Juniper Peak - 4/1/21

Bridgepoint Peak and Calico Hills from Juniper Peak

The Juniper Canyon Slab

Juniper Peak from Pine Creek Trailhead

Crossing Pine Creek on the Fire Ecology Trail

Juniper Peak is located to the south of the South Fork of Pine Creek Canyon and north of Rainbow Peak. Between Juniper Peak and Rainbow Peak rises a formidable wall called Rainbow Wall and a V-Notch called Gunsight Notch. To the west of Juniper Peak hikers can find Terrace Canyon and to the east is the "front" of the Red Rock Escarpment, or Sandstone Bluffs. To climb Juniper Peak, hikers usually go up through Juniper Canyon, a jewel within the escarpment whose upper reach is made up of a very large and steep yellow sandstone slab. I had not made the climb to this peak since 2013. It is difficult. However, it was about time that I do it again! And, we had three experienced and empathetic leaders in our pod who know this peak well.

Heading into Juniper Canyon

At the Pine Creek Trailhead off of the Scenic Loop, we met with another larger group of hikers who were going to the same peak.

Large Boulder Scramble

We decided to head out quickly and take the Fire Ecology Trail to try to get out of the traffic jam. This is a different route than what is indicated on the maps below.

On the Trail through the Brush (Gunsight Notch Above)

Climbing the Rock Garden

We dropped down into Pine Creek Canyon then took the first turn to the left, Fire Ecology Trail. This trail leads down to the creek bed, crosses the creek bed, then climbs up out of the canyon wash. The trail dead ends into the Arnight Trail. A right turn took us to the Knoll Trail junction where we turned to the left. Next, we turned to the right onto an unnamed trail leading toward the large canyon above. This is Juniper Canyon. This use trail can be used to make your way up to the regular Juniper Canyon Trail where you will turn to the left. Be careful in this area to not begin climbing up a rock climber's trail to the walls above. Also, beware that it is best to wait until much further to drop into the Juniper Canyon wash.

Rainbow Wall from beginning of Slab

The good trail stays on the right side of the wash and well below the rock wall of the canyon. It will drop slightly into the wash where you will be faced immediately with very large boulder scrambling.

Small Break at top of Rock Garden

At this point in time, the canyon is very well cairned. This helps, so watch for them. After climbing up and to the left a little, the route will run into a steep slippery dirt trail.

On the way up the Slab

Following Cairns and Trail

This trail has become more and more difficult over the years. So, we took the alternate route up a small narrow wash on the left side of the dirt trail. Watch for the cairns and climb out to the right onto a trail that passes the top of that steep slippery dirt trail. A much easier choice. The treed trail leads across the canyon and turns to the left around a corner. Soon, another trail will turn to the right. If you go straight, you might end up climbing Rainbow Wall! Turn to the right and follow across a bouldered wash and up to what is affectionately called the Rock Garden. This is a scree field or rock fall with brown rocks. The cairns should help you negotiate the Rock Garden to the top where the trail meets the yellow sandstone slab of Juniper Canyon.

View down from Trail through Rocks

The other group of hikers, younger and stronger, had passed us at the bottom of Juniper Canyon. They were taking their break at the top of the Rock Garden but decided to move on when we got there.

In no Hurry!

So, we took our short break here as we watched the other group make their way up the sandstone slab.

Porpoise Rock from Go Around

Slab before Wall Trail

When it was our turn to start up the slab, we had spread out a bit. The route stayed up near the dirt between the slab and the wall. Eventually, we found the cairned trail that heads up through the dirt and rocks. Views from this section of the climb are magnificent but the climbing is relentless. The trail went from the slab to the dirt and rocks, to the slab, over and over again. Finally, we came to the tree cairn as seen thirteen photos below ... although the photo is as seen from the top. This is where there is one more climb up the slab and you come to another shade tree. Straight above you is a shortcut 3rd class climb. I did it fine in 2013. However, on this hike, I opted out and Jerry and Cheryl offered to show me the go around for this.

Perky Cactus at Wall Area

The go around is pretty simple. It takes you to the right up through dirt and rocks and around the Porpoise Rock. Rita and Mike met us at the base of the Wall Trail.

Fit Five climbing the Wall Trail

One more slab climb and we were faced with the trail that climbs up next to a wall face that was on our left.

Bridge Mountain and Fern Canyon Overlook from Wall Climb

Just a small Break!

More climbing. More trying to not let loose any rocks onto the person behind you. The wall trail is long. Uh, seems long. 😩Finally, the wall ends at a big tree and the trail turns to the left making its way up through a rock scramble. Cliffy ledges begin to appear. Views out the wazoo! Circle around this ledge. Connect with dirt. Circle around another ledge. Drop down a rock overhang. Then climb up through a difficult rabbit hole. Instructions were coming from three different directions! (Well, at least there wasn't a way to fall to your death inside the rabbit hole!) This maneuver required climbing straight up through the hole with very little in the way of hand holds or foot holds. But, we all did it without any pushing or pulling. 

Arriving at the Final Ascent Scramble

Just as we all got up through the hole, the other hiking group started coming down to the landing. Great timing! Nice people.

Rita emerges from the difficult Rabbit Hole

A little bit more climbing put us on the summit ledges. It is here that you have a good view of the canyon behind the peak.

Fit Five on Juniper Peak!

What a View!

On Juniper Peak summit, we wrote our names in the book and took a slew of photos, including our group shot. Rainbow Wall still loomed large above our peak. But, the most beautiful view was caught in the first photo of this entry. Bridge Mountain rose across Pine Creek Canyon. Far far below, we could see the trailhead where we began the hike. We took our time and then it was time for the long descent. Again, the rabbit hole was accomplished with instructions. Climbing from the hole up onto the next ledge was one of the most difficult parts of the day causing bumps and cuts. Down the spiral trail to the wall. Down the wall trail.

Bridge Mountain above Pine Creek Canyons

Everyone headed for the 3rd class descent that three of us had circumvented on the way up. Carefully, this section was much easier on the way down.

After Wall Descent

Past the tree cairn and down the dirt and rock scramble. Down the slab. Down the Rock Garden.

Down the 3rd Class Descent Scramble

What a Day!

We didn't stop long until we came to the trail through the trees. Here, we saw rock climbers on a very interesting route on the north wall. They were on their rappelling descent and we all stood and watched. It appeared to Jerry and Cheryl that the two climbers had gotten their rope stuck on the rappel. It was a nice rest for weary feet and knees! We took the same small wash down instead of the steep slippery dirt trail. Then started down through the big boulder scramble.

 

Tree Cairn

The constant steep descent took its toll on my knees and ankles. I was just about done! And, down I went. But, not for long. Up again and onward.

Descending the Trail above Slab

During the last scrambles, we had time to talk about food. I guess after a long day, we were hungry!

Rock Garden Descent

Today's Wildlife

The last boulder scramble put us onto the approach trail. Our intention was to follow the regular trail all the way out to the Arnight Trail. Not as easy as it sounds. But, we did eventually get there and turn right. We wanted to return on the same Fire Ecology Trail that we came up on. We found the obvious trail and turned to the left then it was a somewhat straight shot to Pine Creek Trail. On the way, we saw a couple of mule deer that are part of a small herd that live along the base of the escarpment. So, two interesting lizards and two mule deer were the total of wildlife of the day! Today's hike was such fun. My appreciation goes out to the rest of the group for not needing to hurry the hike. 💖

Stats: 6 miles; 2300' gain; 6.75 hours

Jerry and Cheryl dreaming about the Armitron Climbing Route

Exiting Juniper Canyon

Fire Ecology Trail back to the Trailhead