MRT Day 16: Top of the Rim and Forest Lakes

Daily Miles: 20.0, Total Miles: 213.9

This morning started with some foot doctoring – my patient was Mini-Me and he had some angry blisters on both little toes. After popping, taping and a few tears, we were ready to go.

We made a gradual climb over the next seven miles to finish the Highline Trail just below the Rim. Over the 55-mile pioneer route, there was 10,000 ft of elevation gain. The vertical wasn’t over yet. We then joined the Sinkhole Trail for the final push to the top of the Rim.

We briefly enjoyed the expansive views on the Rim Lakes Vista Trail before lunch and water at the Rim CG. Now on much flatter trails, we continued on past popular Willow Springs Lake to the small community of Forest Lakes.

I had booked a small cabin here but we were a day early so we hopped into Mini-Me’s rental car and drove a short distance to Heber. A shower, steak dinner and early to bed started the recovery process.

Thanks to my son, Mini-Me, for joining me on this memorable leg – it was a lot of fun! And congrats on your first thru-hike, the Highline Trail!