Cottonwood Overlook - 12/12/24

View from Carabiner Route of SR 160 and the Spring Mountains

Meditation Point from Cottonwood Overlook

Landmark Sign 

Straight up from the Get-Go

There were seven of us on the Cottonwood Overlook Trail that begins from the junction of SR 160 and Potosi Mountain Road. Three of us had done the hike before a few times but the remaining four were newbies. We headed over to the hill to the east and started up on a trail that rock climbers use to gain access to some of the cliff walls that faced the west on the north end of the small Potosi Mountain range. Potosi Mountain is famous for being on the receiving end of a TWA airplane crash that Carole Lombard and a load of service men were on. I have one blog about this crash site from years ago and it is the most popular entry on this site. People, I guess, are still looking for her diamond ring!

Trail zigzags through cliff Bands

Climbing the Carabiner Trail

A climbers' Shortcut

View out of the Shadows

The climbers' trail presented tight zigzags all the way up the very steep hill with several small scrambles that sometimes included large steps. There are many times that the trail came to a fork. It is necessary to decide which fork looked like a trail to a climbing wall and which trail went through to the top. Luckily, I have a GPS track and between the three of us that had done the trail before, we made no mistakes. (But, we DID have to consult each other and the track several times!) There is one section, in particular, that is not well worn. The more worn choice is a climbing wall trail. The less worn trail climbs through debris to the left to find a trail that soon leads to the landmark sign as seen in the third photo. If you get there the way we do, you will come in behind this sign that is placed on a switchback point of the Highline Trail. Highline is a good trail that the Boy Scouts used that began from their camp located on up the canyon. We took our required group photo with the sign, sans me, and continued up by following the switchback trail that led up the hill. A little further up the trail, we came to another switchback with a sign that read Fortress Trail. This is the Cottonwood Overlook Trail spur.

Old Juniper next to the Trail

A changing Sky

Second of three Signs

Rock-lined path on top of Cottonwood Overlook

I am assuming that the "Fortress" is what the Boy Scouts called the plateau where we were headed. It was obviously a gathering area where there was an old fire ring (now dismantled), views out the wazoo, and plenty of places to wander. As in the olden days, it would be a good fortress to fend off enemies that you would be able to see for miles around, if attacked! As soon as we reached the plateau, the predicted wind hit us hard. We didn't stay long and turned around to find a place out of the wind where we could sit and still enjoy the view. After a break, we returned down to that first landmark sign and turned left, downhill, on the proceeding switchback. On the good Boy Scout Trail, we moved along quickly while enjoying the landscape. Most of the time, we were out of the wind on the way down but knowing the weather was dissipating, we chose not to waste the precious good weather in between. From the time we began the hike to the time we ended it, the sky changed from clear to windy to cloudy to uh-oh! (See the photo at the end of the entry!) The descent ridge that runs from our contour to the graded dirt road below, can be seen from a distance. 

Last climb up to Plateau

Windy Peak (L), Hollow Rock Peak (R) and Las Vegas Strip

View back to Potosi Mountain Road from Summit

Dropping down off Summit

When we reached the top of the ridge, it wasn't obvious that this is where we turn right. But, due to previous hikes, I knew the trees weren't going to open up and invite us in until just past the top of the ridge. Turning anywhere you find a pathway is acceptable. If you go too far, your view of the pond, below left, will become too close for comfort! Regardless of how you get there, in this mess of trees, you will find a clear cut powerline road with a powerline right over your head. Follow the wide road/trail/powerline down the ridge all the way until you can step over a damaged barbed wire fence and onto the Potosi Mountain Road. The end of the hike is a simple walk down the road and back to the cars. This road can become dusty if a car comes by so have your buffs ready!

Trail returning to large Sign

Trail heading up the canyon in the cliff Bands

Spring Mountains with a still changing Sky

Nearing the descent Ridge

As you walk down the road, you will notice No Trespassing signs on the sides. The road runs through private property that is on the west side of the road and these signs must be obeyed. Mind your manners and stay where you belong! No off-roading with ATVs. And, do not hike up through the old Boy Scout Camp where the trail ends up. Keep this hike viable by responsible hikers. Really fun day just before the snow came in!

Stats: 5 miles; 1250' gain; 3.25 hours

Pond next to the descent Ridge

Descent ridge with powerline Road

Well-graded Potosi Mountain Road

I was coming home from the hike and saw this. I had to take a picture!