Overlook Ridge Loop - 6/6/22

Charleston Peak from Overlook Ridge

Wallace Canyon from Overlook Ridge (Pahrump, NV in distance)

Overlook Ridge & Peak, Wallace Saddle, and Lee Peak

Starting out on Upper Bristlecone Trail

Up into the nether regions behind the Upper Bristlecone Trail is a place called Pahrump Overlook. It lies near the end of a long ridge that extends between the North Loop Ridge and the Spring Mountains Divide. Access to this ridge I call the Overlook Ridge can be made from two different steep trails. The first and shorter of the two comes up from the No Name Saddle bypassing the high point of the ridge. A more challenging trail comes from the Wallace Canyon Saddle. It is steep as well but it is also longer and culminates on the Overlook Ridge Peak at right around 10,000 feet. A Fab Four hikers started out at the Upper Bristlecone Trailhead and climbed the gentle climb up to the No Name junction.

Wood Shelter on Upper Bristlecone Trail

No Name Trail

Mummy Mountain from Wallace Saddle Trail

Climbing to Overlook Ridge Peak

Teepees made of long thin logs lying around on the forest floor seem to be all the rage. There are a couple of new ones sitting just off trail. Other than that, the trail is the same familiar path that is well-manicured and well-travelled. We turned left at the No Name junction one mile up and began a somewhat less gentle climb. Before we hit the steeper stuff on No Name Trail, we came to the Wallace Saddle Trail on the left side. Immediately, we began a steep climb. We climbed slowly and needed a couple of breaks before we made it to the traverse portion of the hike to the saddle. At the saddle, we took in the view and turned to the right. The Overlook Ridge Peak can be seen way above and the trail started up from here.

A Pause on Climb to Overlook Ridge Peak

Wallace Canyon

Fab Four on Overlook Ridge Peak (10,000')

Charlie and Mike on Overlook Ridge

The trail is steep but it is full of beautiful scenery. The views gave us reasons to stop and rest ... often. There is an intermediary saddle-like section of the ridge where we were able to enjoy our accomplishment. Our legs and heart relaxed and we continued along the easy section and up the right side of the peak. (There is also a trail on the left side, FYI.) Near the peak, our trail circled around to the left and, in corkscrew fashion, we made it to the peak where a tall cairn resides. Here, there is a nice view of Charleston and Lee Peaks that we used for our group photo. I have bypassed this peak on previous hikes but, I saw that it is worth the little diversion. Besides, it is always good to reach that 10,000' mark, isn't it? 

Charleston Peak (and Devil's Thumb)

Break on Overlook Ridge

Old Bristlecone on No Name Ridge

No Name Ridge above Trail

We hiked down to the first part of the Overlook Ridge where it is open with 360 degree views ... on rocky cliffs ... with Wallace Canyon, Charleston Peak, Lee Peak, Devil's Thumb, Regan & Clinton Peaks, the ridge out to Pahrump Overlook, South Sister, and McFarland Peak within clear sight. What's not to love? We took a longer break here where Mark Z.'s group showed up, too. Popular place today! The remaining part of our hike was a patchwork of trails that are usually used as variations to a familiar theme. This time, the variations are the hike! We dropped down to the No Name Saddle on the other ridge access trail and crossed over to the ridge that runs parallel above the No Name Trail. There are some ups and downs on this ridge but the old bristlecone trees are a sight to behold. Passing signs of wild horses, we stuck to the ridge when the trail got vague but, eventually, we ended up at the old log shelter I dubbed Fort Bonanza! The shelter is in good condition.

Fort Bonanza

South Sister from Bonanza Switchbacks

Arriving at Bonanza / Bristlecone Junction

Yep, we're here.

After the fort, the trail continues down the ridge to end at the No Name / Bonanza Trail junction. A right turn on Bonanza Trail started us down the four long switchbacks that teed into the Bristlecone Trail. We turned right onto the Upper Bristlecone Trail and followed the always beautiful trail through the limestone and bristlecone trees. Wild flowers popped up everywhere and a few times, we passed other hikers. It was a great day for a walk! We passed some of the most beautiful parts of the trail and came to the switchback that lies on the top of a ridge. South Sister is prominent in the view. Here, instead of switchbacking down to the right, we continued straight onto what was begun as a wild horse trail.

Starting around Upper Bristlecone Trail

Lee Peak from Horse Trail Shortcut

Lee Peak from Horse Trail Shortcut

The Wash next to Upper Bristlecone Trail

Now, the trail is used by adventurous hikers as well. The trail follows the ridge out to a saddle drop where it continues down to the right and around the hill. At one point, the trail disappears. No worries. We just continued down the hill in our own way where we came to the wash below. Our choice was to turn left into the wash and follow the wash trail until we were able to easily side-step over to the Upper Bristlecone Trail. All that remained was to continue down the trail to the cars! What a great day in the mountains! A good workout and great company! 

Stats: 5.6 miles; 1700' gain; 4 hours

The Wash as it Flattens Out

Upper Bristlecone Trail

Nearing the Finish Line