Mummy Springs v Chateau Ridge - 8/5/23

Mummy Springs, Thistles and Hummingbird Moths

Old Man of Chateau Ridge

Mike climbs up to start Deer Creek Ridge Ascent

Ralyn starts out on Chateau Ridge

Chateau Ridge is located across from the Deer Creek Picnic Area parking lot at its lower point and reaches all the way up to Cougar Ridge Trail where a few summer homes are built. We call it Chateau Ridge because there is a beautiful home that can be seen from the ridge sitting up in the higher elevations. Ralyn, Mike and I parked and crossed the road to start climbing the ridge. It's steep so, right out of the gate, we were working pretty hard. The ridge has a small saddle where hikers can catch their breath before tackling the final ascent to the dirt road. There, we turned to the left and followed the road around to the Mummy Overlook. The moon was full and the morning was actually cool.

Chateau is seen from Chateau Ridge

View down from Chateau Ridge to Mahogany Fire burn Area

Enjoying the views on Cougar Ridge Trail

An old log cabin on Cougar Ridge Trail

After resting at the overlook for a moment, we continued down Cougar Ridge Trail until we came to the small road on the right that led to the site of an old sawmill. There's not much left of the mill so we hiked right through to connect with the Deer Creek Trail. This trail that runs up next to a small mountain stream is one of the Spring Mountains' most beautiful. Soon, the trail leaves the stream and climbs steeply up to the top of Deer Creek Ridge. Continuing up the ridge, we labored in accomplishing our second serious climb of the morning. Slowly but surely, we finished the ridge and arrived at the Mummy's Toe Trail where we turned left. As we hiked beneath Mummy Springs, we watched many hummingbird moths flitting around the thistles that were blooming there. The trail led us around to a prominent ridge holding a campsite that has been there for many years.

Remains of the Old Sawmill

Water and Shooting Stars in Deer Creek next to Trail

Starting the Second big climb of the day on Deer Creek Ridge

Small break before Mummy Springs

This is where we sat comfortably to take our break. A couple of years ago, we removed a large fire ring that sat here among the sitting logs. Of course, it's back now and so much better constructed! Anyway, our route continued by following the ridge where there are several rock outcrops. Mike climbed up on one of them for a photo. The trail descends steeply on small scree so it was a slow process as we made our way down to the gully on the right side of the ridge. A lot of deadfall debris crossed the wash and a small amount of water was flowing among it. A trail appeared on the left side of the gully and we followed it down to junction with the Deer Creek Trail where it turns to go up to the top of the ridge. We had seen two groups of hikers climbing the trail on the ridge and now, we passed several groups of two and three. Many times, the third hiker was a dog! Why not? It was the first cool Saturday that we have had in over a month! Everyone was out enjoying the fresh air.

Big Break on the Campsite Ridge

Mike out on a Cliff

Slip 'n' Slide

Down off the Ridge and into the Gulley

At the bottom of the Deer Creek Trail, we connected with Cougar Ridge Trail again and hiked down the road until the left turn onto the picnic area asphalt. Deer Creek was still flowing nicely. There were many picnickers with children and dogs. We even received an invitation to join one group for lunch! They had hot pots full of delicious smelling food and a few extra bottles of beer! We politely declined but I'm sure it would have been a fun time!

Stats: 4.5 miles;1760' gain; 4 hours

Deer Creek

Old Deadfall Obstacle

Finishing the hike in Deer Creek Picnic Area