It was a nice hot day to do a ridge in Waianae. Met up with Chris and Gen in Nanakuli at the trailhead.

Morning shade

We scrambled up through the dry brush and scattered rocks with the ridge providing temporary shade from the withering Waianae sun.

Northwest ridge

Climbing up the shorter but steeper route. Shaved half a mile. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Morning sun

The elevation gain also came with the loss of the morning shade. Good morning Waianae.

Buddha has left the mountain

Group photo at the 1,870′ summit of Heleakala, left to right: Gen, myself and Chris.

Going down

Dipping into the saddle to shed 1,000′ of elevation.

Going up

Just like those fad diets, we gained all of the 1,000′ elevation back and then some.

Watering hole

No twerking bees here. Move along.

Rocky climb

It was a rocky rollercoaster ride up and down the ridge.

Getting hot

Time to slather liberal amounts of sunscreen on our exposed epidermis.

Lualualei Valley

Looking into the largest coastal valley on the Leeward coast.

Panoramic view

Click here for the larger image.

Climbing down

Going down one rock at a time.

What’s wrong with this picture?

Lucky she was a southpaw. Still had three fingers and the hook of her elbow. Photo by Genesaret Balladares.

False summit ahead

Plunging ahead into overgrowth country.

Contouring

The exposed rocks intermittently broke up the continuity of the overgrowth.

Where’s that rope?

The main rock obstacle on the ridge. We had actually spotted a rope on the right side as we approached it through the overgrowth but lost sight of it and went up the hard way. No rope. Character building. Dislocated thumb. More character building.

More rock climbing

I’d rather deal with climbing rocks than thick overgrowth any day.

I don’t need help

Color me impressed. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Looking back

The hardest part of the ridge was behind us. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Tangled branches

Ducking and weaving.

Summit ahead

The ridge soon leveled out and became more exposed as we neared the summit.

WST

We climbed over the fence to mark our arrival at the 3,035′ point on the Waianae Summit Trail.

Follow the fence

After eating our lunch, we followed the steps and fence back down.

Broken step

Somebody needs to lose weight. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Central view

Soaking in one of the many views along the ridge.

Close the gate

Leaving the Palehua Nature Preserve.

Headed out

Passing the rock passage. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Scenic point

Time to bust out the selfie stick again. Make that plural.

Climb that tree

That tree was made for sitting.

Indiana Jones Boulders

Hoping not to get rolled over. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Heleakala ridge

The ridge was filled with cardio climbing and rock scrambling. Throw in some heat for good measure, tempered with weak winds.

Switchbacks

One coming. One going.

Bamboo forest

Funny finding bamboo grass on the West side.

Back to civilization

Walking down to the communication towers. The end of the hiking trail and the start of the road trail. Photo by Chris Bautista.

The long road out

The long winding road went down five miles past lettered lots, Camp Timberline and assorted wildlife, fenced and free range.

GPS Tracks

The hot and scenic hike covered 9.59 miles. Post hike meal at Outback. No prime rib? Chopped steak for me.