Camp near Fairy Lake, Bridger Mtns I spend so much of my time traveling across the state for my camping and photography adventures that I rarely take the time to enjoy the areas closer to home.  At least once a year I try to take a trip somewhere close by, usually an hour or less from home.  This summer's adventure was to camp near Fairy Lake in the Bridger Mountains and hike up Sacagawea Peak, the highest peak in the Bridgers.  I tend to travel a little further from town as the crowds at the closer, easier accessible areas tend to be a little too heavy on the weekends.  While the area was busy it was relatively peaceful.  And you can't beat the views.

Looking East from Sacagawea Peak trail, Bridger Mtns The hike up Sacagawea Peak starts out innocently enough, a nice dirt path winding through the trees, but quickly turns to a little more challenging trail.  Not too far into the hike you break out of the trees and really start to climb.  Then you get to the first ridge and are faced with unbelievably cold wind blowing over the range.  At least the trail levels out for a while at this stage.  Then you begin the final scramble, zigzagging up the trail covered in loose bits of rock.  The views are amazing and make the trek worthwhile - you can see for miles and miles in all directions.  I was not fortunate enough to see any mountain goats, one of the few areas in the state that the creatures call home, but I was rewarded with the great views and lots of wildflowers.  I almost wanted to stay a while longer to take it all in, unfortunately I had only packed a light fleece jacket and was quickly cooling down thanks to the unending wind.

I can't believe it took me almost a decade to make this trip!