Foxtail (Ridge, Spring, Pioneer Rock) Loop CCW - 9/7/21

Foxtail Spring

Overview of Loop Hike

Pioneer Rock from Foxtail Ridge - Before Sunrise over Mummy

Bobby Socks & Saddle Shoes

 Happy Labor Day! So where do the Fearsome Foursome go? To Foxtail Springs where we will be away from the crowds! This time, we have a mission. Several weeks ago, Brian's hiking pod forged a route up to Foxtail Ridge from the Foxtail Spring area. We decided to check it out but do it in reverse. We parked at the Pay Phone Trailhead where Bobby Socks and Saddle Shoes were munching on some contraband carrots. (It kind of appears that Saddle Shoes may be pregnant. The horses didn't approach us as they were happy with their find. We readied and took the same route as before up to the ridge forest road and water tank. It was early, cool, dim, and quiet. So early in the morning, our lungs and heart woke quickly on the hill climb up from the road.

Starting up the Ridge Forest Road

Climbing to Foxtail Ridge

Foxtail Ridge Climb

Ridge Obstacle

We had hiked almost a mile when we reached the water tank. From there, we continued up the ridge climbing much steeper. Our goal was to stay on, or as near as we could, to the edge of Foxtail Ridge. That's where the great views are! Pioneer Rock rose vertically from the valley below us on the other side of the ridge. At first, it wasn't too difficult to ride the ridge but the horse trails eventually began to take us on a traverse while the top of the ridge continued more steeply up. One place in particular, there was a huge rock outcropping that rose far up in elevation taking the ridge with it. Three hikers tried climbing the 3rd class offering. I traversed below and then had to climb steeply up on the other side of the outcrop. The rock climbers decided perhaps they will go the other way next time! Hmm. Must have been difficult!

Hiking on the Edge

Sun Rises on the Fearsome Foursome

Foxtail Ridge trails down from the North Loop Ridge

Mike tops Off

The ridge continued beautifully with outstanding views of the rock, Foxtail Canyon below, Mummy Mountain across the way, and the North Loop ridge ahead. Although very difficult terrain, Foxtail Ridge does connect with the North Loop ridge high above. We could also see Foxtail Spring in one of the steep mountainside washes below. So, keeping an assuring eye on Brian's GPS track, we followed the ridge until we came to somewhat of a saddle following a nice bare rock edge. This was the "ridge access" suggested by Brian. Still apprehensive about the drop, we creeped down from the saddle and, voila, a game trail settled our fears! Yippee! So, we followed the game trail down the mountainside on a traverse. ... Until, either we lost it or it just disappeared!

Ridge Saddle where Game Trail Descends

Following the Game Trail down

Drop into the first Wide Wash

Tree-Lined Road to Spring

No worries. We knew which direction to go. However, we had ended up in a tight aspen grove. We waded through the brush from clearing to clearing and looked up to see that we were very close to the first wide wash that we wanted to cross. Yea! We were near Brian's track but not on it so we struggled up the wash and through some more brush before we happened upon a dirt road. Hmm. Is this the dirt road that we usually use? ... Nope! This is a different one and it seemed to be leading us up on a parallel route. The road was log-lined and seemed to have been well cared for at one time. Checking the GPS, we were very surprised to see that we were already climbing up to Foxtail Spring! The road changed to a short trail and out we came near the spring grotto. I looked down to my left and there was Lettie!

Foxtail Spring Arrival!

Foxtail Ridge from Spring Grotto

Dripping Spring

We came from that saddle!

Suprise! As it turned out, Lettie's AtBF pod was hiking to the spring because it was the one place that there was likely to be no one there! ... just like us! The eight of us enjoyed the spring for our break together. It was very cool there in the shade. David M. walked around taking photos of the plants as he impressively named each one. Anthony also took a few photos. Ralyn climbed up to the top of the grotto while the rest of us rested and ate a snack. Alas, it was finally time to get back into the sun to warm up. We all negotiated the steep scree-filled road slowly and came to the turn off for the girl scouts' Pioneer Camp. Lettie's group bade their goodbyes and continued back to the cars at a straight shot. We turned to the right and started up to enjoy the Pioneer Rock Loop.

Enjoying Foxtail Spring with Friends

Steep Descent Road

David and Brenda steeply Descending

Two AtBF Pods

We discovered this loop trail that travels around Pioneer Rock last year. Although there are a few trees that have fallen over the path, it is a wonderful hike in the woods at the northwest base of Mummy Mountain. We climbed up to the saddle behind Pioneer Rock and started the traverse around the loop. At "Pinnacle Point," we stopped for our last break. We could see a very crowded Upper Bristlecone Trailhead / Ski Slope parking lot down in the distance. Labor Day seemed to be in full swing! We continued down the ridge and around to end up at the old dining hall of Camp Foxtail. Here, we had a choice of return routes. Usually, we climb back up to the ridge forest road. This time, we stayed in the valley and followed the picnic road out.

Sleepy Orange Butterfly, Water Tank, Plant at Springs, Pioneer Camp Sign

Pioneer Camp Ruins and Trail going up to Rock

North Loop Ridge from behind Pioneer Rock

Packed Labor Day Upper Bristlecone Parking Lot

We passed several large groups having picnics under the nice pavilions. People everywhere! We could smell the hamburgers and hot dogs! This was our Labor Day celebration. A great new hike (that could use a little more work.) Great friends to laugh with. And, the scrumptious smell of a cookout!

Stats: 5.1 miles; 1700' gain; 4.5 hours

Enjoying Pinnacle Point

South Sister from Descent Ridge Trail

Blue Belles back at Camp Foxtail