Hundreds Hike Up Blue Mountain

GRAND TERRACE>> With the flow of fresh flowers and no rain in sight, hundreds of hikers gathered together Sunday, March 5 for the 10th annual Blue Mountain Hike, where participants had the chance to climb the 2,428 foot summit. Pete Petersen, a Grand Terrace resident and owner of DarNel Enterprises, attended the event and took photos and video of the community event. “The view from the mountain top was awesome with beautiful yellow and blue flowers and green grass,” Petersen said. “The goal of the Friends of Blue Mountain is to make this event available more than once a year and welcome your input from hikers and community members alike.” Petersen said after recent rains, it was expected for the hike to have more default paths, but thanks to recent road grading, the trail was improved but still just as steep and challenging. During the annual event, a group prayed for the city and the Inland Empire at the top of the hill, where Councilman Bill Hussey gave a devotional message. At 9:30 a.m., Dennis Kidd arranged for a worship service to take place. "It was a beautiful day for a hike on Blue Mountain, and Grand Terrace is blessed to have this great resource in our own back yard," Hussey said. "Talk about beauty; the wildflowers were in full bloom and the grass was a rich green." Hussey, who attended the event with his two sons, Devan and Derek Hussey, said he wants to thank everyone who made the day possible. "Our city staff and volunteers are the best," he said. Before hiking up the mountain, informational booths were set up for hikers to learn more about the Blue Mountain and Sierra Club. They also had the opportunity to purchase “I hiked Blue Mountain” T-shirts. A Barnett Real Estate booth also provided fruit for the hikers whether they were about to start their journey up the mountain or were coming down from the trail. Flo Elliot, a member of the Friends of Blue Mountain, said the foundation has applied for a $200,000 grant and the city has agreed to match it to help build the trailhead, restrooms and parking lot. The proposal of the project would have an entrance at the top of Van Buren Boulevard “I think it would be great if this mountain is open to the residents all the time,” Elliot said. “This (event) is only one day. So help us all buy Blue Mountain so we can really be the City of Blue Mountain.” At three stations along the way to the top, some members of the Leo’s club, including Alyssa Zuniga, Vincent Rasso, Ligia Camey, Gia Villasenor and Rosalio Carrillo, helped pass out water to those on their way to the top.