Get outside: Allstones Ridge in Bighorn Country

I like to get high in the mornings. Amanda is usually a mid-morning/early afternoon hiker. I like to get up early to beat the crowds and greet the day. 

So early Sunday morning, Amanda and I crawled out of my tents before starting our day hiking the Allstones Ridge in the Bighorn backcountry. It’s a relatively short but steep hike. (I always look forward to the downhills!) We parked at a small parking lot on David Thompson Highway and crossed the street to begin our attack.

It’s roughly 4.5K to the top of the ridge. At a four-point trail junction, you can either continue to the ridge or head down to the Allstones Lake. Straight to the ridge we climbed. We were not disappointed. 

It took us a little under two hours to reach the summit. I was huffing and puffing most of the way. I don’t think my body had yet recovered from my 30K on Saturday. Gosh those views …. 

We didn’t spent too much time reflecting because the skies threatened rain or worse. The final push to the top was a little rocky so the last thing we wanted to do was try to navigate our descent on slippery rocks. 

The signs are all around us. We are definitely not alone in this universe. (I swear at one point the centre rock moved. I didn’t mention this to Amanda because I wasn’t sure how she would react.)

I could have stayed here all day – just marveling at the scenery. It wasn’t too windy but the air had a slight chill to it. I had removed my jacket early in the hike so I put it back on before going down. 

My new Saucony Koa sneakers were a hit. The aggressive tread were amazing on the rocks. They are in the definite running to become my shoe of choice for Lost Souls. 

We checked out Allstones Lake before we headed back to my car. The lake didn’t impress me much so I decided to sing and play air guitar. 

Hopefully Amanda won’t kill me for using this photo. Strangely she doesn’t like having her picture taken. It sucks because I am such an awesome photographer. 

I must say, I am a bit of a lush. It’s hard not to tear up when you see the beauty that lies before you. The views from the ridge were breathtaking. I’m not embarrassed to admit, I wanted to cry. Have you ever felt that way?

One day, I just want to hike to the summit, pitch my tent and stay there for days. A day in the mountains is no doubt the best remedy for whatever ails you.