These hills to the west of Middle Mountain on the west edge of Barnhartvale are unnamed (until now), but they are steep climbs to great viewpoints.    All three hills are approached from Barnhartvale.  Take Todd Road and turn onto McLeod (Uplands) Road.   Park at the far west point of the loop.   You will see a parking area, a gate, and some signage.   This is the access road to a number of trails for hiking and mountain biking in the area all the way to Juniper Ridge or the Valleyview Silt Cliffs.   The main route is a mostly-level double track along the pipeline.   Eventually it splits many times into single tracks which wind up gullies, around gullies, and up and down ridges.    There are several options off the main route.

The single track trail up to Citius (faster) leads off south at the second gully.   Just head into the gully and look for the track on your right.   Climb steeply upward between two hills.   At a pass, a side track up to Citius can be seen to the west.   The route to Fortius (stronger) continues to climb up the forested gully.   Both spots have fine views.   If you continue the climb to the highest point of the Fortius Ridge, you will be in a natural amphitheater under the mountain above.

Although the projection and the topo map look like the route up to Altius (higher) is feasible, there is no trail and the route is steep and on loose material.   A much better route is a longer hike or bike, but follows a reasonable trail all the way.   Follow the pipeline road west until it emerges through a cattle guard into an open area.    In the open area, look for an old double track that doubles back southeast.   It then follows the east side of the gully that heads south.   The double track is in good shape.   It climbs easily, then more steeply up the deep valley between the hills of Barnhartvale and the hills of Juniper Ridge.    It will eventually pass through a gate into a high plateau grazing area, but before that gate, watch for a single track trail that heads northeast up through a draw.   The single track has been established by wildlife then reinforced by a few mountain bikers.   Some windfall may  cover the track at some points, but it is an easy route to the Altius Ridge.   The top of Altius is another outstanding viewpoint.   Return by the same route.   All 3 hills are on our “must-do” hikes for every year as long as long as our legs will allow us to enjoy the routes.   Because the hills lie on the north side of the Sunrise/Middle Mountain group, snow lingers here in the spring.   These are good hikes from April through November, and recommended for all fit hikers.