Tuesday's Hike: Old Spanish Trail

We spent a day with the Baxter fam at Fish Lake somewhat near Richfield, UT. Along with many fun activities, including fishing, board games, and dining at the century-old lodge, we took a stroll along the Old Spanish Trail to the west of the lake.

Alright. Saying that this trail was a stroll was a bit of a fib. It was dang toasty outside, and I'm just glad I didn't pass out or get heat stroke or get bitten by a rattler. I'm certain those reptiles populate this trail like it's going out of style. Plus, we had turkey vultures circling around us because I'm certain we looked tasty and like we were about to keel over. Ominous, I know!

Despite all the unpleasantries, this hike did have some redemptive qualities, such as: the incredible view, the shady spots...and the incredible view.

Things to know about this hike:

• The Old Spanish Trail is the path Father Escalante and cohorts took to the west, so hiking this trail is hiking along a piece of history, if you're into that sort of thing
• Time: We hiked to the top of the summit to have a look around then made our way back down the treacherous trail, which took just as long
• Location: Fish Lake
• Difficulty: moderate
• Hazards: extremely loose volcanic rock ("Baby's fist ski trip," Kirk says), and swarms of woman-eating mosquitoes and flies