A few months ago we set out on a hike to Box Springs Lookout which came really close to the “M” above Moreno Valley. However, that day we saw the M. Today, as part of another training hike for Philmont this summer, we went in search of the M. We started at the two trees trail. It is a trail up Box Springs Mountain that is about 1.5 miles up with an elevation gain of just over 1,100 feet. Once we reached the top we to the picnic area and took a break at the tables.
Emily, myself and Matthew
It was hot and we were all drinking a lot of water. As we headed up the road to the top we took the Spring Trail that is East of the Road. It is shorter than going up the road and had a quicker elevation gain. It also has an area that you walk through that has plants. Both Emily and I ran into something that left a couple of little blisters on our right forearm. As we stopped at a bench to take a break, Emily pointed at the location of the irritation.
Resting on the Spring Trail in Box Springs Mountain Park
Did I say it was getting hot? It was, and we drank more water and Power-aid. The Spring Trail met up with the road that continued on towards Box Springs Lookout. I thought about getting out of the heat, but Matthew had always wanted to go to the M so we kept on. Rather than go up the short length to the lookout, we kept going to the far end of the ridge. We then took a small trail south and found the M where Matthew found a spot to rest. It was the M I C (see) rather than the C I saw this time.
Matthew on the M of Moreno Valley
We found some shade to rest in. Emily was not sweating enough and she was hot. We figured that she had not drunk enough water, so we had her drink more before we made our way back. As we made out way down the road Emily seemed ever focused on one thing. A solution to a problem that was easily handled in other places for us boys.
Relief on the trail back to the car
We continued our hike back to the Two Trees Trail and then down to the truck. It was a good hike that was about 8 miles long. Weather could have been cooler, but that is why you drink lots of water.
