Saturday we left to hike Mt Bethel to meet our 5,000 foot elevation/6 hour hike requirement. Unfortunately when we got there the trail was poorly marked and very muddy, so we aborted this hike (after 1.5 miles - 3 miles total) and drove an hour away and hiked Mt Evans (a 14er). It was a risk as summer storms often blow in over these high peaks and cut hikes short. We were blessed that the weather remained beautiful and we were not forced to end the hike early.

I think I've mentioned having a fear of heights. Unfortunately it got the better of me about 30 minutes from the peak of Mt Evans. I worked hard to overcome my fear, but after the second person coming down mentioned how hard the descent was, I was not able to go on. Gary went a little further, but eventually we headed back. I don't like being afraid of heights and I work very hard to make sure it doesn't prevent me from doing things I want to do, but looking down at 14,000 feet on a very narrow rocky trail got the better of me. Fortunately the Grand Canyon is not quiet so high (around 5000 ft)

Even with the 2 disruptions we hiked a little over 9 miles and gained over 2000 ft starting at 12,000 ft. The air is a bit thin at this elevation, so climbing takes a little more effort.

The weather held but it was cool. 50's at the start of Mt Evans at in the 40's when the clouds came over up at 14,000 feet.

I took a panorama pictures of the hike, I couldn't get the full distance at Mt Evans in one. We basically climbed the ridge across the picture minus the last 1/2 mile.

Anyone else have a fear you would like to share?