Wannnabe Hikers

Mt Timp

We try to pretend like we are an adventurous/outdoorsy couple…. So we decided hike up Mt. Timpanogos. Many people suggested to hike at night to get to the top for the sunrise. So we did it. But we quickly realized how unprepared we were…even though it was a hot July night, we did not realize how much the temperature goes down the higher up you go. By the time we got up to the top I  was FROZEN! But it was honestly one of the most beautiful things we have ever done. Our favorite part was seeing Emerald Lake in the daylight. Emerald lake is very close to the summit, so when you see it you know that you are getting close to the top.  Even with all the highs on the hike, the lows were getting the best of us as were hiking back down to the car. After we got back to the bottom we decided that we would NEVER go back.

  

Emerald Lake- so dreamy 

2 months later.... WE WERE BACK AGAIN:  dang it. 

Only this time we could not wait to show my cousin and husband how perfect Emerald Lake is. We decided to backpack up and sleep at Emerald Lake. And the plan was to hang out there the next day ( I pictured ourselves sunbathing and becoming one with the beautiful fall nature). This time we started at like 5 pm. By the time that we got to Emerald Lake, it was dark so we kept saying, “I can't wait for you to see how pretty it is up here." Just a bunch of amateurs we are. The next morning we woke up to the beautiful DEAD land everywhere around us. We did not think it through that even though it was beautiful fall in the valley,  the leaves had already changed and fallen much earlier on top of the mountain. Like I said and I'll say it again, amateurs.  

As we got ready for our hike we packed some granola bars and I said, "We don't need a big meal." HUGE "Nikki night"(find out about Nikki nights at bottom.) Thanks Rems for sharing your delicious dinner. 

In conclusion: I would say the perfect way to do it is in the middle of the summer. Start really early in the morning so by the time you get up it is mid to late afternoon. This way you will not be frozen at the top and you can actually enjoy the view. 

NIKKI NIGHTS: If you know me, you know that I tend to be quite the procrastinator. When it comes time for a deadline or something I have wanted to do all week, I often lean over to Ryan and say, tonight I am going to stay up all night and (insert task) get it done. We both know that by the time it hits about 1 am I am fast asleep making Ryan cuddle me. Whenever I get that overzealous look in my eye and say things that both Ryan and I know are ridiculous we call them "Nikki nights". So this may or may not be pushing the context, but I told Ryan that we are not going to be hungry, because we just ate. Also we are bringing a huge bag of cookies. Huge "Nikki night." Duh we were going to be hungry! We just climbed a mountain for seven hours! Later in our marriage Ryan is less likely to be fooled by the "Nikki Nights." But this was when were still learning the ropes so he obeyed. Just to find us starving for the next 12 hours. 

Ryan's Rant-

There are two different trails used to hike Timp. Both times that we did it, we used The Aspen Grove Trail. However, if we did it again, I would like to use the Timpanokee Trail for a change of scenery. The trail starts close to Sundance Ski Resort. The hike took us about 10 hours. It can easily be done in much less time, but we were taking our sweet time. I personally feel that leaving at midnight to get up for the sunrise is not worth it. I say this because you cannot enjoy any of the scenery on your ascent to the top. Also, after hiking for 5 straight hours in the middle of the night, it was difficult to admire the amazing view from the summit. If we were to do it again, I would either backpack in again, or leave around 5 AM. For me, this will be much more enjoyable. Also, I can't believe that Nicole did not mention the mountain goats by the summit. This was my highlight of the hike. To see them scale the jagged rock in person was truly amazing. Here are a few pics. 

what how did this pic get in here…i 
guess i can 
dig it. ha