photos by David Halterman

Just 32 feet shy of qualifying as a true 14r, Engineer Mountain has always been a favorite quickie for locals and a dream come true for visitors looking for a little altitude. And with last springs daring ski/base jump, theres almost nothing you can do at the top that hasnt already been done. (Well, maybe). But the snow is melting and the flowers are just about to bloom, so get off your bum and go bag a peak.

Skunk Cabbage abounds during the first section of trail. Hikers take the all-fours-scramble as an alternative to the crux move on their approach to the summit. Good boots are a great way not to break your ankle on the talus slopes. The mid-July snow will soon give way to flowers in the meadow beneath Engineer. While not many flowers are in bloom, this lone columbine spread its petals over the weekend. Mark Busnardo, left, and Stu Prall scout the fin on the approach to the summit on Saturday. Dark clouds on the horizon are a good sign that its time to head for the lowlands. Hikers pause to take in the views and collect their throughts and breath on the summit.