For Experienced Explorers Only

My friends and I have had a great time with the Helena Area Hiking Guide by Cedron Jones.  As I've said before, anyone using this guide will want to invest in a GPS.  Taking a friend with you is also a good idea.  And when Jones says, "For experienced hikers only"  rock climbing gear may be indicated.

When we decided to take hike 8 on page 28, the hike on the east side of York bridge, we  had some previous experience with the guide.  Our previous experience led us to believe that we probably wouldn't complete the hike exactly as described the first time through.  Our other hikes with Jones book were thick with comments something like this, "Oh, we were supposed to go all the way to the top of the other side!"   And, "Is this the steep descent on the map, or is that one over there?"

We hiked #8 York Bridge, East side, in April. There is something about hiking near the Missouri River in April:  less snow, milder temperatures, and the steady stream of "Oh yuck!" as hikers find ticks.

In spite of the ticks and Kristy wrestling with the dog for room in the back seat of my Olds Alero on the way there, we had a wonderful time in the great outdoors.  We found the remains of an old mining siphon, ditches, and the hack site for falcons.

Next, we came to the place that Jones describes as " ...a mini wilderness--- a rugged scenic even hiking guide authors might get lost in.  It has arches, cliffs, narrows..."
Not having brought rock climbing gear with us since we haven't a clue how to use it, we turned back when we reached the experienced hiker area and descended to the river/lake below.

As for the climb up from the lake: If you get your jollies from stopping every 10 minutes to dump sliding dirt out of your shoes, take this route!  These little things are what make a hike memorable, right?