Muffins / Mystery Woman Loop - 10/20/22

Sun rises on the Calico Hills

Mystery Woman Canyon

Noisy Burros!

An affable Bunch

As we drove up to the Cowboy Trails Trailhead, burros were braying! At first, we believed it was Jackson, the captive burro stud in a stall not far from the parking lot. The wranglers had just arrived for their day at work and burro food was on its way! We said hello to club members who were preparing for a hike up Echo Canyon then four of us started up toward the Muffins. About half way out to the base of Skull Canyon, we spotted a small group of wild burros. It was a motley collection of at least four males. We took a couple of photos and continued around Boneshaker Hill. All of a sudden, we heard loud braying again and it seemed to be coming closer. We stopped and looked up toward the Hill and saw three other burros running in our direction. One was braying up a storm! It was a bluff. They stopped about fifty yards away and stared at us. That's when I took the photo above.

Find Gray Cap!

The Muffins at Sunrise

Muffins Overlook

Climbing up the Muffins Trail

We started the climb on the Muffins Trail and could still hear the braying from below now and then. It was a good climb of around 1.5 miles. We stood on the Muffins Overlook and talked with another hiker there. After the break, we continued up the hill along the rim until we junctioned with a cross trail. Taking a left, we dipped and climbed up to the Old Las Vegas Overlook. After a couple of photos, we continued the climb up along the Rim Trail all the way to the New Las Vegas Overlook where we took a very pleasant break with a view of the Strip in the distance. Reluctantly, we started down. "They" are building a shack up on what used to be the Cairn Overlook. Not sure what it will house but there are solar panels.

Old Las Vegas Overlook

The Rim Trail

New Las Vegas Overlook

Cloud Shadows

We returned a short distance on the Rim Trail until we junctioned with a small trail that turned to the left. Hitting the Three Amigos Trail, we turned right until we were at the top of Mystery Woman Canyon. The route du jour was decided to be this canyon down to junction with Skull Canyon. Mystery Woman Canyon is very brushy especially in the upper realms, and it is necessary to hike on the embankment on its east side. We found our way down and crossed the SARS Trail about mid-way. This is where the canyon is good to stay in the wash where there are several scrambles. We dodged brush here and there and had a good time with Odie who turned out to be the best scrambler!

Scenes from the Overlook

Dropping into Mystery Woman Canyon

Dealing with the Brush

A few good Scrambles

Finally, we junctioned with Skull Canyon and turned to the left. Taking the trail and switching a couple of times to the wash, we descended down until the trail junctioned with the Muffins Trail. A little more descent and we were ready to be done. Passing Boneshaker Hill, we noted that the burros were no longer where we left them. Back at the parking lot, the other club group had already returned from the hike and left the park. Great hike and a surprisingly good workout.

Stats: 6.5 miles; 1425' gain; 4.25 hours

Odie watches and Learns

Skull Canyon Trail

Back across to the Trailhead