Gypsum Jump Loop - 11/1/21

Southern Half of Goatroper Trail

View of Gypsum Mine from Gypsum Jump Overlook

Northern end of Goatroper Trail

Hiking out to the Goatroper Junction

A couple of years ago (pre-pandemic), we were in the process of exploring the Goatroper Trail. At the time, I didn't know that it was named the Goatroper and our group named it the Gypsum Jump Overlook hike. Today, we decided to revisit this nice bike trail on its northern end starting at the Cowboy Trailhead and make a bushwhacking loop out of it. Four of us, the Tenacious Trio plus one, headed out from the parking lot taking a hard right turn into the wash. We followed the wash until a trail turned out of it to the left. After this trail made the first hard right turn, we continued straight off the trail finding a vague game trail that continued toward the junction of the low saddle in the distance. This trail goes into the wash for the last quarter mile then a trail turns to the right.

Short break at the Goatroper Junction

Starting up Goatroper Trail as Sun Rises

Hiking up Goatroper Trail

Rock Designs on Trail and Survey Marker at Overlook

The right turn climbs up a small wash and Ts into the Goatroper Trail. We turned right and began a curvy climb up to the Gypsum Jump Overlook. Along the way, we could see the ridge to our south that we would explore on the way back. Between us and the ridge, there was a wide canyon that Mike was interested in naming so, we named it O'Connor Canyon! The trail eventually stopped curving so much and ran along the cliff. There was a beautiful wide view of the Calico and North Blue Diamond Hills. Looking ahead, we could already see some of the Blue Diamond Gypsum Mine. Along the trail, we saw several rock designs placed in the dirt. (See photo to the left.)

Wide view from Cliffside Trail

Mining Claim

Climbing the last portion before Overlook

Four at the Overlook

We stopped for a few minutes at the overlook to take our photos. We had made good time on the 3 mile gentle climb. The second half of today's hike would be an exploratory of that ridge. So, we left the overlook and descended the trail to a land bridge that connected us to the ridge that paralleled the trail ridge. We turned left and began an up and down bushwhack. We moved easily among the desert blackbrush, sage brush, and white bursage. But, most interesting, was the rock (probably rimrock) that appeared as if it was a bumpy road on the tops of a couple of the small peaks. While climbing over the last peak nearest the SR 159, we spied an old trail. Game trail? Don't know but it made the going easier as we descended.

Starting down to Land Bridge Junction

Mike stands at the top of O'Connor Canyon

Interesting Terrain on Return Ridge

On top of Last Peak

We were near the fence at the bottom and began following a small drainage toward the trailhead. This wash led us to a trail that crossed the dirt road with the gate. The trail followed along the fence then, eventually, led us to a well worn bike trail that dipped into the initial wash and back to the cars. During this last part of the hike, we picked up a lot of trash. Just trying to do our part! The route was fun and interesting. It's always fun to do something that you haven't done before.

Stats: 6 miles; 900' gain; 3 hours

View of North end of Goatroper Trail

Descent from Ridge to Road

Inside the gate at Mine Road