South Loop 3rd Overlook - 6/29/23

Charleston Peak from South Loop 3rd Overlook

South Loop 3rd Overlook

Climbing the South Loop Trail

Crossing the Griffith Drainage

No one that I spoke with could tell me about the snow conditions on the South Loop Trail so the three of us decided to just go up and take a look! We parked at the Cathedral Rock Trailhead and started up. We saw six horses down the hill in the closed Cathedral Rock Picnic Area. This includes one baby. It was so cute! We continued climbing and found that there were several downed trees from this snowy winter we just had. Almost all the trees could be climbed over or gone around but there were a couple that, unfortunately, covered the trail so completely that hikers have made trails around them. (... or, cut switchbacks) There was water running down the Griffith Peak drainage under the snow. 

View down canyon from Echo Overlook

The waterfall in the drainage above was impressive! The fallen trees were crossing the trail all the way up to the 3rd Overlook where we stopped. There were only a few snow patches that must be dealt with on the trail. Nothing serious. However, looking up the trail from the 3rd Overlook, we could see a lot of snow among the trees. In past experience, this is where it is more difficult to avoid the white stuff and spikes might be useful. We took our break at the overlook then headed back down. A wonderful look see back on the South Loop!

Stats: 6 miles; 2100' gain; 3.5 hours

Taking a break at the 3rd Overlook

Taking a Snack at the 3rd Overlook

View up the Trail from the 3rd Overlook