We didn't have a hike planned for this week, so when Tom called and said, "Would you be interested in doing Hancock Peak with me?" we were in for the adventure. One thing we really enjoy about hiking with Tom is that he plans great adventures to some of the most unusual and overlooked places - this hike was no exception!
We have been to Panguitch many times, over the years, but have never thought about hiking the mountain range to the east of this little town in the Sevier Valley. That has changed after doing this most enjoyable loop hike. One of the things we liked was exploring a new area that we hadn't been to before. Thanks, Tom, for taking us with you and giving us ideas for several future hikes.
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| Heading down HWY 89 heading for another adventure |
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| The road to the Hancock Peak trailhead was quite scenic |
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Hunt Creek was nice and clear . . .
It surprised us to find running water so late in the season |
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| There it is . . . Hancock Peak (9,990 ft) . . . it looks so far away! |
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Colorful thistles were growing along Hancock Creek
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| Looking back south (from where we have come) at Peak 9450 |
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Hmmm . . . what was Tom thinking?
This was definitely a bad section of Aspen bushwhacking . . . thankfully, it was a short section! |
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| After making it through the aspens, these daisies were like a ray of sunshine! |
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From this point on, the ascent became quite steep . . .
It gained several hundred feet in a very short distance |
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We took several breaks along the way, enjoying the views . . .
This, again, is looking back at where we started |
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| It was refreshing to walk among the changing aspens as we neared the top |
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| Ah . . . we're almost there! |
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We made it! The rocky top of Hancock Peak . . .
This is looking east at Powell Point, which can be seen on the distant horizon |
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We enjoyed our lunch while taking in the great views . . .
Hard to believe an hour earlier we were down in that valley bushwhacking through those aspens! |
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We decided to make this a loop hike, rather than an out and back
(We ascended by going up the northeast side and descended coming down the southwest side) |
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Now we're talking . . . it should be pretty much downhill all the way!
(This is looking west towards the town of Panguitch that lies in the valley below) |
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| This 20 oz water bottle is dwarfed by this huge mushroom |
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| Pretty Parry's Bellflower was growing along the trail |
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Our last view of Hancock Peak
(This is at the junction of Hancock Creek and Carter Creek . . .
We ascended by using the Hancock Creek drainage and came back down via Carter Creek) |
We enjoyed this hike very much and imagine you might, as well. As is his custom, Tom has allowed us to link to his Peakbagger.com post for details of our route. By clicking
here you will find a topo map and can download his GPS tracks for this seven mile round-trip hike. It took us about six hours to complete.
