Sunset time: 5:33 p.m.

To keep the group going, I've decided to set up a regular Spencer's Butte Sunset Hike every week on Wednesday evening. Each hike will officially leave about one hour before sunset, although you can start earlier or later and join the group at the top. I'm not going to cancel any hikes regardless of the weather. If you go on all of these, you'll be in shape before you know it! Don't wait for me or anyone else at the parking lot. Just leave at the designated time and we'll all meet at the top.

We'll take the main trail, so go straight ahead from the parking lot (don't take the trail on the left). Walk 1/2 mile and stay left at the trail junction. Then it's 1/2 mile to the top, with 800 feet elevation gain. It gets rocky near the top, so look for 3" round metal trail markers attached to the rocks.

Civil twilight, bright enough to see, only lasts about 30 minutes after sunset. So be sure to bring a headlamp or a flashlight, since we'll be walking the last part in the dark. For safety, please walk with at least one other person, and bring your cell phone. If you're the second to the last person, make sure the last person isn't left behind!

Getting together after the hike at a restaurant or bar is highly encouraged.

See you this Wednesday.