Bryan & College Station, Texas

Some friends of ours took us on a hike and picnic on Sugar Loaf Mountain. Wonderful Turkey Pastrami and Swiss sandwiches were made for us and we took their dog.

This place apparently was “THE” place to go as a teenager a couple of decades ago, and I’m sure it’s still that way. We didn’t see anyone else up there while we were there. There were some families hanging out at the renovated bridge at the foothills, but other than that, we were alone.

I’m thinking the “peak” is about 400 - 500ft. You climb through a hole in a barb wire fence, and up some exposed roots and rocks, then when you get past the trees, the mountain emerge right in front of you.

The mountain looks like huge red sandstone boulders jutting out from the ground. You have to go around the main rock to get on top of it. At first look, you see the rocks and trees and grass and it all looks so pristine, until you get up close and notice that just about every square foot of the rock has a name or word scratched into it. It’s some sort of very soft sandstone that scratcher very easily.

The oldest date I found was 1971, but I’m sure if I look longer I can find older.

Besides the obvious human interaction with the rock, the whole area is beautiful. The view from the top is breathtaking. The top has a large flat area and lots of places to sit and eat.

I did not scratch my name into the rock…maybe next time. I think my older girls will like it, and the climb is not very steep. Little ones might need some help in some parts, and most definitely be watched at the top, the drop off is very high, and there are large cracks in the rocks.

You can walk around the whole mountain, and there’s a second, smaller mountain close by.

I made a Google Map with some points on it.

To get there, take either US-79 from Hearne to Gause, then North on 2095 to County Road 264 North, or US-79/Hwy 6 to 485 West, to County Road 264 South.

Definitely a fun family trip. I’m fairly certain my wife will like the view and the quietness, but dislike how close I get to the edge.

I lost the battery from my camera on the way down and had to buy another. Bummer. Those batteries are expensive.

jorge