Mountain flying can be tricky.
The regionalized aspects can be surprising. I live near Chicago. In this area, if you get 30 mile visibility, you're doing pretty good. Talking with a guy from out West (Arizona, I believe) .... he said he'd be nervous even thinking about flying with ONLY 30 mile visibility (says he's used to 50-100+).
I haven't been flying for a while (medication), but I'm looking forward to getting into one of the local flying clubs in another month or two (gotta get new medical & flight check).
I started learning at Camp Lejeune (MCAS military flight club). It cost $14.00 / hour wet for a 152m, and another $7.00 for the CFI. You had to put up $50.00 to cover the deductable on the insurance (which I used one time bouncing the wheel pants off of the plane). This was ~1976-77.
I finished (after many years off) at PlaneMaster's (DuPage Airport, IL).
Advice to Citrix: Get your medical out of the way ASAP, if you are taking certain medications, you may need to file for exceptions. If you are a non-insulin-dependent diabetic, you can fly, but also need to file for an exemption. You won't be able to solo without a 3d class medical (it's actually acting as your "Student Pilot's License"). If you're serious about getting into flying, get your medical ASAP to make sure you have it when it comes time to solo.
Good Luck! Enjoy!
Scott