To be mystified is an understatement of what someone might feel coming face to face with the shadow of a mountain.  The views from a thrown only God could have illustrated.  The peace of a space only a seeker could truly find.   I found South Warner Wilderness while working in Lassen Volcanic National Park.  I recall sitting under the shade of a tree.  I sat here after work looking at information for future backpacking trips.  While doing this research I discovered a Wilderness Area a few hours away inside of far North Eastern California.  A mountain range looming above the little town of Alturas, California.  The Warner Mountains!  I checked the weather, fire maps, and snow maps.  I packed my Hyperlite backpack and began my drive after making myself a breakfast sandwich. 

My drive started from the little mountain town of Chester California.  My goal was to climb Milk Peak and Warren Peak.  Once I got to Interstate 375, I drove until I got to Alturas, California.  From a distance the Warner Mountains rose above the town, looking beautiful and inspiring.  Once in town, I drove down a slew of dirt roads in Modoc National Forest.  Soon I found myself at Pepperdine Equestrian Campground.  A free Campground at the Pepperdine Trail Head in Modoc National Forest.  Once read,  I started walking on the Pepperdine Trail which runs the crest of the Warren Mountains.  Once I had Warren Peak in view I noticed more snow on the approach than I cared to deal with.  So I decided to backtrack slightly and summit Milk Peak.  This mountain would be my home for the night, and once I summited, I was met by Beautiful views and a Mountain Summit covered in Lady Bugs!  They were everywhere.  I tried to be very careful so I would not harm any of the little guys.  I pitched my tent with a view of Mount Shasta at my tent door.  I photographed the sunset and soon found myself asleep until morning.  I awoke the next morning and walked cross country to the Owl Creek Trail and created a loop out of my trip. During my walk back to my Jeep, I couldn’t help but feel in awe of this beautiful place God has blessed me to experience!  Once back to my Jeep I grabbed some coffee in Alturus at Java Doc and then drove back to Chester.

-Sky