Thirty-four TrailBlazers, one canine and a cockatiel had great weather and lots of sunshine for our return to Sam’s Throne. There were beautiful views as we trekked along the bluff line and saw Sam’s Throne across the valley.

The trail is relatively short, but it takes quality time to get 34 people up the crack in the rock to the top of the throne. This involves climbing up a steep slot canyon to the staging area where one of our brave men scampers to the top to place a rope to help the rest of us. En route to this launching area, one of our hikers hurt her leg against a sharp rock, but she bravely overcame this obstacle and made it to the top. Yours Truly notes that this climb with the rope is somewhat tricky for the vertically and chronologically-challenged – she ought to know! Danny did a great job of manning the rope, and several others where there to lend a helping hand, give us advice on finding footholds, and cheer us on.

Once on top we had time to enjoy our lunch with a great view and do some exploring and hiking all over the top of the throne. Then we made our way back down the crack and negotiated the steep, rocky hillside back to the trail. After that it was clear sailing as we trekked along the return part of the loop and were treated to magnificent bluffs, lots of rock climbers in action, and icicles on the bluffs. In some places lots of ice had fallen to the ground and we had to dodge some melting ice as we hiked along. After the final upward trek we were back to parking lot where the temps were balmy. Great day!