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| View up Pine Cone Canyon |
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| Bonanza Trail |
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| Ridge Descent |
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| Passing Old Mill Picnic Area |
Seven ladies adorned the trails above Lee Canyon Road, today, in the Spring Mountains NRA. Starting at the roadside parking across from the Old Mill Picnic Area, we crossed the road and started up the paved road that runs along the beautiful picnic area. Near the end of the manicured tables and restrooms, we veered to the right onto a rock-lined trail. This is the Old Mill Trail. We followed it, then stopped at the junction of the South Sister Trail that veers to the right again. After our pause, we continued up the Old Mill Trail.
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| Climbing Old Mill Trail |
Here, the trail begins to get a little steeper. The trail is covered with a lot of rock and a recent washout shoved rocks everywhere.
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| Approach to Lower Bristlecone Trail |
Somewhere in this area, there used to be ruins of an old mill. Today, we didn't see it.
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| Starting up Pine Cone Canyon |
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| Climbing into Pine Cone Canyon |
Soon, we junctioned with the Lower Bristlecone Trail (forest road) and turned right. Not far from this point, another forest road turns to the right. This is the beginning of Pine Cone Canyon. Our pace was "meander" and we slowly made our way up past the weather station and a log shelter. Then, the canyon trail appeared and we started up. Pine Cone Canyon begins innocently but quickly turns into a steep bugger monster. The trail follows the wash all the way up to the ridge or Bonanza Trail.
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| Pine Cone Canyon |
Due to a recent washout, Pine Cone Canyon is
not filled with pine cones at this time! Instead, the pine cones are gone leaving the dirt almost down to bedrock.
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| Taking a Rest in Pine Cone Canyon |
Well, at least the footing was more sturdy. We climbed the wash as if it was your neighborhood gym's stair master.
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| Junction with Bonanza Trail |
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| View down Pine Cone Canyon |
The group stayed very slowly together with the exception of a newbie and her friend. So, when the first five hikers arrived at the Bonanza Trail, we had a long break while we waited for the last two hikers. It was a long wait but we were all in good spirits as we enjoyed the cloud cover above and the eerie feeling of the forest. When the two hikers caught up, we took a small break then continued our "meander." Turning right on the Bonanza Trail, we hiked through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Spring Mountains.
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| Starting out Bonanza Trail |
For the most part, the Bonanza Trail circles around several small peaks near their summit. But, one particular peak requires a few small switchbacks due to rock outcroppings.
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| Charleston Peak from Bonanza Trail |
The high point of the hike arrives after this peak then the trail meanders through picturesque limestone and bristlecones.
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| Climbing little Switchbacks on Bonanza Trail |
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| Descending on Ridge |
Next, we came to the Ridge Trail junction that turns to the right off of the Bonanza Trail. The Ridge Trail makes a short climb over the Bonanza ridge hump and starts steeply down a trailing ridge. Soon the Ridge Trail flattens out and offers a nice place to sit for a break. While we were resting, rain sprinkles started falling from the sky. It was a light rain but it did encourage us to get up and get moving again! As we continued following the ridge, we saw two large deer leaving the area. We had never seen deer here before.
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| Ridge Descent |
The large black cloud overhead seemed non-threatening and there was no thunder or lightening. The rain was just light and steady at its heaviest point.
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| Short Break on Ridge |
We dropped down to the South Sister Saddle and talked about the next section of the hike. This saddle is reached on the way to a peak climb of South Sister.
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| Starting down South Sister Trail |
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| Remains of Raven |
The drop down the South Sister Trail begins steeply then flattens out into a wonderful woodsy adventure. On our way, we stepped over a bunch of raven feathers. We could only assume that that raven was someone's lunch. Maybe that mountain lion that roams around out there. ... Or, maybe just a bobcat. Anyway, we connected with the Old Mill Trail and the paved road next to the picnic area. Passing a very recently vandalized pay phone, we reached our cars. Extremely pleasant day in the rain.
5.5 miles; 1700 feet elevation gain; 3.5 hours
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| Old Home Foundation |
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| Down Old Mill Trail |
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| Passing Old Mill Picnic Area |
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