Spy Rock/Crabtree Falls - October 13, 2012

Reported by Marian Styles

This lovely fall day attracted several hikers we haven’t seen in awhile—Kelly Darby, Karen Ramsey, Anne Colgate, and Dennis Templeton. Rounding out the group were Leon Gorman & Bailey, Neal McKinney, Kelly Gueli, Briana Taylor, hike leader John Shannon, and reporter/photographer Marian Styles.

Leon, Bailey, and Karen parked at Crabtree Falls and walked to the top to eventually meet the rest of us, who started from the Montebello Fish Hatchery. The eight who started from the fish hatchery walked up a long, rather steep grade to reach Spy Rock. Our payoff was a spectacular view. We tarried a bit to enjoy the scenery and have a pre-lunch snack. Another viewpoint a bit further on served as a lunch venue. John made even the most boring lunch yummy by passing around pumpkin cake.

The trail to Crabtree Falls thankfully offered easier hiking. The walk was spiced up when Anne noticed a small snake in the trail (where is snake whisperer Rita when you need her?).

Meanwhile, at the top of Crabtree Falls, Leon, Bailey, and Karen had enjoyed a prolonged picnic while waiting for us, and we all headed down together. The first major viewpoint was more crowded than I’ve ever seen it—people had come out in droves on this gorgeous fall day. As for fall colors, we didn’t see many. A lot of leaves have fallen from the trees, and many other trees were still wearing green garb. We glimpsed a smattering of color here and there, and the falls are lovely in every season.

We finished hiking by about 4:30 p.m., after which Leon graciously drove the two drivers back to the fish hatchery to fetch their cars. By the time the car shuttle was done, most people wanted to get home, so we skipped stopping at Rapunzel’s and got back to town at 6:30 p.m.