Echo Cliffs / South Loop 1st Overlook - 8/26/19

View from Top of Echo Cliffs

Echo Cliffs

Harris Peak from Echo Cliffs

First set of Steps on South Loop

The South Loop Trail begins at the Cathedral Rock / South Loop Trail Trailhead and continues up and around the base of the Echo Cliffs. It passes a place we call Rainbow Junction where a connecting trail led over to the upper parts of the Rainbow community. Since the wildfire of 2013, this trail has been closed and hikers are not allowed inside the community ... a loss for the hiking community. Now, the old road / trail that connects with the South Loop at this point leads only around the small adjacent hilltop and back to Rainbow Junction. Next, the South Loop climbs several steps, a dreaded section of the hike.

Warm Morning

Seven hikers headed up the steps determined to take their time in the warm morning temperatures. There hadn't been a lot of shade up to this point but, after the steps, we did hike into some shade.

Mummy's Toe from South Loop Trail

The next landmark is the large Griffith Peak drainage crossing. I had not seen this crossing since all the snow melted. It appeared quite different.

Grabbing some Shade

Approaching the Switchbacks

The South Loop's first large group of switchbacks came next. Fourteen switchbacks climbed the hill below the 1st Overlook and next to the upper reaches of the drainage we just crossed. We could hear water running but it was difficult to see where the water flowed above ground about 100 feet up the hillside. Half of the switchbacks were in shade and the other half were in warm sun. We persevered slowly while taking necessary (and unnecessary) breaks observing a hummingbird feeding at the thistles and the famous fossil rock. Today's hike was far from a forced march. We ambled along enjoying what nature has to offer in the higher temperatures of late August.

Looking for the Running Water

The last traverse of the switchbacks was in the sun so we were happy to reach the Echo Cliffs Overlook where we took our break in the shade with a grandiose view at the top of the cliffs.

Hummingbird & Thistle

I took my first walk out onto the peninsula for the first photo of this entry. I was extremely careful! I found a wider view of Mummy Mountain and lower Kyle Canyon. Plus the cliffs on the other side of the chasm below Griffith Peak. (see third photo)

Fossil Rock

Echo Cliffs to Kyle Canyon

After the break, we started back down passing several other hikers on their way up. We were very glad that we got an early start since we saw the signs of heat related fatigue in some of the others. We also passed friends from one of the Henderson hiking clubs who were doing just fine! Experience helps! Returning to the trailhead, we were all happy and healthy having had a nice easy-paced moderate hike to start our day. Looking forward to cooler temperatures.

4.3 miles; 1300 feet elevation gain; 2.75 hours; average moving speed 1.5 mph

Enjoying a Break at the Overlook

Descending the Switchbacks

Echo Cliffs and Charleston Peak