Moonshine Spring - 11/22/24

Moonshine Spring

Wall around campsite next to Spring

Old Cottonwood trees fed by Spring

View on the way to Wooden Fence Spring

Okay. So, I did it right this time! Something I read last time led me astray and I ended up at Inscription Rock instead of Moonshine Spring. This time I really found it and it was amazing! Moonshine Spring is a prolific spring that streams out of a small canyon at the base of the north side of Windy Peak. If you view Windy Peak's north side, the long vertical crack in its wall (a wall that compares to Black Velvet's main wall) leads directly down to the spring's canyon. At this time of year, the cottonwoods in the canyon, fed by the spring water, are adorned with yellow leaves; quite the colorful sight.

Hollow Rock Peak above Wooden Fence Spring

Wooden Fence Spring

Wooden Fence surrounding Spring

Cottonwood Valley

The hike is less than 6 miles as a loop. Three of us began the hike by leaving Late Night Trailhead and heading over to Wooden Fence Spring the usual way. There were two cars parked at the Windy Peak (east side) climb. We dropped down to the spring that is surrounded by a wooden fence designed to keep out anything that might pollute the spring area. After enjoying the dark conglomerates and the colorful desert foliage, we headed over to Lone Grapevine Spring on the usual trail. Just before we started down the trail to the water trough, we started a climb up the hill in front of us on a burro trail that also had hiker shoe prints. Following this vague trail, we came to an overlook of the back side of Lone Grapevine Spring. We had never seen this side before so it was very exciting to see the large area of grass surrounded by another one of those fences. We, also, saw a large old metal skiff (?) sitting on the side of the grassy area. After a few photos, we continued around, down and up the small burro trail that had become clearer.

Wooden fence and old skiff at Lone Grapevine Spring

View back at Lone Grapevine Spring from burro Trail

Following burro trail over next trailing Ridge

Burro trail heading down into Moonshine Spring Area

We followed the burro trail up and over the next small ridge as Global Peak and a smaller buttress in front of it came into view. At this point, we were having faith in the burro trail and a vague knowledge of where the spring was located on the GPS. The burros know! We kept looking up toward the base of the rock walls of Windy Peak. But, the burros know. So, we continued up a steep hill to the next ridge. (In retrospect, we should have climbed to the top of this ridge a little lower down since the trail up where we were was very steep and slippery.) On top of this ridge, we regained the burro trail and followed it down and across the next rock-filled arroyo. Up the next ridge and, more gently, down the other side, the burro trail was becoming much clearer. The trail circled around and down to the middle of the small canyon to a junction point. Hmm. Well, the grove of trees and darkness beyond the foliage wall gave us a good idea that, perhaps, we were there! A small rocky path required us to bend forward under the trees and carefully climb over a couple of fallen trees. There it was!!!

Pooling water at Moonshine Spring

Old wall built at Moonshine Spring

View from opposite end of spring Area

Moonshine Spring reflecting blue Sky

The spring had a large shallow pooling of water that reflected the blue sky and yellow foliage. We had to climb over two trees to avoid mud and water. On the other side, we hiked around the end of the embankment and stepped down to see a long man-made rock wall next to the spring. The wall surrounded an area that could have easily provided shelter for an encampment at one time. We explored a little but the vines and foliage prevented us from going very far. It was all very exciting to be in this space. We stopped for a break to just enjoy. Eventually, we exited the same way we stepped into this other world. However, at the junction, our return route headed down the ridge we were on following yet more burro trails.

Moonshine Spring from ridge descent Trail

Following burro trails down ridge and along Wash

Burro trails leading toward Black Velvet Trail upper End

Last wash crossing before Black Velvet Trail Junction

We found a main burro trail that descended on the ridge and down to the desert floor along the wide wash to our left. Making a straight line toward what we knew to be the Black Velvet Trail / Outer Loop junction, we followed those burros and connected. Having done the remaining part of the hike many times, we put our speed on fast and automatic. Up the trail and back over to the trailhead with a few junctions to deal with. Fun! Fun! Fun! And, very exciting ... did I say that already?!

Stats: 6 miles; 900' gain; 4.25 hours

Landmarks around Moonshine Spring

Temporary cairn at Road / Trail crossing on Return

Circling around hill behind Late Night Trailhead