After driving 90 minutes to the trail head, we headed up the 3 mile hike to Hidden Valley in mid 60 degree weather.  All of us were thinking - "how hard could 3 miles be?” 

Well, the first 1.8 miles to Horse Camp were very nice, being generally in the forest with some partial views of Mt. Shasta.  The final leg was 1.5 miles, so we all thought - no problem.  Well, this part goes up fast (1,400 ft) and does not stop until you get to the one remaining flat spot on the west side of Mt. Shasta.  Once there, the views were just amazing. 

We passed over 30 people in several groups stating their climb to the top of Mt. Shasta (14,200 feet high).  The average age was under 30 and all seemed excited about their adventure.  We wished them a safe journey.  Refreshments were had at Bistro 107 (ne'e Billy's Goat's Tavern) in Mount Shasta, which was over 95 degrees by the time we arrived. Bistro 107 has been completely redone with new furniture inside and out, a sparkling kitchen and a bathroom that's no longer scary.

Keeley