Nuclear Loop - 9/12/18

Mummy's Nose from Rocky Peak

Desert View Overlook

Sisters Ridge from Champion Ridge Cliffs

Perusing the Informational Signs at Overlook

Ten seems to be the magic number these days since, once again, ten great hikers arrived to hike on Thursday morning. This day's hike began at the Desert View Overlook on Deer Creek Road and included a lot of fun bushwhacking! First, we took in all the informational signs located at the overlook all the way down several switchbacks on a cement path. When everyone was satisfied that they had stored what information they read, our hike continued behind the last set of signs. Here, there are several "gravel paths" that people have used to hike down the hill. Suffice it to say that the objective was to reach a wash located to the left of the ridge we were on.

Hiking down to the Bottom of the Cement Switchbacks

By following any of these paths and dipping down to the left, eventually, we reached the wash. The descent was a bit messy the way we did it today but we got there!

Entering the Wash

Soon after we reached the wash, we had this photo awaiting (above). If you go further down the initial ridge before dropping down, you may not see this particular wash scene.

Airplane Parts found in Wash

Using the Small Trail to Go Around Obstacles

There is a small old trail that runs alongside the wash but I'm not sure where to catch it from the beginning. Nevertheless, it becomes apparent soon as you hike on down the wash; especially when you have to make your way around some of the deadfall blocking the wash way. I like to stay in the wash as much as I can so that I won't miss any interesting objects that may have washed down from above. For instance, there are some parts from an airplane crash lying in the wash at one point! After that, we came to a very large un-navigable dry fall. This can be circumvented by taking the old trail up to the left and dropping down a much shorter rock wall.

View Back to the Dry Fall

The next point of interest is a very large cairn that has been there for at least four years. It is placed at the beginning of a large wash delta when descending. Likely, it was there to indicate the correct wash to take when doing an ascent in our same wash.

Nearing the Large Delta Junction

The delta is so covered with trees that it is difficult to actually see the "delta." However, it is clear that there are two or three washes coming together with trees in between. Here, it is important to get to the left side of the washes where you will be at the base of the ridge in front of you (Champion Ridge).

Points of Interest - Very Large Cairn, Red Survey Marker, The Stairs to Nowhere, & Iron Rod used in Pulley System

Gathering just before Red Survey Marker

Down the wash a little further, be on the lookout for a survey marker and sign surrounded by large rocks and painted red. (The paint has started to wear away.) This is your landmark to ascend the ridge to the left. The short steep ascent will take you to the tip end of Champion Ridge where there are a lot of large conglomerate formations. Once there, turn left and start climbing the ridge as close to the top of the ridge as is feasible. Eventually, this climb will become less covered with brush and a more gentle slope. When things got easier, we arrived at the cliffs on the right where we had a fantastic view of "everything Lee Canyon."

Bushwhack up from Red Survey Marker to Champion Ridge

Still climbing at a gentler rate, we got more views at the cliffs and the ridge top became wider. Finally, we arrived at an old large shelter. This is near Deer Creek Road and, many times, people use this place for camping.

Climbing along end of Champion Ridge

We took a ten minute rest here. Conversation ensued. There is an iron spike in the ground at one of the overlooks used as, perhaps, a guide for an old pulley system.

On Top of Champion Ridge

View of the Sisters Ridge

Continuing the hike, we dropped down to Deer Creek Road and crossed it at the sign indicating 8000 feet in elevation. The Old Deer Creek Road switchbacks down to this point and we climbed up. Now, we climbed gently along the old gravel road that is fairly wide. Missing the old car that lies in wait on the left side, we did see the Steps to Nowhere on the right. At the top of the hill, we came to Rocky Peak, a small tor on the left side of the road. A short diversion here afforded us more fantastic views of the mountains and desert. Back on the old road, we were led down to where it crossed the new Deer Creek Road again. After crossing, we were walking through the Orange Trail Trailhead. This is also the trailhead for the Deer Creek/Catch Pen Loop.

Taking a Break at the Large Shelter

The Orange Trail turns either right (ridge side) or straight (wash side). We went straight and wound our way down into the wash. This wash is the one that flows beneath the Desert View Overlook on the opposite side of the ridge on which we started.

The First Road Crossing

This trail is very clear and fun to hike as you wind in and out of the wash. It is fairly well marked with cairns when the direction of the trail seems counterintuitive.

Climbing Old Deer Creek Road

Valley View from Rocky Peak

The junction for the bushwhack back up to the Desert View Overlook is seen in a photo below. It is not marked but, if you have been looking up to your left as you followed the trail, you can see the overlook high above and the ridge climb is almost obvious. Go to almost the end of the ridge for the least steep ascent. Stay on top of the ridge during the bushwhack and you will run into the overlook cement switchbacks. This is a cute little loop with bushwhacking opportunities that provide reward. Wonderful group of hikers, too!

5 miles; 1200 feet elevation gain; 3.25 hours; average moving speed 1.6 mph

Orange Trail - Deer Creek/Catch Pen Trail

Ridge Junction to return to Desert View Overlook

Reaching the Cement Switchbacks