Mummy Junction - 9/2/17

Through the Aspens and Burnt Trees to the South Loop Ridge

Charleston Peak from North Loop Trail

Trail Canyon Trail

Starting up Trail Canyon

 There was evidence that the aspens are just starting their change in the upper elevations of the North Loop Trail near Mummy Junction where the Mummy's Tummy Trail takes an uphill turn to the right. During the month of September, the aspens in the Spring Mountains NRA never disappoint with their colors of yellow, gold and orange. Full fall colors will be on display in the coming two or three weeks. Thirteen hikers arrived early at the Trail Canyon trailhead for a climb up into the mountains.

Crossing the Wash on Trail Canyon Trail

 Some of the stronger hikers got out in front of the group but there was a decent size group of hikers that stayed with the coordinator on a slow steady pace.

Charleston Peak behind Hiker on Trail Canyon Trail

 Whatever the pace, everyone gathered at the saddle enjoying the exertion. A couple of hikers went up to the overlook while waiting on the last hiker to arrive.

Overlook to Right of Trail Canyon Saddle

Pausing at Trail Canyon Saddle

 All together again, the group started up the North Loop Trail toward Cave Spring. Hikers spread out especially after passing the Cave Springs area. (The spring is running strong into the old horse trough there.) Slow and steady, hikers made their way up the two long switchbacks that lead through an aspen forest. Between ten and fifteen years ago, this area fell victim to a forest fire. Aspens usually fill the void quickly as was the case here. This is where we saw a couple of their branches already turning yellow.

Cave Springs (C) Area

 As the larger part of the group made it up to Mummy Junction, two hikers made it only up to the 3 mile mark where they could see the front hikers climbing the second switchback.

Heading up the First Switchback of North Loop

 Everyone took their break and started back down enjoying the views of Charleston Peak, Cockscomb Peak and Griffith Peak.

Hikers arriving at Second Switchback of North Loop

Resting at the 3 Mile Mark

 Since the last two hikers started down before the first hikers got back to their position, the group did not come together until we were all about half way down Trail Canyon. At that point, the group stayed together until the end. It was a great group today and everyone seemed to enjoy the great weather although clouds were beginning to form as we neared the end of our hike.

7 miles; 2500 feet elevation gain; 3.75 hours

Mummy Mountain and Fletcher Peak above Trail

View down at Trail Canyon / North Loop Junction

Hiking down Trail Canyon as a Group