Griffith Peak - 6/9/22

Final Ascent of Griffith Peak

View from Griffith Peak

Echo Cliffs from approach on South Loop Trail

Fletcher Peak and Griffith Drainage

Griffith Peak. A very popular climb in the Spring Mountains NRA. All along the trail, "How far up are you going? How far did you get? Did you make it to Griffith?," is heard as hikers pass by each other on the trail. It matters not how fast you are hiking. It mostly matters, "Did you make it?" The climb takes you up to the fourth highest peak in the park at 11, 056'. It is a 9 mile hike out and back. Both stats depend upon your source. But, most agree that the elevation gain is substantial at ~3300'. Training for this hike usually includes hikes up and back to different overlooks on both the South and North Loop but the major challenge is the final ascent where you delve into the 11,000' elevations. This is very difficult for which to train.

Wilderness Boundary

Mummy's Toe from Second Overlook

Long Switchback above Third Overlook

Sign at the Saddle

The Double Trouble pair of senior hikers started from the South Loop Trailhead at 7:05am ... allowing a large group of hikers that left at 7am to get a head start. It didn't work. We caught up with those young folks at the first overlook. After that, we played leap frog with the group who had divided now into two different speeds. Hmm. Not ideal. Anyway, we finally assumed their speed and followed the first group up from a distance meeting them at the saddle. The slower and smaller group followed us arriving soon after. Rita and I continued up to the peak arriving there for our photos before the other group arrived. We took our break and enjoyed our side of the rock before starting down before them.

Peak Ascent Trail

Griffith Peak

Double Trouble on Griffith Peak

Rita resting at the Saddle

The trip down was slower for us than in years past. There was no hurry and we still had a lot of hard hiking to do in the coming months. So, let's just keep the feet, knees and back in working order! It was a beautiful day that would have been warm except for the cold breeze on the ridge. Also, just when we got down to the "hot zone" two miles above the trailhead, clouds came in to put a damper on the sun. 👍 We did it! Yes, we made it to Griffith! 😎

Stats: 9 miles; 3300' gain; 6.5 hours (yes, we know ...)

Charleston Peak from Third Overlook

Starting down the Switchbacks from First Overlook

Blue Lupin and Red Paintbrush on Switchbacks