place".
Bob and Lisa Potts
Hannah enjoyed her second summit of Fortification Hill.
Sailboats on Lake Mead with the snow covered Spring Mountains in the distance.