With an eminent storm coming (Sunday) with the possibility of snows we knew we had an urgency to tackle Mount Taylor as possibly our last hike before winter is really upon us here in New Mexico. The hike begins in a conifer forest with pine needles cushioning every step. In the shadows there was crusted snow and few footprints.
As the elevation increased we found ourselves out of the forested area and into the grassy clearings and extensive meadows that surround the summit of Mount Taylor. We started our trek with temperatures in the mid 40's but the higher we ascended the lower the temperatures dropped. Finding ourselves less than a mile from the summit the exposed clearings did little to shield us from the chilling winds.
Reaching the summit we noticed the frost on the evergreens which stood as sentinels guarding the peak. After enjoying our lunches and stopping to let the sweat on our backs begin to chill us it was time to retreat the summit.
We made great time and enjoyed the feeling coming back to our frozen hands each step we took in the decent. In actuality the temperature never rose above 45 degrees in the valley but it felt great nevertheless compared to the cold at 11,300 feet.
Mount Taylor was a great hike, and excellent opportunity to feel sense of accomplishment after gluttonus Thanksgiving indulgence!
