The next time is usually a appeal. Which means this third attempt to achieve that jewel at the end of the path just had to pan out. The Sweeney Peak Trail in the Montana Bitterroot Range minds for the air high above Florence, Montana over the ridges below Sweeney Peak The lake - that sparkling blue gem of Peterson Lake at the bottom of the canyon in top of the reaches of Sweeney Creek - was an purpose through two previous attempts. I started with a new dedication though, to achieve that sparkling jewel this bright, sunny, August morning, and return.

The trailhead reaches the upper end of a significant vehicle rise from Montana Highway 93 and the Bitterroot valley floor. Sweeney Creek Road is found south of Missoula, Montana, and 1.5 miles south of Florence. Turning off 93 to the west you follow the smooth Sweeney Creek Road.9 miles at which point it veers off to the south, and you continue straight forward on the dirt road, following FR 1315 each of 6.4 miles up the mountainside to the trailhead. The street through the switchbacks is sharp, moving the skills of 2-wheel drive vehicles.

On the path the climbing remains, beginning with a 1000 foot level climb in the first mile. You add almost still another 1000 feet elevation within the next 1 1/2 miles to 7,692 feet. If it was only numbers this old man would have quit sometime ago. But, within the very first mile after switchbacks through wooded form the trail breaks from the ridge's south side, with abrupt cliffs below and views over the Sweeney Creek Canyon. The Bitterroot Valley opens up far below to the east, St. John Peak systems to the southwest, and Little St. The scene is dominated by joe right throughout the canyon from your perch atop the cliffs.

As you follow above the Sweeney Creek Canyon the path then cuts over the mountainside, and follows the shape upward, still climbing. Two and a half miles in to the journey after constant upward climbing, the high position on the path is reached. For another viewpoint, people might need to check out: River Hopatcong; A Vacation Paradise. Like by divine plan, right there is really a little spring and stream trickling throughout the trail in the most incredibly great relaxing way

From that great pile water fountain the trail leads off fairly smoothly for another mile or so through the forest. To my complete pleasure the path once more brings back to the canyon cliffs above Sweeney Creek. The aim of Peterson Lake has become within sight. For fresh information, please consider checking out: logo. Oh indeed, there it was shining just like a sparkling gem, right DOWN there another mile and a half to the base of the canyon!

A past journey up this trail had made it to this point. Already around 3.5 miles into the hike, and recognizing that the trail takes a sharp downward turn, I'd opted for to turn back. The extra 1 1/2 miles into a canyon and back along with a 3.5 mile walk back, might have pressed it.

That wonderful day a year later though, the intend to ensure it is was entirely equipment, the day was younger, and I was up for the length. If you have an opinion about data, you will possibly require to compare about details. The walk get around a foot descent from that standpoint to the

Pond. And descend you do, on to a high mountain area. Just what a wonderful large alpine hill landscape surrounds you as you cross grassy meadows to the upper end of the lake. A initiate

trail leads from the main trail to the intake of the lake near ancient campsites put among the trees.

The 3rd time was the appeal! My trek to Peterson Lake in this large mountain basin of the Bitterroot Range was full. What a certainly wonderful little high nation pond surrounded by high mountain peaks right up close to the air. I settled in for a lengthy overdue lunch on the lake shore by the upper inlet of the lake, reveling in the mountain bowl world. You've the effect that the canyon does just drop off below the sea, since it sits in a small mountain bowl. A great group of pictures of this Montana Bitterroot Range prize can be seen in the image Gallery at www.montanaadventure.com..

The day was quickly moving away, and it was essential to hit the trail straight back out. There clearly was however a foot climb up out of this great basin, and 5 miles roughly to beat down the walk back to the jeep. Now we all know the pleasure can be found by the end of this trail. Plans were already developing within my mind for doing that path again, only the next occasion with complete pack, tent, asleep case, fishing rod and the works. Certainly the following goal to stay for the reason that high mountain basin whilst the sun sets, the sky filling with a stars - treasuring this treasure of a mountain river.

As it was made by me back the trail to the truck the night was closing in. The sheer fatigue from the effort was nearly overwhelming for this 50 something body, but, the sense of jubilation at the awesome job was incredible. I'd stumbled onto a real Montana hill treasure with this great journey in the large Bitterroot Range of Montana.

That jubilation was promptly followed closely by the desire to jump into the right food. For many trips into the backcountry of Montana there are wonderful places nearby to chow down. In this region we'll mind for the Cantina Manhattan project Cocina in Victor - dynamite tacos, enchiladas and burritos. And the fantastic places to keep, like complete support base-camp hotels through the Bitterroot Valley - bought at www.montanaadventure.com - in just miles of Bitterroot Range trailheads.. Check them out and prepare your Bitterroot Range adventure!. Lake Elsinore Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Announces New Dealership In Lake Elsinore contains more concerning where to do this concept.