South Sister - 6/22/23

Bruce captured the newbies first walk across South Sister Peak!

The group approaches the Peak

Ralph captured candid shots of the club hikers.

Starting up next to Old Mill Picnic Area

Four out of the nine club hikers, climbed the snow free South Sister Peak on this day in June for the first time. All strong hikers and very excited to be climbing this legendary Spring Mountains peak. We parked our cars at the Pay Phone Trailhead just below the Lee Canyon traffic circle at the Old Mill / Foxtail Picnic Areas / Fire Station intersection. The firemen were out doing exercises staying prepared for fire season in the mountains here and anywhere else that needs them. Our hike began by hiking up the paved road that leads up by the Old Mill Picnic Area and veers off to the right on a rock-lined trail. This is Old Mill Trail. We veered to the right again onto a wooded trail to pass by an old home foundation in the glade.

Enjoying the climb up to South Sister Saddle

Nice break on the Saddle

Lee (L) and Charleston (R) Peaks from climb to second Saddle

Another leisurely rest on Second Saddle

The first 2 miles of the route are in a wooded setting on a trail that reaches South Sister Saddle where wild horses love to gather. (Ask us how we know.) In these 2 miles, the trail climbs over 1000' in elevation. Some parts of the trail are quite steep. However, the entirety of the climb is a wooded fairyland of beauty. At this time, there is even water running down through the wash above the spring for about 100'. This water is disappearing fast as Mike and I did a pre-hike the day before and saw much more water than on "Hike Day." After passing the foundation seen way over on the right side of the small canyon, then the wildlife spring on the left side in the wash, we hiked on up through a few newly fallen trees and into the steep stuff.

Old Tree frames the first view of South Sister

Heading toward the twin peaks of South Sister

Starting up the Scree Field

Leaving the Last Saddle

At the first saddle (South Sister Saddle), we took a relaxing break as another hiker came through with his two perfectly feminine pit bulls. The trio took a left here to head up toward Bonanza Trail. We turned to the right and found one of about 4 partial trails that lead up the ridge to the second saddle. It is here that we started seeing ugly efforts have been made to mark the trail in the form of pink dots spray painted on normally lovely rock and wood. These marks can mostly be seen only on the way down. Many of these marks from here up were made in places where photos might be taken and where the trail is obvious ... at least to us. Geez. Anyway, another short break at the second saddle sent us to the right along the ridge approaching the final ascent.

Charleston Peak across Lee Canyon

Some photos from the last Saddle

Big cheer for the Eight Hikers that made the Peak!

Hikers return across South Sister's west Peak

As we hiked, the strong group of hikers excitedly chattered. The first glimpse of South Sister Peak from the second saddle didn't faze anyone! The rocky trail around the next ridge is so full of beauty ... except for the pink dots ... that it is hard to realize you are putting out much effort. Finally, we reached the third saddle situated just before the final ascent of scree to the twin peaks above. Eight hikers started up without as much as a single hesitation. I stayed behind to save my knees on the descent and to explore around the saddle with my camera. Surrounded by bristlecones and gorgeous views, I was not lonely in the least! (I even learned that there is cell phone service here! ... just in case you ever need it on this hike.)

Close-up of Hikers high Above

3rd Class Chute Descent

Ralyn's photo from the twin peak Ridge

Ralyn leads down the Difficult Scree

Mike, Ralyn, Bruce, Theresa, and Ralph contributed photos for the final ascent and peaks (west and east). The group stayed together for both the climb and the descent later to help newbies navigate the scree. At the western peak, all hikers were supervised up the 3rd class climb and along the narrow ridge to the peak. It was a beautiful day with views of the surrounding landscape to match. The closest peak in the view is North Sister. It rises pointedly just to the north. The menacing walls we knew to be unforgiving on the south side, however, the north side of the North Sister is where hikers climb if they dare. Not nearly as many visitors to this austere sister peak. In the other direction, a grand view of Lee and Charleston Peaks rise on the other side of Lee Canyon. McFarland Peak rises along the Spring Mountain Divide. Mack's Peak lies between, in front of the divide. Looking further out to the desert foothills, Three Lakes Valley can be seen as a wide area with usually dry yellow playas between the mountains.

Bruce just Happy!

Staying together and Helping each Other

Returning around Ridge

Almost back to Second Saddle

After reveling on the west (higher) peak, the group descended the chute and hiked over to the east peak for a look see. From there, they returned to the scree trail down and began an arduous yet chatty descent. All returned to the third saddle safely and we continued around the peaky ridge and down to South Sister Saddle. From here, Ralyn took the lead. Being a strong hiker, she is also a strong leader. Down through the wooded trail, we went. Our legs were done by the time we met the paved road! It was a wonderful day, a wonderful hike with wonderful hikers! Nine up, nine down!

Stats: 5.3 miles; 1950' gain; 5 hours

Almost back to First Saddle

Passing the spring Area

Down Old Mill Trail to the Picnic Area