Mountain Springs Peak Loop CW - 3/24/22

Limestone Escarpment Cliff above the Sandstone

Charleston and Griffith Peaks from Ridge Climb

Springs at Mountain Springs, Nevada

Hiking the Mountain Springs Trail

We don't usually do the Mountain Springs Loop in the clockwise direction but the temperatures today warranted the switch. We learned that the opposite direction of the loop is more challenging and we ended up with a great hike. After parking at the Mountain Springs Pass Trailhead, we headed up the westward road choice that is closest to the highway. Meeting the request of the land owner adjacent to this, we continued on the road closest to the highway and on past the beautiful homes on Benedict Road. Shortly after the road curves to the right, we came to the familiar trail leading down to the agave roasting pits in this area. We connected with another road and came to the Mountain Springs, turned up to the right and quickly found the Mountain Springs Trail. The temperatures were already succumbing to the rising sun as we hiked across the desert following the trail. At 2.2 miles into the hike, we turned up to the right to do a bit of bushwhacking. This cuts off a corner and leads into a small wash.

Mountain Springs Trail

Starting up the Small Wash

Small Wash

Short break in the Shade

I had a track but, there are many washes coming down from the escarpment rim and, at times, I had to check to see if we were still in the correct wash. Soon, familiar landmarks started to appear. The wash is a good warm-up to what came next. Passing the two cairns on the left side, we turned to the left at a following dip. Up to the top of the ridge, we went. Then onward to the escarpment rim trail that would run perpendicular to our ridge. The ridge is a bit steep but there is somewhat of a trail made that keeps you on the best route. Views behind us showed the Pahrump Range and on to Death Valley. To our left was the view of snow-covered Spring Mountains, Griffith and Charleston Peaks. To our right, we saw the curve of the escarpment leading to Mountain Springs Peak, our target. We made it to the Rim Trail and turned right to pass the cliffs we have used as a snack spot in the past. Deciding to continue all the way up to Mountain Springs Peak before break, we climbed a steep section of the Rim Trail.

View from Ridge Climb

Small Window on Limestone Cliffs

Limestone Cliffs on Rim Trail

Climbing Rim Trail to Mountain Springs Peak

The views to our left were magnificent! We were just above the cliffs that were jutting out into the abyss. In the distance, the Calico Hills sat like a large colorful mass in the desert. While hiking in this direction on this section, we chose trails that were closest to the cliffs. They led us up to the peak where we took our break and signed the log book. Again, the views danced in front of our eyes ... until Mark noticed a huge cloud of dust rising and billowing below. It emanated from the Blue Diamond Mine. There was no wind to sweep it away so the display was mesmerizing. Blasting, we guessed. After our break, we continued down the Mountain Springs Peak Trail along the escarpment rim. A couple of hawks soared above. 

Approaching Mountain Springs Peak

Friends Four

Black Velvet and Windy Peaks from Mountain Springs Peak Trail

Enjoying the Scenery

Not too far past the Windy Peak fork, we turned to the right to descend the Cairn Trail. This trail has quickly become popular due to the abundance of cairns. Today, we saw several balanced cairns to add to the collection. It's a thing. We enjoyed introducing Mark to the trail. At the bottom, we crossed the gulley and continued down to a small dirt road circle. The trail continued across the circle and back across the gulley. Finally, a dirt road led us back to the car with a trail shortcut near the end. We had a good workout on the trail in the different direction. Lots of fun was involved!

Stats: 6.5 miles; 1425' gain; 3.75 hours

Approaching the Windy Peak Fork

Balanced Cairn on the Cairn Trail

Descending the Cairn Trail