Old Mill / Lee Meadows Loop (Easy) - 6/12/21

Ruins of Old Mill

Anemometer

Wild Horse in Lee Meadow

Crossing Lee Meadow

Seven leisurely hikers drove up Lee Canyon Road passing the traffic circle and parking on the right side at the lower part of Lee Meadows. When we stepped out of the car, the air was cool and fresh! We began our hike by walking across the lower portion of the meadow and finding a game trail that leads up the hill to the picnic area. From there, we passed through a few picnic tables and made it up to the paved Old Mill Road. The sun was already starting to warm things up so we stayed on the side of the road with shade from the pines. Keeping an eye on the right side of the pavement, we passed another set of restrooms then found the rock-lined trail called Old Mill Trail. We left the pavement to follow the trail up through the trees.

Hiking up beside Old Mill Picnic Area

Old Mill Trail

The Group at the Old Home Foundation

The Group at the Old Mill

A trail veers off to the right when you reach a fork in the terrain. This is the beginning of the South Sister Saddle Trail. We took the trail a short way and crossed over to the right to view the old home foundation where we suspect the owner or foreman of the mill lived with his family. Getting back on the Old Mill Trail, we climbed up to the Old Mill site. There are a few concrete supports and timbers still there. But, most interesting are the old names carved into the aspens! Next, we continued up the hill that gets a little steeper. This trail Ts into the Lower Bristlecone Trail where we turned to the right. At the apex of the next curve, we turned right onto the Pine Cone Canyon Trail and hiked up to the weather anemometer site for our break.

Hiking the Hill on Old Mill Trail

Passing thirsty Bikers

Lower Bristlecone Trail

Taking a Break at the Anemometer

After the break, we hiked back down the Lower Bristlecone Trail all the way to the trailhead. It was a sunny walk! We turned to the left and made our way down through the trees to the upper Lee Meadow watching families play and have cookouts. When we got down to the lower meadow, we saw two small wild horses grazing. Photos were a must! Then we crossed back over to our cars. It was an excellent morning. The pace was kept to a minimum for the participants. Stay cool out there as best you can. The coming days are going to be scorchers!

Stats: 3.5 miles; 600' gain; 2.5 hours

Back on the Lower Bristlecone Trail

Mummy's Nose above Lower Bristlecone Trail

Finishing the Hike through Lee Meadows