Stanley B Loop - 6/8/24

View to north side of Stanley B Saddle (Mummy's Toe)

View to south side of Stanley B Saddle (Griffith Peak)

View to west side of Stanley B Saddle (Cockscomb Peak)

Starting up the Stanley B Wash

There were six of us for the first half of this hike. It was a Saturday so we chose a hike that is usually not that popular. Usually! That said, it is one of my favorites. During the pandemic times, we discovered a "new" trail on this loop and we really enjoy it. We weren't the only ones who discovered it and, now, a lot of different hiking groups use it. It was originally built as an option to climb up to Cockscomb Peak. Now, we also use it as a route for the Stanley B Loop. We were very happy to see that the trail survived Hilary. There were a few washouts in the descent wash, including a narrow "gorge" of about 2 feet wide and 4 feet deep, but the trail is still apparent and well-hikable. 

Turning onto the old mining Road

Climbing up the mining Road

Right turn at the Fork (Follow the water!)

Following the Water

When we arrived at the trailhead, there was only one car there. (When we returned, the trailhead was overflowing to the other side of the road. I'll explain.) We started up through the photogenic wash trail and came out at the old mining road. Sometimes we continue up the wash but Hilary may have messed that up so we chose to continue to the right up to the shortcut trail that junctions at the top of the first hill. A left on the trail took us to the mining road again where we turned left. The trail and road were in good condition. There was a good amount of water flowing down the creek to the left leaving nice little waterfalls. Reaching the fork, we noticed that the "Leroy Mine" sign is still on the tree that had broken in half. The sign is still on the rooted part of the tree but the other half of the tree makes a nice sitting place! We took the right fork up hiking through the slippery water and muddy rocks. Carefully, we reached the top where the gated mine shaft is found. Next, we began the difficult yet fun climb up the wash. The trail was in pretty good condition. No problems as we passed the other mine shaft and the two obstacle dryfalls. Just before we reached the fork meadow, a large group of strong hikers came up behind us. What! We never see other hikers here! So, we, of course, let them pass.

The Stanley B Mine

Mike climbs up to the Mine

Our group climbing up the Stanley B Wash

Steep climb Continues

We took the left fork at the meadow and began the steepest part of the climb. Another fork took us to the right under a tree, up to the trail on the right and on up the final steep climb to the saddle. Whew! We sat around a blazed tree and rested while taking in the beautiful views offered. This saddle is situated right in the middle between Mummy Mountain, the South Loop ridge and Cockscomb Ridge. Very powerful! This is also where two of our hikers departed to do a longer and more challenging day. After the break, we went down the wash just a few feet to find the trail that takes hikers over to the descent ridge. This trail was very difficult to find on this occasion. In fact, we were almost over to the descent ridge before we actually found it!

Finally reaching the Saddle

Break spot under tree with blaze Cut

Finding the descent Trail

Descent down the ridge Trail

No worries. The ridge is the last attainable ridge you can use and the small trail continues down the ridge all the way from the top below Cockscomb Peak to the original Stanley B Mine Fork. So, yes, we found the trail and started down. It is a beautiful trail, well made. It travels down the top of the ridge until it winds around to the right and takes on a steep scree slope. On the slope, it winds a little back and forth. It is important to follow the trail "to the tee" so that the trail lives to see other hikers. At this point, it could easily be abused and disappear from the side of the hill! Most hikers who know about the trail at this point, do know the importance of what I am saying. However, there is one point in the trail that originally zigzagged and doesn't anymore. Please try to continue this zigzag to save the infrastructure! Last year, we tried to improve the mess but it isn't "improved" anymore. At any rate, we reached the bottom of the wash and continued down. It is here that the trail is altered here and there. Again, it is important to try to follow the original route as close as possible so that the integrity of the trail is preserved. We passed the pipe spring, the shelter that no longer exists, the old trailer site and had to duck under a couple more trees than before.

There is a trail down this hill!

Starting down the descent Wash

Deep washed out Cut

Mourning Cloak Butterfly found in descent Canyon

Finally, we came to the grand finale! The creek/trail runs down a miniature rock canyon then offers a trail to the right that will drop you into the mine's air hole vicinity. Another pipe spring runs just below and we popped out at the mine fork where the sign is posted. To finish out the hike, we took the mining road all the way down, without using the shortcut trail, turned left into the wash and returned to the cars. On the way, we passed a large soccer affiliated group and several other recreational hikers who were all in search of the elusive mine. Quite an unusual day! Thus, the large amount of parked cars at the bottom. Great day!

Stats: 4 miles; 1500' gain; 3.75 hours

Columbines in descent Canyon

Taking a breather back at the mine Fork

Finishing the hike down the mining Road and Wash