Overlook Ridge Loop - 7/6/23

(L to R) Lee Peak, Rocketship and Charleston Peak from Overlook Ridge

Pahrump Valley through Wallace Canyon from 10, 010' Peak Ridge

Upper Bristlecone Trail Morning

Starting up the Bristlecone Trail

When we are ready to do the climb, one of our favorite hike loops is the Overlook Ridge Loop. The initial 1200' climb is steep but the views never stop. Granted, the beginning is gentle and familiar as we climbed up the Upper Bristlecone Trail from the trailhead where we saw two burros grazing for their breakfast next to the road. Turning onto the No Name Trail at one mile in, we started getting into some less gentle stuff. Within another quarter mile, we turned left onto the Wallace Saddle Trail. This is when the "steep" started. Mike and Chuck led the way like a couple of steam engines! I brought up the rear arriving at the Wallace Saddle while they were snacking and watching the moon over Wallace Canyon. The saddle is open with wide views. Some hikers turn left here to hike up the ridge to Lee Peak. We turn right to hike up the ridge to 10, 010' Peak.

Kudos on the Teepee Construction

Saddle on the Wallace Saddle Trail

Wallace Saddle - Ralyn checks out the Moon through Branches

Climbing the 10, 010' Peak

There is a trail that climbs the ridge. Sometimes it is difficult to see but, mainly it stays on the ridge or to the right of the ridge. There are beautiful outcrops, bristlecones (old and new) and steep slopes right and left. The ridge has one welcomed false peak. This is a good place for a breather before making the final push to the top. The summit of 10, 010' Peak is rocky but wooded so the best views are on the ascent or, afterwards on the Overlook Ridge where we descended to take our break and photos. The Overlook Ridge is the ridge used to hike out to Pahrump Overlook Peak. This is a long arduous hike that we have done a few times before. ... Not today! The most beautiful part of this ridge is right here at the beginning. 

Ridge behind us - Lee Peak

Wallace Canyon from Ridge Climb

Ridge Saddle before 10, 010' Peak

10, 010' Peak Summit

We could see Mummy Mountain on the left all the way over to Mt. Clinton on the right and on to Pahrump as we viewed across Wallace Canyon. "Down" the ridge, we could see the ridge extend out to Pahrump Overlook Peak with the higher Amargosa Overlook Peak midway. On the other side of the ridge, views were of Clark Canyon and the Spring Mountains Divide. The Divide ridge holds the Bonanza Trail and McFarland Peak. South Sister and Macks Peak were also "peaking" over the Divide. Well ... this is why I call it the Overlook Ridge! After our rest, we returned to the double cairn that indicated the trail leading down to No Name Saddle. This is also a very steep trail but short. 

Hanging out on the Overlook Ridge

Beautiful View of the back of Charleston Peak (11, 916')

Opting for the No Name Trail rather than the Ridge

Bonanza Switchbacks Descent

A decision was made to take the No Name Trail all the way out to the Bonanza junction instead of the ridge above just because it was more relaxing ... or so we thought! Mike got in the lead and, well, we made very short time over the 0.7 mile between saddles! A right turn here and we were descending the Bonanza switchbacks. Less than a week ago, we were using this same trail to ascend. As we hiked into the Bonanza / Bristlecone Junction, a large group of visiting hikers came up from Lower Bristlecone. They were an affable bunch and having a fun time! We continued by turning right onto the Upper Bristlecone Trail and hiking through one of its most beautiful sections. South Sister watched us as we curved around on the high point of the trail and down to the trail's overlook switchback. Here, there is a wild horse trail that leads out the narrow ridge from the point of the single switchback. It is a very nice ridge with small craggy tors. The trail is sometimes vague but we found our way to a deep but gentle dip in the ridge where the trail is seen heading down and around on the right. Eventually, the trail disappears and you are left with your own devices to reach the wash and Bristlecone Trail below. We turned left in the wash where there is a small trail. Lettie calls this the Butterfly Wash and with good reason! We stayed in the wash until we could easily step up onto the Bristlecone Trail on the right.

Grand Central Junction!

So familiar, yet still Beautiful!

Starting down the Horse Trail Connector

Outcrop on Horse Trail Ridge

With Mike's encouragement, we turned right onto the wood chip trail that leads down to the ski resort. It had been a while since we checked in on its progress. You should check it out, too. ... Especially if you know anyone that likes mountain biking. A bike trail has been installed down the summerized ski slope. For $35, a ski lift day pass can be obtained to carry your bike up the lift, then you, to the top of the high hill and ride down the trail. If you are visiting, you can also rent a bike for the day. It really looks fun! Wonderful day!

Stats: 5.6 miles; 1700' gain; ~4 hours

Lee Peak with Horse Trail Below

Starting down the steep part of the Horse Trail

Summer activities at Ski Lee look so Fun!