After an enjoyable day on Iron Bog Peak the previous day, we were looking for an easy peak before the total eclipse occurring the next day.

Glide Mountain in Copper Basin has always been on my list and the stats are pretty mellow (for my proposed route). About 9 miles and 2500' of gain... most of it on trail. Plus I had been on the entire trail when doing Cooper Trail Peak 2 years ago. Easy peasy, right?! Wrong!

The hike started well. We enjoyed the scenery, wildflowers, and there was less smoke in the air today. As we went on, my wife asked "Is that the peak way over there?". It did look far away, gulp.

We reached the saddle between Cooper Trail Peak and Glide Mountain and began heading up the west slopes of Glide Mountain. The terrain then got more rocky, turned north, and dropped a bit.

As we headed up the south ridge, the going wasn't too bad, but we could see a rocky area just before the highpoint of Glide Mountain. My wife wanted to lead this section, so I let her. She did great, but one knife edge section provided more challenge than she appreciated.

After the rocky section, the top was a short walk away. The views were tremendous... of the Pioneers (Big Black Dome all the way to Grays Peak, including Hyndman, Cobb, and Old Hyndman). The views of Copper Basin were exceptional as well.

We discussed our return route and decided to just drop basically due east, cross Star Hope Creek, and follow the road back to the trailhead. Great plan on paper, but in reality, it sucked! The lower sections of our descent were steep, loose, and brushy. The creek crossing required boot removal. Then, after we thought we were done, we had to slop through a football field of ankle deep, smelly, swamp water to finally reach the road out.

This wasn't the first time my wife has faced adversity on a trip, but I explained to her at least she knows why I have been late in the past. Sometimes a mountain just throws more at you then you expect! Fun day regardless!

There are numerous ways to get to Copper Basin. I won't get into which on to take, but get on the Copper Basin Loop Road and take it to Star Hope campground.

Drive into the Star Hope campground to the end of a loop where there is a fence. Walk the 100 feet to the green gate and open it. This is the start of the trail. Take the Bear Canyon trail that leaves the campground and follow it about 1.5 miles to a fork. Take the left fork signed for Copper Creek Trail. Eventually you will achieve a saddle at approximately 9800' between Glide Mountain and Copper Trail Peak. Turn east, then north and follow this ridge to the summit. The ridge drops in a few spots, is mostly class 2, but has a class 3 section just below the summit.