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| Colors of East North Bowl of Fire |
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| Camel Tracks |
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| Sunrise on Northshore Summit |
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| At the High Point |
We had fourteen hikers on this hike's debut. Some hikers were curious about the camel tracks and some were curious about the route into a less travelled area of the North Bowl of Fire. But, by the end, all were happy they were there to enjoy the challenges! We started at the Northshore Summit Trailhead on Northshore Road at MM 20.5. This trailhead is unusual because there is a restroom there. However, on this day, the restroom was out of service and we were all quite disappointed! 😆 The first thing we did was to climb the hill up from the parking lot on a well-worn trail all the way up to the top of the hill. The view in every direction here is magnificent. (especially during sunrise)
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| Sunrise Color |
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| View down to the Little Black Peak Landmark |
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| South Bowl of Fire in the Distance |
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| The Northshore Summit Trail |
The trail leads along the rim of the hill as seen in the photo to the left. After it drops down onto terra firma, the trail continues along a long ridge with steep drops on one side. There is one more hike along the rim of another hill then the trail drops steeply down ending in a small wash. Here, take note of the surroundings. There should be a couple of cairns to show you where to turn on your way back. The route continues by following the small wash all the way down to a wider wash where you must turn left. A little further as you circle the Little Black Peak, you will T into Callville Wash Road. Turn right. During this section of the hike, walk along the right side of the wide wash and look for the fossilized tracks. (camel, bird, and one small mammal track)
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| Little wash to the Little Black Peak |
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| Fossilized Tracks |
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| Fossilized Tracks |
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| Starting into the Canyon Wash |
We turned left into the first canyon wash that we came to. This is a narrow passage that leads to ways to enter the east end of the North Bowl of Fire. There are a few trails that appear to be used quite a bit. We climbed up on a diagonal track just after a widening curve in the wash. It is marked with cairns. Up on the narrow ridge, we found our way around to a land bridge that approached the red rocks. Following the trail to the right, we found a beautiful place to stop for our snack. Afterwards, we followed the trail up and back around to the side we had approached. Finding a small crack drop through the towering rocks, we continued around to find the beginning of the "game trail" that traverses across a large peak to our left.
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| Richard in Canyon Wash before climb Out |
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| Following another hiker into the North Bowl of Fire |
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| Exploring the rock Formations |
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| Snack Break |
The game trail still lies clearly among the rocks on the side of the large peak. We followed it to a saddle then proceeded to follow it on the left side of the next small hill. When we came to the end of this, we were faced with a Devilish Descent through "sticky" boulders and slippery scree. By staying as close to the ridge as we could in the beginning, we got on track to ease ourselves down to the right and catch the North Bowl of Fire Trail. This trail took us down to the next challenging phase. We neared a large light-colored rock outcrop from the ground and took a left turn to hike between two large fin outcrops. There is a scramble up at the end and everyone took on the climb up with grace.
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| Drop down a Crack |
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| One of many Arches |
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| View across the face of the North Bowl Cliffs |
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| Traversing on the Game Trail |
Veering to the left, we climbed up to a saddle. On the other side of the saddle, we dropped into the "sticky" boulders again and headed for the next saddle veering left. There is somewhat of a trail through the boulders. Finally, at the second saddle, we took the trail down to the small wash below. The unpleasantness was over but, oh, what a great workout. No injuries!! This tame wash took us all the way down to T into Callville Wash Road where we turned to the left. We walked along the dirt road until we were approaching the Little Black Peak and a post fence. This is where we took a right turn. We were closing the loop! Don't forget. Not far up from this junction, there is another right turn into the last wash. Look for the cairn behind a bush.
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| North Bowl Cliffs from the Game Trail |
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| The end of the Game Trail |
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| Devilish Descent |
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| Rita pre-hikes the Devilish Descent |
As we hiked up the small sandy wash, we prepared ourselves for that big climb back up to the Northshore Summit peaks. Watching for the cairns, we turned up the trail and began our climb. The group climbed strong. I could barely stay in front of them! I knew they must need a couple of breaks so I stopped a couple of times for breathing purposes. 😆 Finally, we were at the top of the hill and starting along the trail. At one point, there is a trail that heads downhill to the left. We took this trail to make a shortcut back to the parking lot. It was a fantastic day! What a great group of hikers!
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| View from Devilish Descent |
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| The group finishes the Descent |
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| View from rocky Crossover |
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| Rocky Crossover |
Everyone enjoyed the hike. There are a few different routes that can be substituted but this was a good one to start with. Just remember that you are in a wilderness area for some of the hike (take note of the signs) and those areas have limitations. Be kind. Stay off the cryptobiotic soil. Take only photos. Leave only footprints. Respect. Happy hiking!
Stats: 6.2 miles; 1200' gain; 4.25 miles
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| Dropping into the wash before return to Callville Wash Road |
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| Returning to the Northshore Summit Area |
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| At top of big Climb |
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