King's Peak

I have been wanting to hike Kings Peak for years. The trouble is finding someone to go with me and having the time needed as well as decent weather. This year for Labor Day the stars aligned. Cyndee Maki was willing to come, we had the time, and the weather forecast looked great.

We left Friday when I got home from school. Well actually a little later because traffic was CRAZY, always the case on holiday weekends. We stopped in Evanston, Wyoming for some dinner and then headed to the Henry Forks Trail-head. We got to the trail head after 9pm. That is late to start a hike but we really didn't have any other options.

The temperature was perfect and with a headlamp we were able to hike really fast, especially with packs. We hiked in 5 and 1/2 miles in just under two and a half hours. We found a spot off the trail and set up camp. We realized how chilly it was once we stopped hiking and were setting up camp. It was going to be a cold night. I was finally snuggled in my sleeping bag at 12:38. I froze most of the night, mainly because my hands were so cold by the time I got in the sleeping bag. I finally warmed up around 4am and got some good rest. I slept until 8:30.

We had checked the weather for the peak in Wyoming on Friday and it was supposed to be partly cloudy all day. Seemed like a great day for a hike. We were excited to get hiking. Good morning world.

Moki posing by all our gear.

 This was Moki's first backpacking trip. She got to hang out in the morning while we got ready for the day. She didn't seem to mind.

 Putting her pack on her. She did awesome with this pack. I know she doesn't love it but she tolerated it.

 Selfie as we start

 We camped right before the trail junction. We were hoping to do this but we weren't sure we had because of the dark.

As you can see the day was gorgeous. The temperature was great and once we got moving I was down to just my t-shirt. The views were also stunning.

 There was a huge herd of sheep in one of the meadows. Moki looked like she was one of them.

We made great time because the trail really is very gradual. It was great to have our heavy packs off and to hike with just day packs.

We went up over Gunsight pass and we were feeling great, but it was lunch time. We sat down to eat lunch just over the pass, there was way too much wind on the pass, and watched as a huge storm rolled in. Lots of thunder and it actually started to snow on us.....WHAT??????? We watched in disbelief while we ate our lunch. There was no lightning just thunder and snow so we decided to keep going and see if the storm would pass.

 We hiked down into the basin and started to climb up Anderson pass, (I believe), before the wind and snow was just too much. We only had light jackets and hats, Cyndee had gloves, but we were not prepared for a winter storm. As we continued up to the basin we started to run into hiker after hiker who had turned around before the peak because there was too much snow. We found shelter under a rock and ate some snacks to see if the weather would cooperate.

 Trying to be happy despite the disappointing weather. Moki was fine with the weather.

We sat under this rock and just got colder and colder and realized we probably needed to head back. We were over 12,000 ft but the storm was relentless. The peak was completely covered in clouds and the lower peaks were sprinkled with snow. We were disappointed but ready to be warm. We headed back towards Gunsight Pass.

As soon as we got to the top of gunsight pass we saw the valley we had hiked through that morning full of sunshine. No hint of a storm on this side of the mountain.......so crazy.

This is the top of the pass looking towards Kings Peak.

 Now looking towards our campsite.

The difference was crazy and a little frustrating. We enjoyed beautiful weather and views as we headed back to camp.

 Moki and I with our matching packs. (totally not planned she just got what was on sale)

 Even though we didn't summit we hiked a little over 14 miles. It was a long day. Moki was so tired she started to lay down in the middle of the trail whenever we stopped to greet another hiker. I have never seen her do that. Carrying a pack is hard work. Once we made it back to camp she was DONE!

 It was hilarious

We ate dinner, hung the packs, and hunkered down for the night. We got into our tents around 8pm so it was a lot warmer than the previous night. Thankfully I was much warmer the second night. Moki got in the tent and was out.

 I slept great for three hours and then was awake for like three hours, my hips were killing, and then slept another few hours. We woke up ate breakfast and headed out. It was a pretty fast 5.5 miles to the car. It was really warm by the time we got to the car.

We made it to the end

 This car selfie was the last time Moki's head was up the entire way home:)

It was disappointing we didn't summit but overall it was an awesome trip. I love exploring new places. We got in tons of miles and it was kind of close to home. Moki loved it and it was great that she could come. She did amazing. We will have to go back sometime to bag that peak.