Echo Overlook (South Loop 1st Overlook) v Echo Trailhead - 5/7/22

South Loop Ridge from Echo Overlook

Echo Overlook (R)

Harris Peak from South Loop

Starting up Echo Trail

As we gear up for the seasonal switch to the Spring Mountains, we start doing hikes higher and higher in elevation. We began by hiking a few hikes in the lower elevations such as Rocky Gorge Loop and Stepladder / Showgirl Loop. Two days ago, we did Cockscomb Ridge tackling Trail Canyon for the first time this year. This time, the Tenacious Trio did another of our favorite training hikes on the South Loop. Beginning at the Echo Trailhead, we hiked up the trail behind the new condo site toward the Little Falls junction. Turning left, we headed over to the Cathedral Rock Trail and on to the South Loop Trail. Hello steps ... and a few recently fallen trees!

Echo Trail

Set of Steps on South Loop Trail

Mummy's Toe (L) and South Loop Trail

Charleston Peak from Rainbow Junction

As we passed above the Cathedral Rock / South Loop Trailhead, we noted that this particular Saturday morning was unusually quiet with only 4 cars in the parking lot at around 8:30am. There was a forecast of really bad wind so, maybe this kept people from venturing out too early. As it turned out, the southwest wind didn't turn out to be as bad as we were warned. However, our thinking was that big ol' Charlie was blocking the brunt of the wind as we hiked up the pocket in which the first 2 miles of the South Loop sat. For a while, there was not a breath of wind. When we started down later, there was a nice occasional breeze that kept us cooled off. We started climbing the intermittent steps and enjoyed the easier trail sections.

One of recently fallen Trees over Trail

Still climbing Steps

Snow on Upper Wash Drainage

After passing through the bright green leafing aspens, we arrived at Rainbow Junction and faced the real steps! Finally, we came to the upper Griffith drainage crossing. Every year, the snow remains in this crossing until about the end of May. This year was no different. We matched our footsteps in the holes of footsteps before us. Looking up the wash, the snowy mountain view was beautiful. Lots of photos. Now, the 14 switchbacks! Slow and steady as we went. We saw the log hanging off the cliff above. It's still there. We heard the running water and spotted the little waterfall just below the Griffith drainage fork. We crossed another couple of soon-to-be-gone snow mounds. And, we saw pretty yellow spring flowers.

Double Trouble in Shaded Snow

View up the Drainage

A Switchback with a View

One of Three Snow Crossings

Did I already mention it was a beautiful day? We arrived at the first overlook which has come to be known as the Echo Overlook since it overlooks from the Echo Cliffs. The first photo of this entry was taken there. Down Kyle Canyon, the view was a little smokey. Yes, the forest fires in neighboring states have already begun. After our tranquil break and group photo, we started the long descent back to the Echo Trailhead. There were a lot more hikers coming up as we descended. Everyone had big smiles. The hiking community is alive and well in Las Vegas!

Stats: 6.3 miles; 1800' gain; 3.25 hours

Break at Echo Overlook

View down Kyle Canyon

The Descent