The lower hillside is covered in scree from the deterioration of the large rocky outcroppings near the summit. I follow a few well-worn game trails and switchback my way up to the high cliff bands. I am on the northern side of a larger wash, but I can see dozens of windows, alcoves, and arches in the rocky face across from me.
Read MoreUnnamed Peak 6371 - Antelope Peak - UT, quad
The ridgeline ends abruptly at a rocky face. The views along the southern and western ridges are stunning as the rock cuts a jagged edge along the horizon. I catch movement below me and I watch mesmerized as a bald eagle floats on currents along the base of the ridge, about halfway between myself and the ground floor.
Read MoreThree Peaks East, Middle and West - Avon SE - UT and Antelope Peak - UT, quads
I perform my ritual of hiking back and forth to locate the GPS summit and the actual high point. I don’t bother looking to close at these beautiful summit cairns for any geocache markers but I am sure that is what they represent. A booming thunder clap causes me to turn east as the looming dark cloud bursts the skyline with rain.
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