When Dinah and I first drove through Lake Mead Recreational Area two years ago, my attention was drawn to a minuscule mountain called Lava Butte. This solitary peak struck me as an interesting half-day hike and if ever there was a time to do it, this was it. Suffering a head cold, I wanted to bag a peak but I didn't wish to risk worsening my illness.

After parking at the trailhead under crackling power lines, we hiked cross-country to the mountain's north ridge where we came across a trail. We followed the ridgeline trail to the summit. For the effort the views were excellent. But although I didn't find the climb taxing, I had underestimated the physical demands of this small peak. Hours after finishing our climb, my cold moved into my chest. For me, Lava Butte may have extracted a toll, but I have no regrets.

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