Gene's Trail to Lower Gateway Canyon - 1/14/23

Red Fall between Kraft Mountain and Goatbed Peak

Rita standing on top of Red Fall

Top of Red Fall to Snow Covered Mt. Potosi

Sun rises on the Sandstone Bluffs

Rita and I started out at the Calico Basin Road wash crossing stepping onto Gene's Trail. We thought we would be crossing paths with Ron and Sandi's easy hikers at the top of the hill. I guessed wrong and even though we looked and looked, we never saw them. I'm sure they were there somewhere! Anywho, we had a beautiful hike with red rock scenery that had been doused greatly by the "atmospheric river" that is hitting California right now. We climbed up the trail then dropped down the other side. Before reaching the bottom, we took in the view of Red Fall and Gateway Wash from an interesting angle as seen in the first photo. Continuing down, we dropped into Gateway and stood at the top of Red Fall. 

Gene's Trail

Rita on Gene's Trail

Precarious Boulders above Gateway Wash

Circling south end of Kraft Mountain

Rock climbers were already claiming their rock for the day as we circled the south end of Kraft Mountain on the Kraft Mountain Loop. We reached the end of the trail on terra firma and sat for a rest at Lettie's Lounge. Expecting to find Ron's group around every corner, we returned the same way we had come. Was that them on the other side of the wash ... waaay over there? Anyway, we hiked back to the car which was parked up the road out of the wash area. Absolutely beautiful! We'll catch Ron and Sandi, & company, another time. No rain!

Stats: 4 miles (including hike to and from car); 600' gain; 2.25 hours

Colorful Gateway Wash

Kraft Mountain Loop

Kraft Mountain Loop at Lettie's Lounge