Bristlecone / No Name Loop CCW - 7/27/14

Bristlecone on No Name Trail

Dropping Down from Upper Bristlecone Trailhead

 Eight hikers came out early for a Sunday hike around the Bristlecone Loop (counter-clockwise) at the top of Lee Canyon in the Spring Mountains. Our plan was to add the No Name Trail into the loop if the weather conditions were good when we reached the Bonanza Trail junction. We parked at the Upper Bristlecone Trailhead and wasted no time in dropping down the hill, crossing the road, and passing the Lower Bristlecone parking area. The group was ready to roll! Everyone hiked all out up the easy forest road section of the Bristlecone Loop.

Bonanza Trail Switchbacks

 At the Bonanza Trail junction, we regrouped and looked at the sky. Yep. "Let's do it!" And, up the Bonanza Trail switchbacks, we climbed. At the Bonanza Trail / No Name Trail junction, we took a short snack break.

Bristlecone on No Name Trail

 After a few minutes, we saw that the sky was suddenly turning a little dark so we took off down the No Name Trail. This part of the trail is a favorite in scenery and impressed a couple of newbies that were in our group. At the No Name saddle, we began our descent back to the upper Bristlecone Trail. At the lower elevation, we hiked through the aspen forest and returned to our cars. The hike went quickly and was probably nudged a little by the 40% chance of rain prediction in the forecast. But, as we climbed into our cars, there was a boatload of recreational hikers just starting up the trail.

(With the exception of the 2nd photo in this entry, the photos were taken on other hikes of these same trails. Battery died.)

6.6 miles; 1400 feet elevation gain; 2.75 hours

Finishing at the Upper Bristlecone Trailhead

Bristlecone on No Name Trail