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| Quiet Morning at Big Falls |
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| Mary Jane Cave - Find the Chipmunk! |
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| Secondary Falls at Mary Jane Falls |
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| And, we're off like a herd of cats! |
For our second endeavor up to the Springs Mountains NRA in the summer season of 2021, the Fearsome Foursome drove up to the Mary Jane Falls Trailhead. Mondays are a quiet time in the recreation area so it is the best time to do trails that are normally bustling with hikers, families, dogs and cars. There were only a couple of other cars parked at the trailhead so our hike up the approach trail was peaceful with beautiful morning sunshine on the budding aspens and limestone cliffs. After about a quarter of a mile, the group came caught up to each other and finished climbing the mile long approach to the split. At the split, the Mary Jane Falls Trail veers to the right and begins switchbacks. We were heading up to Big Falls first so we stepped over the big log and went straight until we were able to veer left on a wide trail. The Big Falls Trail leads over to a large wash and drops in. The trail continues up the wash until a trail appears on the left side. Since this wash divides in this vicinity, it is good to take the trail here to avoid missing the Big Falls wash turnoff. The Avalanche Canyon wash continues up.
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| Morning on the Approach Trail |
The trail hugs the base of the embankment and circles around a corner. When the trail enters the wash again, the rule of thumb would be to follow the wash all the way up to the waterfall.
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| Climbing the Approach Trail |
Suffice it to say, it isn't as easy as it sounds with small trails leaving the wash and returning quickly as you go.
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| Starting up Big Falls Wash |
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| Happy Hikers in Big Falls Wash |
The most significant side trail is taken when you come up over a small crest and see Obstacle Rock wedged in the middle of the sides of the canyon narrows. This rock is normally impassable by hikers and scramblers and a side trail on the left side must be used. The exception to this rule is during winter when deep snow covers the area and enables hikers to simply hike above the rock. Today, we took the trail to the left that climbs high above the narrows on rocky terrain. It is important to take care on this section of the hike. Also, there are two trails that can be taken at the apex of the hill. The higher trail will take hikers a little further up the wash but more brush will be encountered. We took the lower of the two trails.
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| Still snow patches on the Upper Elevations |
This trail dives steeply down and back to the wash. Next, you have another choice of routes. My preferred route is to stay as close to the wash as possible while continuing to climb.
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| Obstacle Rock at Big Falls Wash Narrows |
However, today, we felt adventurous! So we tried a few other use trails that have appeared lately and a few old trails that we have previously pondered.
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| Bypassing Obstacle Rock |
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| Taking a Break at Big Falls |
However you get there, the high cliff of Big Falls is found at the top, around a corner to the left. There were only a few patches of snow remaining on the hillsides but the snow at the base of the falls is still covering the bowl. We climbed up to see just a seepage running down the waterfall route and proceeded to take photos and a small break. There were no other hikers while we were there making it very quiet in the bowl. Ready to go down, we retraced our steps and made a few more small explorations on different use trails. Halfway down, we saw two hikers coming up. We spoke then went on our way weaving down past the curve in the wash junction. Here, we found a decent way to climb up the embankment on the left side and connect with another old road/trail that runs up to Avalanche Canyon.
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| Fearsome Foursome at Big Falls |
We turned to the right on the trail and crossed back toward the Mary Jane Falls side of the box canyon called Kyle.
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| Negotiating the Debris |
Veering to the left at an obvious junction, we followed a trail over to the old Mary Jane Falls Trail, a steep old road that runs straight up to the waterfalls.
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| Back down the Up and Over |
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| Almost to the Bottom of the Wash |
Climbing up to the road, we turned to the left and started the crux of the hike. This steep climb amazes the muscles! But, on the bright side, we hiked it much more easily than in years past. People have added a few use trails to the climb but I found that a steep trail is a steep trail is a steep trail. Eventually, we could see the cliffs of Mary Jane Falls above. The last part of the climb is always the most challenging as you have to also deal with a lot of loose rock and gravel. As I made the last part of the struggle, I saw a familiar face waiting above. A guy named Mike from another club had just arrived from the switchback trail. We said hello and I realized that several hikers from his club were with him. Mike OC knew some of them and we all enjoyed the falls together. Right away, both groups hiked over to the cave before settling into a break.
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| Climbing the Old Trail to Mary Jane Falls |
I got to the cave first and took my photos. The cave is very large and sits high above the end of Kyle Canyon with great views.
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| Mary Jane Falls from Old Trail |
Unfortunately, there is a lot of graffiti on the walls. Since the pandemic, the volunteers have not been working on removal of the nonsensical stuff.
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| Mary Jane Falls |
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| Rita enters Mary Jane Cave |
On return to the area of the waterfalls, we took our break. There were several chipmunks running around eating crumbs from cheese crackers that someone had "accidentally" dropped. Hey! You do know that it is unlawful to leave food for the wild creatures, don't you? This only prevents the creatures from knowing how to forage food for themselves. Not to mention, crackers are not a complete and balanced diet. I digress. Mike took a photo of the other hiking group and we took our group photo and it was time to leave. The other group headed down first then we followed soon after. Other hikers were beginning to crowd the waterfall area so it was good timing all around. We passed a bit of graffiti that indicated what direction to go to "EXIT" and down we went!
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| Viewing Kyle Canyon from Cave Entrance |
There are twelve switchbacks that climb up to the falls from the approach trail. It was very sad to see that this past year of rampant undisciplined child's play has destroyed the trail.
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| Taking a Break at Mary Jane Falls |
There are many many shortcut trails across the switchbacks. Why don't people just use the old steep trail if they want to take a shorter and steeper way down? Just wondering.
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| Fearsome Foursome at Mary Jane Falls |
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| Friends from Lone Mountain Hiking Club |
We stuck to the formal trail and ignored the cuts. Then, at the approach trail, we started down the final phase of the hike. There were a lot of hikers coming up. Regardless of the graffiti, shortcuts and multiple other hikers, we had finished the hike while it was still peaceful in the canyons. Very nice hike!
Stats: 4.5 miles; 1650' gain; 4 hours
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| Starting down the Switchbacks |
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| Charleston Peak from the Switchbacks (Find the Cave!) |
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| Down the Switchbacks and the Approach Trail |
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