Potosi Climbers' Alcove - 11/4/21

Potosi Climbers' Alcove from Steep Trail Up

Large Cacti near Alcove

High Clearance Road with Potosi Canyons #2 (R) & #3 (L)

Entering Canyon #3

The east side of Mt. Potosi is cut with four major canyons. These canyons can be approached by a vehicle on high clearance dirt and rocky roads. Today, five hikers drove out to the South Cottonwood Road past the trailhead on the left side of the road (Badger Pass TH) and turned right on the second road after that. The roads are very rocky with bedrock. We slowly climbed the hill toward Mt. Potosi until we decided to park in a spot about a mile up on the left side of the road. As it turned out, we could have gone up a little further to the top of a steep hill that turned down to the left. This hill requires higher clearance than what our cars had. On our way back, we saw a few cars taking that route. However, we hiked down the hill and on to the mouth of Canyon #3.

David leads up through Canyon #3

Rita, Mike and Tony climbing up Canyon #3 Wash

Looking up to Alcove Ridge

Cairns marking Junction

From the top of the hill to the mouth of Canyon #3 was around half a mile. As you are arriving in the canyon wash, there is a wildlife guzzler on the left side of the road. The road leads right into the wash trail, a much improved trail since I was here six years ago. We stayed in the wash for a little over half a mile until we reached a grouping of cairns. This is the junction of the wash trail and the steep trail climb up to an alcove in the cliffs above. Six years ago, this "trail" was a mere suggestion. Now, the trail is clearly marked. The trail begins along the right side of the wash, gentle at first. Soon the trail starts a steep scramble up the side of the hill toward the cliff band above. There were a few places where hands might be required for balance but the scrambles were not more than class 2.

Starting up Ascent Trail

The Trail gets Steeper

Trail Respite through Cacti

View up canyon from near Alcove

The steep climb goes on for around a third of a mile. On the way, the views of the canyon are outstanding. Also seen on the trail were stands of old growth prickly pear and barrel cacti as this hill is exposed to the southern sun. The opposite side of Canyon #3 is much steeper and is also topped off with a cliff band. The smooth running ridge above those cliffs is interesting and inviting for another day. Finally, we reached the top of the steep trail and walked into a large area partially covered by the overhanging cliff band to the right and left. This is the "alcove." A wind block has been built under the alcove with stacked rocks and there are bolts and chains seen in the rock walls around. An added feature are two plastic Adirondack chairs placed inside the wind block!

David and Kay tackle the "new" Switchbacks

David inspects the small Cave at Alcove

Cliff Band to left of Alcove

Cliff Band Continues Around

In the middle of the alcove, there is a shallow cave good for getting out of the rain. The cliff band, itself, continues quite a way to the left (west) and could be hiked if so desired. However, there is not an easy way to "hike" up above the cliff band to the top of the ridge. It is easy to imagine rock climbers whiling away the day here practicing their skills. We took our break and photos then prepared for the slippery slow descent. With care, the descent isn't too bad. Two sticks, a pair of gloves and the slow pace helped me. I didn't attempt photos during this portion of the hike! Too much concentrating!

Taking in the View

Sublime Five in the Lofty Alcove

Descending the Canyon Wash

Passing the Guzzler

There was a sigh of relief when we reached the collection of cairns in the wash below. Just as we reached the road junction, three rock climber types with two dogs passed us on their way up. As we continued toward our cars and back to the main road, three more rock climber cars passed us taking on the steep road hill like it was fun! Today, the timing worked out well! Thanks David Hardy for taking us up to the alcove! It is a very interesting destination.

Stats: 4.25 miles; 1600' gain; 3 hours

Canyon #3 Road

Car Tackling the Steep Hill

Hikers Tackling the Steep Hill