Mission Trails Regional Park
6 miles

I walked just about 6 miles today. From my car to the peak of Cowles Mountain is 1.5 miles, then from there to Pyles Peak is 1.25 miles. It was a nice day, sunny and clear, about 75 degrees. The first part of the hike is pretty strenuous. Not difficult, but it's a pretty continuous incline the whole way up, so if you're not in good shape you'd probably get tired. But it's not that far, so it's not bad.

During the hike I had a "first" experience. I saw my first real live in person rattlesnake. It was really fat and about 3 feet long. I came upon it in the trail, it wasn't coiled and I didn't hear it rattle, instead it was just taking it's time moving off the trail. So I stepped back, let it go about its business, and took a few pictures.

Rattlesnake encounter on trail between Cowles Mtn and Pyles Peak

Wildflowers, Mission Trails Park

Wildflowers up close, Mission Trails Park

Trail View to Pyles Peak