Gypsy / Hike-a-Bike Loop (Easy) - 7/24/21

View down Telephone Canyon from Gypsy Bike Trail

Old Juniper Tree at Break Spot

Upper Showgirl Trail

A Bike Jump on the Gypsy Bike Trail

A Nifty Nine showed up for a hike on the bike trails located out of Robbers Roost Trailhead. It was touch 'n' go for a while before the hike since rain came through the mountains only an hour before the hike was to begin. Trusting the forecast that said it would be clear until noon, we made our way up to the Robbers Roost Trailhead on Deer Creek Road. We were not disappointed! It turned out to be a beautiful day that smelled fresh from the new rains. We crossed the pavement like we were heading to Robbers Roost but turned right at the top of the embankment. This is a portion of the Old Deer Creek Road. Now, it turns into what the bikers have named Gypsy Trail. The Gypsy Trail climbs the hill staying parallel to the highway below with wide views of Telephone Canyon and the mountains above. We could see Robbers Roost and Hummingbird Gulch as we hiked up.

Hummingbird Gulch and Fletcher Peak in Distance

At the high point of the hike, we turned to the right and descended to the highway where there is a horseshoe curve. Carefully, the group crossed the road and climbed over the railing on the other side.

Connector Trail to Upper Showgirl

A connector trail leads down from here to the Upper Showgirl Trail. Trees have fallen over the trail here but we made our way over or around.

Connecting with Upper Showgirl

Nifty Nine on Upper Showgirl Trail

Turning right onto Upper Showgirl, we continued straight all the way around to where the trail junctioned with Hike-a-Bike Trail and Trough Trail. We took a shaded break on logs in the area. From here, we continued straight on Hike-a-Bike Trail as it started to descend. This trail parallels along the highway on the opposite side of Gypsy Trail. As the trail finally heads into a junction area, we turned to the right and climbed uphill to the Robbers Roost Trailhead. It was a fun and dry day in the mountains. Happy hiking!

Stats: 3.25 miles; 500' gain; 2.5 hours

Nifty Nine at Break Spot

Hike-a-Bike Trail with Mummy's Toe in Distance

The Hike-a-Bike Bridge that isn't Anymore