Mummy's Toe - 6/25/22

Charleston Peak as seen from Mummy's Toe

Mummy's Toe Summit Tree

Mummy's Toe from Deer Creek Ridge

Deer Creek Trail junction with Cougar Ridge Trail

Rising to 10,928', Mummy's Toe is the fifth highest commonly climbed peak in the Spring Mountains NRA. It is located on the southeastern terminus of the entire shape of the Mummy, Mummy Mountain. The slope to the tip of the toes from the beginning of Deer Creek Ridge Trail averages around 45 degrees. Many sections of the trail are even steeper. Nonetheless, we make our pilgrimage to the Toe every year testing our condition and endurance. This year, a Fab Four, tackled the monstrous behemoth on a slow pace, yet still managed to complete the hike in good time. 😅

Climbing up Deer Creek Ridge

Ralyn tries to add a Stick to the Top

Ground Nest - Common Poorwill on Nest when we Returned (Can you see her?)

Climbing the Seven Switchbacks

We started from the Cougar Ridge Trailhead and woke up as we climbed the road to the cabins where the road took a right angle turn to the right. Our route continued straight where there is a lined trail inviting hikers to not continue through the cabin resort! This is the Deer Creek Trail. It leads up through columbines and shooting stars that grow in the small and usually dry picturesque wash. The trail crosses the wash a couple of times and it is necessary to follow it closely. There are about 3 trails that will take you to the same place but it is important to not get led away to an earlier ridge. There is a landmark craggy mossy boulder where the trail will take you up to the correct Deer Creek Ridge Trail on the right. Continuing straight will take you up in the adjacent canyon. The trail up to the spine of the ridge is steep and starts hikers on a continuous but doable climb to the Mummy's Toe cross trail that appears just past a large make shift campsite. On the way up, we were startled by a bird that flew quickly from some low lying brush. Searching the brush, we found two eggs lying in a small dirt bowl on the ground.

Crossing above Mummy Springs

Starting the really Steep Stuff

Scrambling up the Chute

Taking the Middle Trail

We turned to the right at the cross trail and began a somewhat easier climb up seven switchbacks. The last switchback sent us on a long traverse across the area above Mummy Springs. There are a few newly fallen trees from here on out. The trail then begins a very steep ascent zigging and zagging up to a cliff band where there is a chute to scramble up. At the top of the chute, the most worn trail will take you to Mummy's Knee then over to the Toe. However, it you wish to go directly to the Toe like us, you turn to the left at the top of the chute and find your way through some fallen debris where there is a trail that goes either down a notch or up by a large tree. We climbed up by the tree where the trail is a sloping climb up towards the Toe.

The Final Ascent to the Peak

Eastern View from near Summit

A Wave from the Peak

Taking a Break on Mummy's Toe

This trail forks into the Mummy's Knee Trail and continues up a very steep final ascent to the peak. The climb is arduous but the descent later on is precarious at best. We reached the peak climbing around a very old bristlecone tree that has seen centuries of harsh weather. Our visit to the peak was relaxing as we enjoyed the surrounding views and took photos. Mummy's Tummy and the remaining parts of the Mummy rose prominently in our 2 o'clock direction. Charleston Peak rose commandingly at the noon hour. Finally, we reluctantly decided to begin the total concentration of descent. 

Ralyn prefers the Eastern View

A Fab Four

Northeastern View from Summit

Concentration

We did well with only one or two minor slips all the way down to the Deer Creek Ridge Trail. There, we watched for the nest again hoping that the bird would be covering the eggs. She was and we almost couldn't see her! She blended in very well in the dirt. After some help from a few friends, we learned that it was a Common Poorwill, a rare sight. It was amazing how well she was camouflaged. We returned to the cars the same way we had come and were pleased with our time even though we thought we were going very slowly. Maybe it was another story like the tortoise and the hare. Just keep going ... however slowly. Fantastic day!

Stats: 5.2 miles; 2470' gain; 4.5 hours

Still Concentrating as we neared the Switchbacks

Deer Creek Trail

Cougar Ridge Trail