Fletcher Peak - 6/19/16

Northern View from Fletcher Peak

Southern View from Fletcher Peak

Fletcher Peak from North Loop Approach

Starting Up the North Loop Trail

 In our series of Sunday training hikes, today was a beautiful climb up Fletcher Peak as an out and back on the North Loop Trail. Thirteen hikers arrived at the North Loop Trailhead just after 8am and the main parking area was already full. We parked at the area just before the main one and made our way to the trailhead. Cars were arriving right and left! These training hikes have been scheduled as moderately strenuous hikes at a moderate pace but many of the strenuous hikers have been attending to prepare for their climb up Charleston Peak in four days.

Hiking the North Loop Trail

Desert Paintbrush

 There were only three hikers of moderate pace and we stuck together! However, this gave us a chance to compare ourselves with the stronger hikers who charged out in front. We could feel that the training hikes have improved our strength as we hiked up the North Loop Trail without having to take a break. This is quite different from when we last climbed this trail in May. As we made the last turn before the North Loop Meadows, we couldn't help but notice that the huge bristlecone tree that stood around this corner and had died in 2009 or 2010, was lying on the ground. Unless it took an extremely lucky fall away from the trail, it is possible that it was taken down on purpose. (Maybe the same time that the wind break was removed at Raintree.) As we climbed, we noticed that there were a few other trees that "took a lucky fall" off of the trail. Below, there are a couple of photos that were taken just before this tree died.

Tribute to Fallen Tree on the North Loop Trail

A Favorite Photo of the Fallen Tree in its Day

Gathering at the North Loop Meadows

 At the North Loop Meadows, the group had gathered and were waiting for us. A quick photo, a short breather, a drink of water, then we took off up the North Loop switchbacks. This time, the stronger hikers didn't have a lot of time to get too far ahead. But, during the short time they spent at the North Loop high point corner, a cold wind whipped up and they were anxious to move on down the trail. So, we gathered again at the Fletcher Peak Trail junction. Here, two hikers decided to abort the peak hike and wait, due to a sore toe. We continued.

Starting Up the North Loop Switchbacks

Top of the Switchbacks

Heading Away from the High Point Corner

 The next gathering would not be until the peak. The stronger hikers happily took off! The three moderate hikers plodded along without stopping still quite happy with our "strong" pace. (Those other guys are animals!) We dropped down to the ridge saddle then proceeded to climb up two separate false peaks. The trail followed along the ridge and provided beautiful views of the south side of Kyle Canyon with old bristlecones in the foreground. Soon, we found ourselves at the base of the final climb. The forest here reminded us of a setting for Lord of the Rings!

View Back to the Fletcher Peak Trail from Saddle

View Forward on the Fletcher Peak Trail

The Peak from the Ridge Trail

 Strongly, we climbed the small zigzags and arrived on the south end of Fletcher Peak. From here, there is a grand view of Charleston Peak, Griffith Peak, and Harris Peak. It's possible that someday soon, we will be able to climb to Griffith Peak again. They are finally working on it three years after the Carpenter One fire. On the northern end of Fletcher Peak, we could see Mummy's Nose and the desert plateaus. We took a summit photo with the hikers that were immediately available, signed the log book then began our trek back to the cars.

Climbing Fletcher Peak

Rounding a Small False Peak

Limestone Outcroppings near Peak

 It was a beautiful day. Warm with a refreshing occasional wind. There were very many hikers on the trail that we passed as we were going down. As we descended, we talked about some of the things that every hiker age 50 and older should have with them. For instance, a hat, a rain jacket and/or space blanket, lots of water, and a hiking stick. The sun can cause skin cancer. When it rains in the mountains, it is very cold rain. Water should be self-explanatory. And, a hiking stick allows us to move more smoothly down the mountain and saves our knees (two of the first things to go when you hike a lot). Great hike. Lovely day!

7 miles; 2300 feet elevation gain; 4 hours

Summit Photo (minus a few)

Southeastern View from Fletcher Peak

Fletcher Peak Trail on Return (nearing saddle)