Day #21-Mesas and mountains (and prisons). Miles hiked: 18.1

We took a slow day out of town this morning to continue eating our way through Grants, but eventually got on the road again to head up to Mt. Taylor, our first “real climb.” 

No pictures because I didn’t want to get in trouble, but we also passed the state penitentiary complete with signs asking drivers not to pick up hitch hikers. Good thing there’s no hitch required on this section!

After the first 1500 ft of climbing, I hit the top of my first mesa—a big flat-topped mountain for my TN folk. Nice view of Grants below!

After 10ish more miles of gradual climbing, it was time to set up camp next to a nice horse trough for water. Mt. Taylor summit tomorrow morning!