Kraft Mountain Traverse E/W Loop - 3/10/22

View off of East side of Kraft Mountain

Approaching the Secondary Peak (rope attached)

View off of Kraft Mountain Peak

Bushwhacking to Gene's Trail

It was another beautiful day full of scrambling for five hikers at Kraft Mountain located in Calico Basin of Red Rock Canyon NCA. Intending to make a large loop around Calico Basin during our adventure, Mike led us out from the Red Springs Trailhead. We walked back up Calico Basin Road until we passed the last horse pasture on the left. (This is the property with the Airstream Trailer.) We made a turn in the 10:30 direction and followed a use trail across and up to Gene's Trail, a trail that comes out of the large Calico Basin Wash trailhead. To our left, we saw a white horse and German Shepherd dog freely running and playing on their way home. A horse and rider and four more dogs came up behind them and assured us that the horse knew where he lived and would return to there quickly. (We worried because he lived across the road. Please go slow in Calico Basin! You never know when a white horse and German Shepherd will freely cross your path!) We turned left on Gene's Trail and headed over the hill and down to the Gateway Canyon wash. We crossed the wash and continued straight to start our assault of Kraft Mountain's east side.

East Side of Kraft Mountain (L) from Gene's Trail

Bruce studies the situation.

Kay on a Dicey Climb

Following Mike

At the base of the hill, we started climbing on the northeast side and slowly made our way over to the southeast side as we scrambled. Most of the scrambles are class 2, however, there are a couple of interesting short 3rd class climbs interspersed. As you near the top, it is best to circle around to the south on the top corner. But, hey, whatever you think you can handle! During the climb, Calico Basin went further and further down and we went further and further up! After quite the workout, we reached the top of the east end of Kraft and there was still a lot more to come! Staying near the top of the ridge, we climbed and scrambled on up to the Secondary Peak of Kraft. This is a large circular boulder with a rope attached. (We chose to bypass this challenge.)

Pretty far above Calico Basin

The Trail on the East Side

Mike on the Ridge

Five on the Ridge (Peak behind)

After a group photo, we continued on our way. Most of the time, there was a vague trail that led us on the north side of the ridge. Sometimes, we simply guessed as the route took us on top of the boulders and through deep drops. At this point, we saw another group of scramblers on the other end of the mountain. We called them the "Blue People" due to the color of most of their shirts. We were blue, yellow and orange as they later told us they noted. After getting past this section of the ridge, we passed through the mountain's saddle area and began a short climb again. This more gentle climb led us up to the highest point of Kraft where we sat and had our break. The views from this spot were colorful and wide. Fantastic!

Still more scrambling to Go

Playing Peekaboo

Down climb to Saddle Area before Peak

Kraft Mountain Peak

While we rested, we watched a flock of migratory pelicans circling in the sky. They were riding the thermals, maybe resting, and enjoying the Red Rock beauty below. After about 5 minutes, the birds formed a V and flew into the wild blue yonder! What a sight! Nature at its best! We heard the blue people from somewhere below us and decided it was time for us to start our own descent. Heading west, we pointed ourselves in the direction of "The Beach." Seeing how far below the sandy area was from our location, we decided to try going up on the other side of the canyon when we were about halfway down. (Try to keep up!) We successfully climbed the easy passage and started heading north to join the trail that comes up from the beach even though we couldn't remember what that looked like! It mattered not! There were a couple of trails and a few cairns that we followed here and there.

Pelicans in Flight - Riding the Thermals during a Rest Break

Northwest View from Peak

Starting down the West Side of Kraft

Charlie continues descent as Bruce took a "wrong" turn.

The route that we took was somewhat unfamiliar, however, it was fun and new. Charlie led us down while Bruce found various ways to entertain himself here, there and yon! Mike, Rita and I basically followed while finding ways that our shorter legs could handle better. So fun! Finally, we dropped to the Kraft Saddle area and joined the blue people who turned out to be a few old friends. We spoke for a few minutes then started down 5 Stop Hill. Our route continued straight at the bottom to connect with the Calico Basin / Ash Meadow Trail. We dropped into the spring-fed meadow right where there is a large pool and a small waterfall then climbed on up to the trail above the old home foundation. 

Bruce's view of us from his Perch

Rita climbs down through the Brush

Kraft Saddle in View

5 Stop Hill

From here, we followed the Calico Basin Trail through the old picnic area and down across the Angel Pass Wash. Up on the sandstone, we passed a police peoples' rock climbing training session on Cannibal Crag. When we reached the cars, there were multiple police cars and several Pink Jeep vans in the parking lot. The place was bustling! It was a very fun day on the rocks. Tomorrow, the wind blows!

          Stats: 5 miles; 1500' gain; 4.75 hours 

Calico Basin Trail

Dragon Peak from Trail

Large Pool / Small Waterfall in Ash Meadow