Seven Mile Breakfast Hike

The smell of fresh white sage gently greets and awakens me. My fellow hikers and I are bathed in the coolness of pre-dawn light as we begin a  Seven-Mile Mountain Breakfast Hike. We had picked up our brown bag breakfasts earlier from the dining hall and strapped on the provided daypack as we made our way to the trail.  Though there’s about a baker’s dozen of us hikers of various abilities, we have all completed the “Pilgrim” or “Professor’s” hikes as prerequisites to this seven-mile jaunt. We are ready to enjoy the views and get a brisk walk before shifting into our day.

This group-paced hike takes us over ridges with vast views looking west as the sun rises over the hills behind us. We walk past wind-hollowed boulders, and at the top of a hill, the sun meets us after we hike out of a canyon to our breakfast spot, about three and a half miles into our trip. It’s a 20-minute break to relax, enjoy the view and eat delicious fresh fruit and yogurt, a breakfast burrito, and if we are still hungry, a peanut butter sandwich. On the journey home, our two guides are like bookends, leading and following us on either end of the group. To conclude the trek, they guide us through a quick stretch at the balance bars.

A few notes to consider before heading out on any of the mountain hikes:

• Preferably wear sturdy footwear with lug soles
• Carry and drink plenty of water
• Stay on the trail with the group
• Be realistic and know your limits
• Try an easier hike first, such as Quail One
• Wear sunscreen

For more information on this or other hikes visit our hiking page:

https://rancholapuerta.com/at-the-ranch/activities/fitness/hikes-walks/

Enjoy the journey!