South Loop 3rd Overlook - 7/14/25

Charleston Peak from South Loop 3rd Overlook

Switchback approaching 2nd Overlook

Drainage leading up to the south Ridge

Starting up the South Loop

First view of the Echo Cliffs

You may have been wondering where the Lady Hikers went. We are all still here. However, we reached a point where I needed to go higher in elevation to do my annual challenges and they were happy to stay low. I'm sure we will hike together again sometime. I know you miss us! So, right now, you might see me on the trails as a solo hiker. In fact, I did the South Loop 3rd Overlook and brought my camera along to keep myself entertained. I haven't set foot on the South Loop for over a year and I was so happy to see that the trail was in such good condition. Somebody has been busy! The trail is clear of debris and obstacles are removed. It was a beautiful day yet there were few hikers out. Monday is always a good day for a quiet hike.

Same drainage lower Down

View back from top of Steps

Small Things

Trail lined with Blue Lupin

A switchback leading up to 1st Overlook

I reached the trailhead early; around 6:45am. There were already about 6 or 7 cars in the parking lot located at the top of Kyle Canyon Road. My assumption is that these cars had held hikers that were then making their way up to Charleston Peak. It was a good day for it. I readied my pack and stepped onto the trail looking around for the dark colored herd of wild horses that live in Kyle Canyon. I didn't see them but I'm sure they were somewhere! I was also looking for deer. Before the pandemic brought a deluge of hikers up to the mountain, we could always count on seeing several deer and we watched carefully for them to be in the road, crossing the road or jumping out into the road! Not so much these days. Times have changed.

Echo Cliffs from top of Switchbacks

Fletcher Peak from 1st Overlook (aka Echo Overlook)

A switchback leading up to the 2nd Overlook

Charleston Peak from 2nd Overlook

Mummy Mountain from 2nd Overlook

My plan was to just hike up to the 1st Overlook, aka Echo Overlook, since it would be enough elevation gain for a nice day out. Then ... I decided that a 3rd Overlook climb might be in order. My legs felt good and I had already acclimated to the higher elevations. I spoke to other hikers who all seemed to have smiles on their faces. What a way to start the morning! It was cool. It was nature. It was stress-free. These are all things that we all need more of. I climbed at a slow steady pace. Even the steps after the one mile mark seemed easier this year. (I have no idea why because I hate those steps!) The switchbacks were laborious yet absolutely beautiful. I arrived alone at the Echo Overlook.

Arriving at 3rd Overlook

Charleston Peak from bristlecone Snag

Harris Peak from 3rd Overlook

Snags on the 3rd Overlook Cliff

Seabed Fossils

Moving on, I steadily climbed up through the next series of switchbacks arriving finally at the 2nd Overlook. Then, one more switchback and I was enjoying the 3rd Overlook taking more photos. I took a leisurely break then started the descent. Aches and pains were exaggerated on the way down but that's no different. It always seems that I can climb forever but, then, I have to go back down! Again, I spoke to other hikers. Their smiles made the day seem that much brighter. Another year, another climb up the South Loop. Happy trails!

Stats: 6.25 miles; 2100' gain; 4.5 hours

Echo Neighborhood beyond some of the Echo Cliffs

Griffith Peak Drainage

Descending Switchbacks after 1st Overlook

Descending South Loop