Mummy's Toe Loop (with Chateau Ridge) - 6/25/20

Mummy's Toe from Deer Creek Ridge

Southern View from atop Mummy's Toe

Scenes from Deer Creek Trail (Dennis, Bruce & Don were in the area)

Climbing Deer Creek Ridge

The social distancing fearsome foursome rounded out their second week of two strenuous hikes per week with the steep hike up to Mummy's Toe. This would be only the second summit of this peak for Cheryl and Kay but Mike and Jerry, no doubt, have summited the smallest Mummy Peak many times in the past. It was a fun hike enjoyed by everyone at a slow pace not pushed by anyone. That's the way we like it! 

We parked at the Deer Creek Picnic Area parking lot for a 7:30am start. There were 3 hikers there from the Lone Mountain Hiking Club who were preparing for their first attempt at Mummy Springs up the Deer Creek route. We showed them the way as far as we could before our paces un-synced but not before we got a photo of the trio.

Mummy's Toe from Switchbacks above the Ridge

Our route would sneak up the Deer Creek Picnic Area paved trail before the picnickers flooded the area and connect to the Cougar Ridge Trail. Deer Creek is still running but not quite as much as it was a couple of weeks ago.

Mummy Springs in Gulley Below

This is the third time we have used the Deer Creek Trail and Ridge this short season. It is usually quiet and is a quick way to the elevations. So, up we went on legs that were still somewhat tired from the previous Big Falls Overlook hike!

The Steepness has Only Begun

Water break at Fork - We turned left!

By the time we climbed the trail and ridge up to the Mummy Springs Trail, we were finding our stride. A short breather and we turned right onto the older trail to begin the seven switchbacks up to Mummy's Toe. Mike and I both decided to stash one of our two water bottles in this section. We knew that steepness was coming and a small jettison of extra weight was welcome.

After the switchbacks, the trail crosses through a large gulley that culminates in the Mummy Springs area below. The trail is easy to follow but there is a fork that you have to watch out for. The trail seems to continue straight toward the base of Mummy Mountain way above but a double cairn should point out a turn to the left here. We turned left and continued climbing as the terrain got steeper and steeper. 

Lettie's Route (Very Picturesque)

Just before we reached the first of the cliffbands, I asked Mike to show me Lettie's Route that turns to the left here. The trail hikes along the base of this band of cliffs passing a couple of interesting alcoves and optional chutes up.

Mummy's Nose peeks up over the Ridge

The Lettie's Trail continues almost all the way to the end of the cliffband before we came to a well-worn chute up to the next level. This chute is somewhat easier than the famous Class 2+ chute on the traditional route. At the top, there is a trail you can find that first leads to the left then makes short switchbacks up to the traditional trail where Jerry and Cheryl were waiting for us.

Hardy Bristlecones guarding the Peak

A left on the older trail kept us climbing toward what looked like a peak behind the trees at the top of a very steep slope. This was the final push on a very steep dirt and scree trail. We climbed very slowly to reach a covy of very old, very hardy and very much still alive bristlecone trees. These trees mark the "entrance" to Mummy's Toe Peak. Finally, all four of us were standing on a small peak at ~10,800' in elevation taking in one of the most amazing views in all of the Spring Mountains NRA! We signed the log book then took several photos. Many of these photos are displayed in this blog. Then, we took a leisurely break before our treacherous and exhausting descent began.

The Rest of Mummy Mountain Parts

We started down and, perhaps, the descent of the steep stuff was even more slow than the ascent had been. Carefully, we took it step by step. What a workout!

A Summit Photo Fest!

View toward Fletcher Peak

We came back to the place where we had joined the last old trail and transferred down to the old trail that leads to the traditional chute. Following this trail, we hiked down across the Mummy Springs gully and made the fun descent down the chute. The steep stuff wasn't done yet, but it was getting better as we traversed across the hillside to the 7 switchbacks. The stashed water bottles were recovered and we took another break at the campsite found at the top of the Deer Creek Ridge. Ready to continue, we hiked down the ridge and down the trail along the creek. Veering to the left (north), we passed the old sawmill and connected with Cougar Ridge Trail. A left turn started us climbing another 300' of elevation on the road up to the Mummy's Nose Overlook. A last rest break was in order!

Following a Trail down past the Steep Stuff

Ready for the last phase of the descent, we got back on Cougar Ridge Trail to continue around the mountain. As we hiked, a hiker visiting from California hiked along with us to share information.

The Chute on the Traditional Route

Just as the road curves around to the left and an old road track is seen just below the edge, there is a descendable ridge with a game trail on it. I'll call this Horse Ridge since it seems that wild horses were the first the establish the ridge's trail.

Leveling Off above Mummy Springs

Cheryl strikes a Pose at the bottom of Deer Creek Ridge

We started dropping down onto the ridge where it is at first steep. The horse trail appears quickly. As we did once before, we just followed the trail all the way down. At first steep, next flattish, then, finally a gentle slope. You are spilled right down onto one of the old abandoned roads found in this area. By dropping down right off the end of the ridge, we ended up on a road that we needed to turn left onto. A little further down, we took a sharp right onto another dirt road that leads down to the area exactly across Deer Creek Road from the parking lot we started in almost 6 hours earlier. The parking lot was packed with picnickers so we were pretty happy that we took the long way around for our descent. Fun hike! So glad to have climbed the Toe again!

Stats: 6.5 miles; 2850' gain; 5.75 hours

Mummy's Toe from the Old Sawmill

300' More Gain on Cougar Ridge Trail

Gentle Horse Ridge Descent