Mummy's Toe - 7/15/21

Mummys Toe from Deer Creek Ridge

Southeast View from Mummy's Toe Peak (Charleston Peak in Distance)

View from Overlook (Mummy's Toe to Left, Griffith Peak in Distance)

Starting up Cougar Ridge Trail

They say it's the easiest "Mummy Part" to climb. I suppose it is but the descent is brutal via the Deer Creek Trail. A savvy seven hikers parked at the Cougar Ridge Trailhead after six days off due to extreme heat and/or rain. We felt rested and refreshed. Our route would climb up Cougar Ridge Trail / up Deer Creek Trail / up Deer Creek Ridge / up Mummy's Toe Trail. Some of the terrain is very steep. We started out with a nice easy pace following the dirt road that leads up to some summer homes. Although the turnoff trail is obscured by brush, when the road takes a 90 degree turn to the right to cross a bridge, the Deer Creek Trail continues straight as it follows along a wash that is sometimes running with water.

Trail Junction at Cabins

Tip-Toeing through the Thistles

Rest after gaining Deer Creek Ridge

Chuck approaching Switchback #1

The trail takes hikers up by the wash and across eventually passing a small shelter that has been there for many years. The wiggling trail leads to a large boulder in the woods. Here, the trail turns to the right and starts steeply uphill through small scree. This is where the trail gains the Deer Creek Ridge. Once on the ridge, the trail balances on top of the ridge all the way up to the Mummy's Toe Trail. It is, by now, a clear trail that is easy to follow. A slow and steady pace is required. As we climbed the ridge, there were beautiful views of the Mummy's Toe peak to the left as the wash dropped away below. Our group divided into two as the front group pulled ahead and the back group plodded along. 

Ralyn resting at Switchback #1

Terrain above Mummy Springs

Along the Wall to the left of Chute

Steep Terrain from Chute to Overlook

When we reached the junction of the Mummy's Toe Trail above, we turned to the right and climbed to the apex of Switchback #1 of 7. Here, there are conveniently placed fallen trees where we sat for a break as, one by one, each hiker arrived. It was Ralyn's first time to go above the junction and we assured her that she was in for a treat! After we all gathered and rested up, we started up the remaining 6 switchbacks. The last switchback sends you on a long traverse that runs across the gully above Mummy Springs. There is a newly fallen tree just after the gully. It is large and we were thankful that there is a limb stump that can be used to aide in the scramble. It is soon after that the hike really begins!

Overlook Trail

Final Ascent to Peak

Bristlecone Guarding Peak

First Four on Peak

The trail starts up very steep terrain zigzagging through the rocks and trees. Finally, the trail arrives at the chute. Here, there is a decision to make. Either go up the 3rd class chute or turn left at the bottom of the rock and hike along the bottom of the cliff. I have done both and I rather liked the hike along the cliff but, today, I was drawn to a different climb up the cliff soon after we turned to the left. The remaining part of the group decided to use a different trail and I continued climbing as I followed one of many cairned routes. Up and up, I went until I found myself just below a place I had visited on my first ascent. It is an overlook where you can look across a chasm to Mummy's Toe peak. I couldn't resist going up for photos.

Jerry & Cheryl enjoying the Peak (Fletcher Peak center right)

Mike & Ralyn enjoying the Peak (Mummy's Tummy-L, Mummy's Nose-R)

The Savvy Seven on Mummy's Toe

Happy group starting Descent

At the overlook, there is a trail that runs along the edge of the cliffs so, after photos, I followed this trail knowing that it would come out at the bottom of the final peak ascent. This is where I found the rest of the group waiting for me. Oops. I guess I had gotten carried away with my little solo adventure! Anyway, we all started up to the peak on the trail in the photos to the left and below. We took a nice long break on the top in nice weather. After the last two of our group's hikers arrived, we took our group photo. The air was a bit hazy due to smoke from California and Arizona fires. When everyone was well rested, we started down the steep trail. When the trail flattened out a bit, we jogged down to the lower trail that heads straight for the chute.

Very Steep Terrain

Jerry & Cheryl lead the Descent down to Chute

Chute Fun!

Another Fun Section

Down the chute, down the steep trail, over the big tree and down the 7 switchbacks, we reached the Deer Creek Ridge trail junction. Knees and feet had already been subjected to a lot of steepness but we decided to return down Deer Creek anyway. Down the ridge, down the trail, and down Cougar Ridge Trail dirt road. We had done it one more time! Great "iconic" hike!

Stats: 5.5 miles; 2500' gain; 5.25 hours

"New" Large Tree Crossing

Modern Art on Deer Creek Ridge

Deer Creek and Cougar Ridge Trails