South Loop (1st Overlook) & Cathedral Rock Double Climb - 8/29/17

One of the South Loop's Shining Lights

Kyle Canyon from SwitcHbacks

View atop Cathedral Rock

Early Climb on the South Loop

 AtBF considered a new challenge today at the end of Kyle Canyon Road in the Spring Mountains NRA. Eight hikers drove up to the Cathedral Rock / Mt. Charleston Trailhead for a double climb that included the 1st Overlook of the South Loop and the top of Cathedral Rock. Arriving early, we thought we would be down before the 20% chance of rain became a problem. Even though the South Loop is the subject of many of our hikes this summer, we enjoyed a newbie on the trail and were happy to "show him around!"

South Loop

 The morning light came up through the canyon creating tree shadows through the burnt forest.

Mummy's Toe beyond Burnt Forest

 We usually see mule deer in this area and today was no different. Three juveniles quietly and carefully crossed the trail not far from us as we watched with appreciation.

Deer Crossing

First Washed Out Ravine Crossing

 A couple of weeks ago, there was a downpour of rain that flooded the large ravine that the trail crosses twice. Both of these crossings are washed out and require a couple of extra skills to get across. There are a couple of other small washes that also washed out. One of those requires a two foot leap! After we got across the second ravine crossing, we started up the switchbacks. A lot of this area was still in shadow. It was very cool in the shade, however, the sunny portions of the hike were considerably "steamy."

Second Washed Out Ravine Crossing

 The unusual humidity that Las Vegas is experiencing right now is something that we are not used to!

Climbing the Switchbacks

 We climbed the switchbacks slowly and steadily with only a couple of short pauses to take in different views and surroundings.

Arriving at the 1st Overlook

Pausing at the 1st Overlook

We arrived at the 1st Overlook feeling good. The morning sun presented the overlook well and we took a longer pause to munch a little and talk a little. From there, we turned around and started our first descent. Our speed was steady but not fast. After a short stop at Rainbow Junction, we continued down through the forest to the Cathedral Rock junction which is located very near above the trailhead parking lot. We did not take much of a break here before starting our second climb.

Descending the Switchbacks

 Much of the Cathedral Rock trail ascent is in the sun as it travels up through the young aspens of Mazie Canyon.

Fossil Rock

 The steamy sunlight became an issue as we made our way up the second big ascent of the day.

Climbing Mazie Canyon

Cathedral Rock from Behind

 This second climb was difficult and the pace slowed considerably. The group separated a little but, in the end, we made it up to the top of the rock within a couple of minutes of each other. In the meantime, we were noticing a small build-up of clouds over the north side of Kyle Canyon. We joked that that was our 20% chance way over there on the other ridge! Then, when we neared the top of the rock, we noticed another build-up of clouds happening over the ridge just south of Charleston Peak ... not far from our position.

Nearing the Final Climb

 We enjoyed a nice snack break on top of the rock not feeling too threatened by the nearby 20% chance of rain.

Arriving at the Top of Cathedral Rock

 Then the clouds got darker and began growing quite a bit toward the 12,000' peak at the end of the canyon.

A Break with a View

But the view behind ...

 We started down still thinking we were "out of range." But, yes, it wasn't long before we felt a few sprinkles. Just sprinkles. Then ... we heard thunder! That'll get you going a little faster! So, we made our way down at a faster pace while passing many other recreational hikers still climbing up. Yep! Anyway, we got down to the cars before we felt anymore sprinkles and felt lucky when we saw the enshrouded entire Spring Mountains in our rear view mirror! Fun, fun, fun!

7 miles; 2200 feet elevation gain; 3.75 hours

Clouds Building over Charleston Peak

Descent off of Rock

Rapid Descent with Sounds of Thunder