When the snows melt, mud is a challenge on most hiking trails, but any sloped route that is south-facing will dry off first.    A route from the bottom near Tranquille up an old double track, then along a series of steeper ridges climbs through sagebrush grasslands to a high point above the Tranquille Canyon.   

The final goal is the top of The Pimple, an open spot on a rocky hilltop with 360 degree views. We have to climb 1800 vertical feet over 3.5 km to get there with no trail for much of the route. 

This is a route we have done in spring most years and one we will do again, making small variations each time.    It is a scenic and interesting route, but not an easy one.    All photos by the author.   Click an image for a lightbox view and a caption. 

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From the ridge we have excellent views up Tranquille Canyon and the glaciated hills and ridges on the Mount Mara – Wheeler Mountain side.  

From the top of The Pimple we are provided with a profile of Jag Hill, still with a snowy crown.  

We meandered down through forested slopes to make the descent less steep for the upper half, then descended down an old double track to the bottom: