[Image] The Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive opened to Mather Overlook the beginning of May, and I couldn't wait to go up there. I woke up early one morning and headed up the mountain to enjoy the sunrise.

There were beautiful clouds in the sky, and the sun was just peeking out.
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Since the road was closed, I figured it would be a great place for a brisk walk. This sign didn't make it through the winter.
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The birds were singing, mountain chickadees, red-breasted nuthatches, Townsend's solitaires, hermit thrushes, and Cassin's finches (below).
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I had to walk half a mile before I found enough snow to cover the road, right at the 9,500 mark.
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Someone had ridden bikes through the snow and on up the road. That gave me an idea about returning.
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I turned around there and headed back down, enjoying the solitude and the views.
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I checked out the RAWS Mather Station. It often has some of the highest wind speeds in a couple counties.
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On the way down, I had to stop and get a photo of the "Heart of the Mountain."
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It was so much fun that we went back up a few days later with friends and bikes.
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The kids really enjoyed playing in the snow. I think the adults liked it too!
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It's great to be outside!
[Image] The road has now opened up to trailheads, so soon we'll be out exploring the trails.