Lee Peak - 6/16/22

Southeast View from Lee Peak

Southeast end of Lee Peak

Charleston Peak from North Loop Cliff Area

Trail Canyon Saddle (2.15 miles up)

Last week, Rita and I conquered Griffith Peak (11,064'), the fourth highest peak in the Spring Mountains NRA. This week, Ralyn, Bob, Mike and I ventured up on the North Loop ridge to summit Lee Peak, the third highest peak behind Mummy Mountain (#2 at 11,533') and Charleston Peak (#1 at 11,916'). The big question was, "Were we ready for the altitude of Lee Peak which reigns in at an official 11,332'. It is still only mid-June and, although we have climbed to the 10,000' elevation 7 times this spring, it may have been a bit early for us to delve into the 11,000 foot zone so deeply. At any rate, we started from the Trail Canyon Trailhead early in the morning and made the saddle in this summer's record time for us. Again, the morning sun on this trail was enchanting. It was going to be a cool day with temperatures reaching to only 73 degrees at the trailhead and 67 degrees on the ridge. Also, the wind had finally taken a break from flailing us for the last three days. This is perfect weather for a major climb. On this hike, we would climb into the center of the Spring Mountains; into the midst of their peaks and cliffs made from Paleozoic limestone and dolomite which were formed around 100 to 90 million years ago. When hiking to the upper elevations of these mountains just outside of Las Vegas, Nevada, you can't help your mind from wondering about the way these mountains were made. On every peak, there are seabed fossils in the limestone. The magnificent fault(s) making the cliffs rise up would have made quite the fast motion video. I sure would like to see that video.

Ralyn at Cave Springs Trough (2.4 miles up)

Resting at Mummy Tree Log (3.5 miles up)

Scree Slope below North Loop Trail

Mike at the 4 mile Overlook

We turned up to the left on the North Loop Trail and proceeded to Cave Spring. Our rest breaks were short but taken at every half mile or so. Slow and steady was our mantra. After Cave Spring, the four of us started spreading out but we waited at each stop for the last one to catch up. The next two stops were Mummy Junction and the 4 Mile Overlook. Mike brought up the rear citing an altitude headache. At Big Falls Overlook, he decided to turn back. The three of us forged on. The most challenging part of the climb was now behind us and the next mile would be scenery, scenery, scenery. Both Charleston Peak and Lee Peak were on display. Well, Lee Peak's trailing east end ridge rises in front of the peak itself. 

First Campsite (4.75 miles up)

Charleston Peak view from North Loop

Lee Canyon Overlook

Bob and Ralyn hiking trail above Cliffs

We passed the First Campsite, the 5 Mile Campsite, and the Ski Slope saddle. Next, we came to the small switchback that leads up the hill to the Lee Canyon Overlook. (Note: The switchback always confuses hikers because the trail appears to continue straight. There is a note written on a log here but it is not clear in its message. Once again, I got fooled! ... And, I was looking for it!) We stepped out on the Lee Canyon Overlook and took some photos. From there, we proceeded up to the right angle turn above the cliffs. The trail shimmies above the cliff area in an abundance of narrowness. But, oh, the beauty! I took a lot of photos here ... again! At this point, we were hiking around the base of Lee Peak at around the 6 mile mark.

Griffith Peak and South Loop Ridge from Cliff Area of North Loop Trail

Saddle Camp at Lee Peak Switchback Route

View into Wallace Canyon from Lee Peak Ascent

Ralyn climbs in 11,000' Zone

The next campsite saddle was our goal on the North Loop Trail. Here, we took a switchback to the right and headed up the ridge line to Lee Peak. It is steep and already in the 11,000 foot zone. This final ascent is always very slow as it is also in a lot of scree among the trees. At last, we reached the top and signed into the log. What a fantastic view for 360 degrees! Both Kyle and Lee Canyons are visible. Mummy Mountain and Charleston Peak rise predominately. ... And, it was a clear day! We took our photos and enjoyed our break then descended back to the trail by way of the steep south facing scree slope. Back on the trail, we turned to the left and passed, again, through the cliff area.

Three Hikers on Lee Peak

The Eastside Scree Descent from Peak

Down Kyle Canyon from Cliff Area

Hiking back to 4 Mile Overlook

We descended at a pretty good clip. Faster than two weeks ago from the 5 Mile Campsite. At Big Falls Overlook, Bob took off at a faster pace so Ralyn and I could handle the remaining descent ourselves. We only stopped to rest about three times. We looked for that nest that we found two weeks ago and couldn't find it. What did you guys do with it?!! Maybe it was the wind. Anyway, I hope the little birdies live a long and happy life. Back at the trailhead, Mike was waiting. He was feeling much better and I had started a headache. Yes, altitude training is important. We all know that from experience.

Stats: 12.5 miles; 3725' gain; 7.5 hours

Hiking back to Mummy Junction

Mummy Tree (L) to Wall Corner

"I love this sign!"