A Raintree Loop - 8/11/25

Raintree with Mummy's Toe in the Background

Near the beginning of Teepee Route at top of Robbers Roost

Wild Horse Ridge

Climbing wall on the Shortcut

There are many combinations of trails that will take you on a Raintree Loop hike. On this particular hike, three Lady Hikers began with a shortcut up to the North Loop, across by the Teepee to Fletcher Saddle, a break at Raintree, down the North Loop switchbacks and finally down via Wild Horse Ridge. Sounds like a simple five miles but it was an excellent workout! First we parked our car at the Cougar Ridge Trailhead. This is a large turnout across Deer Creek Road from where Cougar Ridge Trail turns up the hill. We crossed the road and hiked through the dirt road at the bottom of Wild Horse Canyon. On our way, we looked up to our right and saw a clear trail that we had not noticed before. Just like the puppies we are, we looked at each other and said, "Gee! I wonder where that goes!" I knew it went in the direction of the North Loop Trail but how does it get there and what do you see along the way? So, right off the bat, we started yet another exploratory! We climbed the trail and took a couple of switchbacks and ran into a climbing wall! Hmm. Still convinced that this shortcut would take us to the North Loop, we turned to the right and hiked along the wall and through some woods. We came to a place where we could easily scramble up the wall to our left.

Climbing up the end of the climbing Wall

Finding our way to the North Loop on the Shortcut

We found it!

Starting out on the Teepee Route

There was a flattish ridge at the top of the wall and we began hiking up the ridge and a little to the right. Eventually, we did come to the North Loop Trail. It was a fun way to get there! Climbing the trail for another ~0.6 mile, we came to the Teepee Route junction. Turning onto the route to the left, we climbed a little then dropped into the top of the wash that dives into the Robbers' Roost Canyon. We climbed across and out of the wash on a steep incline staying near the edge of the cliffs on the left. There are slight trails you can follow. Many of the trails are game trails. They take you along the cliffs that provide nice views of the bubble-topped Angel Peak. Next, we stayed on a more or less straight trajectory all the way to the cliffs above Hummingbird Gulch. This brought us to the Memorial Teepee. We said "hello" to our old friends and, without taking a break, we turned to the right and climbed up the hill about 50 feet. Somewhere in this area, we ran across a game trail that is also used by hikers. You have to climb high enough so that a lateral direction along the hill will keep you above the large dips with dead trees strewn about. Most of the time, I am able to follow the same route even though there are usually no cairns or paths in this section!

 

Overlook area on Teepee Route

Arriving at Teepee Corner

The game trail above the Teepee

Fletcher Peak from the Teepee Trail

After passing a large area of fallen trees, the path starts running along near the edge of the Hummingbird Gulch upper wash. To our left we saw Fletcher Peak. It is usually about this time that the "trail" begins to become clear. It leads you to a pine cone-filled small wash and crosses it. A much clearer trail takes you from the wash, over a couple of large trees and up the hill toward the Fletcher Saddle. Don't be fooled by the off shoots that lead to the Hummingbird Gulch upper wash. Continue to stay true to a diagonal hill climb to end up at the saddle where a left turn will take you to Fletcher Peak and a right turn takes you up toward the North Loop Trail and on down to Raintree. We did the latter. Climbing, at this point, was a small struggle but we made it up the hill, took a left turn and sashayed down to Raintree. (I don't sashay much.) Big surprise! No one was there!! First day of school on a Monday. It was a quiet morning in the mountains. We took our break then created our group photo at the tree. We were careful not to step on any of the old bristlecone's roots.

Teepee Trail's own Pine Cone Wash

Arriving at Fletcher Saddle

Arriving at Raintree

Protected roots on Raintree

"Stepping on the exposed roots of ancient bristlecone pines can be detrimental to these long-lived trees.
Here's why and what precautions should be taken:
Root damage: Bristlecone pines have relatively shallow root systems that are particularly vulnerable to trampling and soil compaction.
Reduced water and nutrient absorption: Damaged roots can hinder the tree's ability to absorb essential water and nutrients from the soil, impacting its overall health and potentially lifespan.
Exposure and disease: Root exposure due to erosion, potentially exacerbated by foot traffic, can make the trees more susceptible to disease and decay.
Conservation efforts and precautions Protected areas: Bristlecone pines are safeguarded in various federal areas, including the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in California and Great Basin National Park in Nevada.
Stay on trails: To minimize human impact, visitors to these areas are generally required to stay on designated trails.
Follow regulations: Respecting the rules and regulations established by organizations like the US Forest Service and National Park Service is crucial for protecting these ancient forests.
In essence, these ancient trees have survived for millennia due to their resilience and adaptation to harsh environments, but their shallow roots are a sensitive point. By being mindful of our footsteps and adhering to designated trails, we can play a part in preserving these remarkable organisms for future generations to admire."   ~AI Overview

 

Group photo (We are NOT on the roots!)

Climbing up to the High Point Corner

Down the North Loop Switchbacks

Arriving at the North Loop Meadow

After our break at the tree, we started back up the North Loop Trail the same way we came in. Continuing up the trail past the Fletcher Peak Trail junction, we climbed up to the High Point Corner at 10,026' in elevation. This started us down toward the North Loop switchbacks; about 12 in all! At the bottom of the switchbacks, you will sashay onto the North Loop meadow, or whatever you want to call it. At the top of the meadow, a trail turns to the left at another beautiful old bristlecone. This is the Wild Horse Trail that takes you down into Wild Horse Canyon. On this hike, we decided to take an old route down to Wild Horse Ridge. This vague path continues straight when the other trail turns down to the right. Following the remnants of the old trail laterally across the hill almost to where the hill takes a dive down, the trail becomes a little more apparent. Instead of diving down the hill, we followed the trail that turned to the right and zigzagged down a treeless section. The trail took us to the very top of Wild Horse Ridge. The Cactus Jack Trail (an alternate) comes into our trail from the right. We stepped up onto the dolomite ridge and began a half mile on the narrow walkway with gorgeous views. At the bottom of the ridge, we stepped off and turned to the left. There is also a choice to the right.

Susan reassures the old Bristlecone

The old Wild Horse Ridge Trail

Arriving at the top of Wild Horse Ridge

Wild Horse Ridge

By turning to the left, we started down the hill toward Cougar Ridge Trail, the dirt road that services the summer homes above. The trail gently lowered us to the road and we turned to the right. About 100 to 200 feet of dirt road and we crossed Deer Creek Road right at the Cougar Ridge Trailhead. Wow! Another great hike! This route puts a little flavor in the normal run-of-the-mill hike up the North Loop to Raintree and back. We had fun at our non-rushed enjoyable speed. We've earned the time to enjoy our hikes!

Stats: 5 miles; 1625' gain; 5 hours

Angel Peak from Wild Horse Ridge

Mahogany burn area from Wild Horse Ridge

Sue comes off of Wild Horse Ridge