One of the trails I had never transited the entire way is the Sourdough Ridge Trail that runs from Sunrise Point to Frozen Lake. On Tuesday, August 21st, I parked at Sunrise Point and hiked said trail, bagging a couple of peaks along the way. The smoke had cleared considerably, although still present, and I started this hike in the early afternoon with noticeably better visibility vice the day before when I did the Palisades. I soon came to the trail for Dege Peak, which leads all the way to the summit. Nice views from here and I could see my next destination, Antler Peak. Antler is a short easy scramble to the summit and affords comparable views to Dege due to its proximity, but still makes for nice views and a bit of solitude because it's off the established track. Once I regained the trail after lingering on the summit a bit, I eventually crossed paths with the first person I had seen that day as I descended to the waiting snack bar at Sunrise, where I had an early dinner....quite convenient.

*The meadow transited to access the ridge to McNeeley Peak (6786'), right frame*

With my drink and snack sated bod, I departed Sunrise westward for the short jaunt to the intersection with the Huckleberry Creek trail at 6800', descending to an obvious area to exit the path and head towards a saddle leading to McNeeley Peak. Attaining McNeeley involved the usual route finding exercise for best terrain leading to the summit, but this peak is described as an easy scramble and presented no problems. I spent considerable time at the summit with its 360 degree views, basking in the late afternoon sun and enjoying much better visibility than the day before. Eventually one must leave the pinnacle of that day's efforts and I descended to the pleasant meadow leading back to the Huckleberry Creek trail with an eye towards hitting the snack bar one more time before closing at 7 PM for a coffee. I also had the notion of catching a ride down the road to my vehicle at Sunrise Point. I'm happy to say I met with success on both counts, making this leisurely 3 peak bagging afternoon a delight in every way. Stats: 8.25 miles and 3000' elevation.

*Antler Peak (7017'), right of trail, on trek back to Sunrise after summiting McNeeley*

*Looking back at Dege (7006') from Antler summit*