To be honest, we’d been looking at this mountain from our site in Yuma for a couple of months. We’d hiked up to the start of the climb before, which was about 1.5 miles with it’s own challenges. However, we knew this was different. Telegraph Pass was not an easy hike.

The Ascent

Once we got to the start of the climb, it would be one mile basically straight up, as my elevation map shows. This was after hiking up and down the smaller hills for 1.5 miles to get to the base.

As I looked up from the start of the climb, I definitely second-guessed my decision to attempt this climb. However, I’d been told that the views from the top were worth every painful step I’d endure to reach the summit.

Plus, my brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and nephew had done this hike at Christmas, so I couldn’t be outdone by them!

We began our ascent, and I realized this wasn’t going to be a “walk in the park”, or even my favorite-“nature hike”. We were climbing a mountain on a paved road, with gravel that we could easily slip and fall on.

There were times we were walking at a 45-degree angle, and I tried really hard not to look too far ahead for what was coming. This was definitely one of those “put one foot in front of the other and keep going” hikes.

Mike was very patient with me as I’d stop when my watch told me my heart rate was up over 160, and I needed to rest and bring it back down some. He’d hand me water and wait until I gave the all clear to continue.

Eventually, I could see the top of the one-mile climb and knew I could make it! And, as you’ll see from the video, the hike was definitely worth it.

Views from the Summit

The Descent

Unfortunately, we still had to go back down. You’d think going down would be a piece of cake. Nope. It was so steep, and we used muscles we’ve probably never used before trying not to slip on the gravel scattering the pavement or trip and roll the rest of the way down!

Eventually we made it to the bottom of the climb, but still had to hike another 1.5 miles back to the truck.

Needless to say, after burning over 700 calories and feeling it in every muscle, we decided to order a pizza at DaBoyz and call it a day.

Our Observation

This was definitely one of those bucket list hikes if you’re in the Yuma area. However, know that it is a strenuous climb to the top, so bring plenty of water and a snack to recharge while you’re enjoying the beauty at the top.

As you saw in the video, we liked hiking in that area so much, we completed another hike a couple of weeks later.

Jennifer Skinnell is the author of the Hope Springs Romance Series available on Amazon. Click here to read about each book in the series and and see her quilt gallery. Click here to check out her Amazon Author Page.