Mummy Springs Loop v East Descent - 7/26/25

View at Mummy Springs

Mummy's Toe from Deer Creek Ridge

Point of Campsite Ridge

Deer Creek Trail Junction

While two Lady Hikers are out of town, Susan and I hiked up to Mummy Springs. The Deer Creek Trail is well travelled of late and it was a Saturday but we arrived at the Cougar Ridge Trailhead early and caught one of the parking spots in the lot that was already half full. Since some of the major trails in the Spring Mountains are closed, the trails that are open get busy fast on the weekend. We crossed Deer Creek Road and started walking up the dirt road that services the summer homes at the top of the hill. This area was originally developed with primitive cabins on Cougar Ridge Trail. The project was begun by a Colorado construction company back in 1929. The old cabins are still there.

Ascending to Deer Creek Ridge

Arriving on Deer Creek Ridge

Trail to Mummy Springs from Ridge

Taking in view at Mummy Springs

We hiked up the dirt road, along Deer Creek on our right, until the road took a 90 degree turn to the right across a bridge. Straight ahead, the Deer Creek Trail began within the beautiful Shooting Stars and Columbines that grew in the wet soil next to the creek. Although the Deer Creek Trail weaves back an forth as it changes directions from old routes and new routes, it is fairly easy to follow. Just keep the creek on your left and the ridges on your right. Soon, you arrive at the "Landmark Rock." This is where the Deer Creek Trail turns up to the right and climbs steeply up onto the point of a ridge. Now the trail balances this ridge all the way up to where it will junction with the Mummy's Toe Trail. We climbed slowly. We're never in any hurry. About the only thing of any note is a "stick sculpture!" If you ever do this hike, you will know what I'm talking about when you see it. It's kind of like a rock cairn made out of sticks and small logs stacked inside three small trunks of a dead tree. The views from Deer Creek Ridge are great! You are in the middle of two of the Spring Mountains' greatest peaks and they appear to be there for the taking. Mummy's Toe and Mummy's Nose rise between the trees on the ridge. Across the canyon to the left is an interesting ridge called Wild Horse Ridge.

Susan and the view from the Springs

Left side of Springs

Left side of Springs

Hummingbird drinking spring Water

After the slow steep climb, we junctioned with the Mummy's Toe Trail and turned left. A short easy walk brought us to Mummy Springs. It was situated up the hill to the right. We admired the trickle of water coming over the small cliff band and climbed up to it. When I got there, there was a small green hummingbird enjoying a drink. Lots of photos later, we saw an admiral butterfly among the combines. Next, we descended back to the Mummy's Toe & Spring Trail and took a right to head toward Raintree, our original plan. It wasn't long before Susan had talked me into making a descent down the East Route. She had not done this and I had never led this route. Hmm. Fun!

Weidemeyer's admiral butterfly among the Columbines

Deer Creek Ridge from below Mummy Springs

Kay sits at Campsite Ridge

Scree hill below Campsite Ridge Point

We hiked down to the campsite that has been there for many years. Heading straight along the ridge, we came to the rock outcrops that punctuated the point of the ridge. A trail continues down past the rocks on a steep scree covered hill. We worked our way slowly down as the ridge narrowed. Another trail crossed our trail and indicated a right turn. I have gone that way once. The other times, I have taken a left turn somewhere along the shrinking ridge. It would have been more prudent of me to continue down the ridge a little further but Susan and I went ahead and turned left in this area. Wow! Steepness abounds! But, in no hurry, we carefully made our way down the hill toward the mess of deadfall and brush below. As we neared the mess, we could see paths through the brush and fallen trees. We were on a smaller ridge that was coming to a point as we descended. The more logical route through the mess brought us to the right side of the smaller ridge where we came upon a small intermediate wash. Finding a place to sit for a break, we looked to the rock next to us and, voila, there was a cairn! Perfect! So, after the break, we continued down that wash and up to its left side to junction with a much larger wash intersection.

Susan deals with the scree hill Trail

View down the steep route to the Left

Crossing above the Deadfall

Kay leads over to the Gulley

Ahead of us, there were a few large trees lying in the washes. The largest tree lying vertically was familiar to me and we made our way down past it connecting to a trail on the left side. This trail was the way out! We followed the trail and came upon the landmark rock where we had started climbing up to Deer Creek Ridge on the ascent. What a fun partial exploratory! Susan and I followed the Deer Creek Trail on down between the sawmill area and Deer Creek. Weaving around on the maintained and re-maintained (and re-maintained) trails, we found our way to the dirt road, Cougar Ridge Trail. All that was left was the road back to the car. When we reached the trailhead, there were literally cars everywhere! It was a fun and beautiful day. 

Stats: 4 miles; 1500' gain; 4 hours

Nice surprise! Small cairn just where we needed it!

Yep! A big mess to hike through ... or, around!

Back on the Deer Creek Trail