Big Falls Overlook - 6/22/20

Big Falls (in shadow) as seen from the Overlook on North Loop

Charleston Peak from Big Falls Overlook

Desert Paintbrush on 4.25 Mile Overlook

Mummy's Toe from Trail Canyon Saddle

Big Falls Overlook is found on the North Loop Trail at the 10,850' elevation mark about 4.6 miles from the Trail Canyon Trailhead. Almost all of the initial elevation gain on the North Loop Trail is accomplished by the time you reach this cliffside overlook so it is always a little bittersweet to make this your turnaround point. However, the overlook has much to offer in views and also provides a somewhat large campsite where there is room for 3 or 4 tents to find a premium spot among the logs and rocks. Just don't sleep near the cliff if you are a sleepwalker! Four club members began at the bottom prepared for a long steady climb. It was early enough that other recreational hikers were spread sufficiently along the trail and we had no problem social distancing. In fact, we didn't even see other hikers on the trail (except 3 that were resting at the saddle) until we began our journey down.

Continuing up the North Loop

Trail Canyon is in the same condition that it was last year. Pretty good. We climbed at a steady pace of 2 mph without a rest break until we reached the saddle. A surprise since this was the first time up this year for 3 of the 4 of us. (Daily swimming keeps the muscles working during isolation!)

Cave Springs Water Trough

It was a beautiful cool morning. We relished in the lower temperatures because it would be a lot warmer on the way down. (And, it was!)

Cockscomb Ridge from Switchback

The Mummy Trail Tree

After a short rest at the saddle, we started up to the left on the North Loop Trail. We found our steady 2 mph rhythm and continued without a break to Cave Springs a half mile further. There, we found the water to be running plentifully through the black rubber pipe into the old wooden water trough. Last year, the water never ran so we assumed that the pipe that comes down from the spring above had been replaced. The water was cold and refreshing. (But, don't drink!) Next is the dreaded switchback! It's long and sometimes steep but we kept our pace and made it to the wall corner before stopping. Following that, we passed the "M" tree. This tree indicates the turnoff for the scree climb up to Mummy's Tummy. (A difficult and famous 500' climb.) We looked at it then continued up the North Loop passing the place where the horse slipped and fell a couple of summers ago. The rock trail still has not been improved for horses wearing iron horseshoes. 

Leveling off on the North Loop in Elevation

And, we still do not recommend the North Loop for a horseback ride to Charleston Peak. Even if you get by this obstacle, the trail is extremely narrow and cliffy in many places. One slip and you're both gone. Do you really want to risk the life of your horse, too?

Arriving at the Big Falls Overlook (Charleston Peak-L & Lee Peak-R ... Devil's Thumb-C)

The next point of interest, after a few cliffside campsites, is the ~4.25 Mile Cliff Overlook. Here, there is a log for resting and cliff viewing. It is also a good turnaround point if you don't need a view of Charleston Peak.

Viewing Big Falls from the Cliff Overlook

Taking a Break

The stretch between this overlook and the Big Falls Overlook has elevation gain but we were still working steady while using small rest breaks to catch our breath for a few seconds. Finally, we summited the cliff ridge and enjoyed the views while taking our break. There was still water coming down Big Falls but we couldn't see it in the shadows with our naked eyes. Charleston Peak and the North Loop's famous final switchbacks were squarely in front of us. So close yet so far away! The climb was great and now the descent. We took it slow to protect the feet and knees passing a handful of hikers before we returned to Cave Springs. Most of the other hikers we passed were on the lower end of Trail Canyon. Just an observation: the recreational hikers we passed on this hike seemed more conscientious of social distancing than they seemed on the South Loop Trail a few days ago. Sometimes, it kind of takes two to tango in the social distancing realm!

Stats: 9.5 miles; 3100' gain; 5.25 hours

Tree Art

Precipitous Slope off of the North Loop

The Descent