How difficult is the trail?

The challenge with trail rating systems is that they are contextual. Trail ratings generally take in to account a few factors: ease of navigating the trail, distance, vertical incline, and how remote the trail takes you. The South Lykken trail is clearly marked and easy to follow; we’ll hike about a mile to our the viewing/meditation spot, and we’re within cell phone service the entire time—all factors that make the trail easy.

However, the vertical incline is steep at points, ranging from a 25% grade to a 35% grade. We ascend 600 feet over the course of a mile, which is the equivalent of climbing a 55-story building. And it will feel like we are climbing stairs at some points. I’ve had active triathletes feel winded, and 89-year-olds make it without a problem. The key: we take our time, ascending at a comfortable pace, taking breaks to soak in the beauty of the landscape while catching our breath. However, if the idea of climbing stairs scare you, your knees, or your hips, this might not be the trail for you.

Do you do sunset hikes?

No, I don’t. I understand the early morning hour is a hurdle for some. This experience, then, is not the one for you. Hiking in twilight during sunrise, we are hiking in increasing light. I will not lead people not familiar with the trail in the evening twilight, during decreasing light.

Are the hikes private, or is it a group?

I have three options: group, private, and custom.

I book no more than eight people on any day, so the hike is intentionally small. If there are other parties on the day you booked, know they will be of like-mind. I will let you know if this is the case so all parties make an effort to arrive on time.

If you’d like to book a private hike, for a higher rate I am happy to close your hike to other bookings.

I can also provide a custom hike experience. This usually involved a meditation custom to your expectations — honoring a transition or a milestone. Before the custom hike experience, we will connect on the phone so that I may create the experience you are looking to create.

When booking through Viator, select the option for the hike experience you would like to manifest.

How long are the hikes?

The hike lasts anywhere from 2.5 hours to 3 hours, depending on our pace, and whether or not we see the big horn sheep. It is your tour, and we will move at a pace comfortable to you. I do my best to time our journey to arrive at the meditation point in time to see the sunrise. Wherever we are at, though, is exactly where we are supposed to be.

Do you have a later start time?

The experience is about watching the sunrise from the side of a mountain. It takes between 40 and 60 minutes to arrive at the viewpoint. The start is timed to allow us to arrived at the viewpoint without rushing. There are other experiences that provide hikes mid-day.

What about weather?

The greatest weather challenge is the wind as there is no shelter anywhere on the hike. We are in the elements for 2.5 to 3 hours, and I always keep in mind the duration of exposure to the elements. I recommend dressing in layers. As we approach your hiking date, I monitor the weather and will be in touch if there are any concerns; if your schedule is flexible, I will gladly accommodate you on an alternate day. If you choose to cancel because of weather, I will provide a full refund.

Will we see wildlife?

Some days, yes, we see wildlife. Many birds, and sometimes the bighorn sheep. It’s always amazing to me the various spirit animals my guests call forward on their hikes. Read more about what they mean when they show their spirits to us.