Robbers' Roost Loop - 9/16/19

Cave at Robbers' Roost

Shadows on Hike a Bike Trail

Sunrise on Mummy's Tummy

Upper Showgirl Trail

Finally! An absolutely deliciously cool day in the mountains! Eight hikers came out for a breezy day on a six mile loop starting at the Juniper Trailhead located on Angel Peak Place off of Deer Creek Road. We started out at a fairly quick pace so that our bodies would warm up in the surprisingly cool air then slowed down after about half a mile. We headed down and out the Upper Showgirl Trail; a beautifully maintained trail that the mountain bikers use regularly. Since today was a Monday, we only saw (heard) one biker all morning. As we hiked down to the first wash, we saw the sunrise on Mummy Mountain.

Warming Up on Upper Showgirl Trail

After 1.6 miles, the main trail changed from the Upper Showgirl Trail to the Hike a Bike Trail. We continued on this trail without turning.

Mummy Mountain from Hike a Bike Trail

Next, we crossed the Trough Trail that heads left down the mountain.

Crossing the Wooden Bridge

Hummingbird Gulch beyond Hike a Bike Trail

The Hike a Bike Trail continues around the top end of Telephone Canyon and ends at the bottom of the hill beneath the Robbers' Roost Trailhead. We climbed the steep hill up to the parking turnout huffing and puffing! Next, we crossed Deer Creek Road at the crosswalk and began climbing up to Robbers' Roost using the switchback that turns off to the left about halfway up the hill. Two hikers decided to scramble up instead by using the old route that passes the caves. At the top, we all took a break out of the breezes. Today, there were no rock climbers showing off their skills on the world class climbing walls.

Robbers' Roost beyond Hike a Bike Trail

After the pleasant break, we returned back down the trails to the large area just before we crossed Deer Creek Road again. Here, we turned to the left up the gentle hill.

Nearing Robbers' Roost Trailhead

This is another portion of the Old Deer Creek Road. You can even see remnants of asphalt underfoot.

Trail to Robbers' Roost

Using the Switchback up to the Caves

By staying the course on this bike trail, we crossed the Pixie Trail and continued up around the outside of the hill that is enclosed by the curve in Deer Creek Road. There are many bike jumps on this part of the trail. At one bike jump, someone had hung part of a deer skeleton from a log. The skeleton appeared like a fairly fresh kill since some of the hide was still attached. We climbed the gentle incline that has fantastic views of Telephone Canyon, Hummingbird Gulch and Kyle Canyon in the distance. At the top, we junctioned with Deer Creek Road about a quarter mile down from the North Loop Trailhead.

Robbers' Roost Crack

There's a tricky little downhill to get from the trail to the road. Then, we crossed the pavement and walked down to the intersection with Angel Peak Place.

Taking a Break below the Climbing Wall at Robbers' Roost

We found a place to hike down the embankment to the small wash on the other side of the intersection and with trash bags in hand, we started to work.

Starting up part of the Old Deer Creek Road

Old Deer Creek Road / Bike Trail

This ravine has had a tremendous amount of trash for the two years that I have been hiking it. This time, I remembered a bag! It appears that families bring their kids here to sled down the ravine, then they leave the sleds, food trash, bottles and a dog leash. (?) Perhaps this happens every year. Don't know. But, we made a pretty good dent in the trash situation as one photo below shows. Next, we had to carry our trash bags back up to the trailhead where there is a large trash can inside the restroom. We double bagged it with a strong black bag from Mike's car. Great day!

6 miles; 1000 feet elevation gain; 4 hours

Oh, dear ... deer.

Arriving at the new Deer Creek Road Connection near North Loop Trailhead

Tricky

Collecting Trash in Ravine