Circle Mountain was our first hike after purchasing our Wrightwood cabin in 2014, and the steepness of the use trail had deterred us from making a return visit since – that is until Chris got a little stir crazy and decided to do a solo hike today. It’s 1-1/4 miles and 800 vertical feet to the top, and the trail wastes little in the way of deviations from a direct route. Extending east from Lone Pine Canyon Road first along an undulating ridge, the path then drops into a low saddle before ascending three successive hills, pretty much straight up the fall line of each. The first hill only required one rest break, the second one none, but the third (and tallest) hill was another story altogether – walk for a minute, rest for two, lather, rinse, repeat. The high point lies 100 yards or so east of the third hilltop, and Chris signed the register here before continuing a short distance further east to check out a new memorial viewing bench that’s been recently installed. The rewards of the steep climb are realized here – the San Bernardinos lie to the east across Cajon Pass, the San Jacintos to the SE, the Mt. Baldy area to the south, the vast expanse of the desert to the north, and Wrightwood nestled in its cozy valley to the west. Although hazier than our hike a few weeks ago along the west end of Blue Ridge, again visible far to the NW were Owens Peak, Mts. Whitney and Langley, and Olancha Peak – truly remarkable to be able to see that far. The trip down was uneventful and took about half as long as the ascent. For reference, the first 15 photos were shot with Chris’ new Sigma 24mm lens (unfiltered as yet), the remainder being shot with the familiar 18-55mm zoom lens with a polarizing filter. Temps in the low 40s with a light breeze – chilly but crystal-clear skies and a great day.