Bighorn Butte Bypass - 12/30/24

Lake Mead view from the break Point

Bighorn Butte beyond "Big Square Rock" marking entrance to last small Canyon

Gathering at top of initial ridge Climb

Following sheep trail along Ridge

Fourteen strong club hikers arrived at the Longview Overlook on Lakeshore Road for a hike up the wide washes leading away from the lake. Btw, there is no longer a sign that indicates that the turnout is called "Longview." (If you are travelling southeast, it is the turnout following the 33-Hole Overlook, which IS signed.) We crossed the paved road and the paved bicycle path, and dipped down into the very wide wash. We crossed the wash at a steep angle to find an abandoned dirt road leading up to a ridge saddle. There are several ungraded dirt roads in this large area of Lake Mead NRA due to their one-time use for erecting the electric towers and lines coming from Hoover Dam. We found the old road, went up to the saddle and turned left.

Coming down off of Ridge

Sheep trail to base of Bighorn Butte

Trail alongside of Wash

Staying above wash and then Crossing

We climbed up along the ridge until we came to a saddle just below the high point. A vague game trail veers off to the right. This game trail leads along the side of this ridge. It is very rocky with uneven footing but, nevertheless, it is a good path. After hitting a couple of saddle areas, we came to an especially difficult trail that is somewhat exposed to the wash far below on the left (our descent wash later). Everyone took their time and came out alive! After this, there was one more peak to hike around before we started down to the white sandstone landscape below. Bighorn Butte was in clear view as the scenery changed. Our route followed the game trail forward and around the next small peak without going into the wash on the right.

Up into the white and cream Colors

Bighorn Butte wash with "Baby Turtlehead" to Right

Climbing up wash to a Ridge

The wash and ridge Ahead

The game trail balanced above the wash as we circled around to the left, then crossed over to climb up into the white. This part of the route is changeable. This time, we essentially followed the low shallow wash all the way up to the ridge above. This left us with just a few undulating crossings until we saw the wash we wanted far below on the left. Down the last wash and we were at the trail junction where the descent wash takes off to the left. But first (!), there was the small matter of going up a very nice small canyon on the right which is marked by a large squarish boulder. Nearing the top of the canyon, there is a left turn that must be taken to reach the break area. Near the wide open break area, geodes can be found strewn about. (Look but don't carry out! It is bad luck.) Another interesting thing about this area is that there are usually bighorns around ... somewhere. Today, we searched but to no avail ... until ... yes, those are bighorns wayyy up there on that ridge saddle. Two of them! So exciting! We finished our break with a group photo, lingered a moment longer, then started back down to the small canyon. A trail has formed on the left side of the canyon tributary to go around the dryfall.

Up and over three small Ridges

Finally down to the wash Below

Starting up the small Canyon

Climb out of small canyon to break Point

Down the small beautiful canyon taking a side trail on the right near the end. This trail took us around the messy stuff at the bottom and back down into the wash below. Left turn, passing the large square boulder, passing the loop junction, we started down a pretty serious scrambling section. First, take the smaller flow to the right in the first pourover section. This will take you to a steep but smoothish chute down to the next level. (See fourth photo below.) We took our time and ... again ... came out alive! Following this scramble, we came to two scrambles, again on the right side of the wash, where it is important to continue past the most obvious scary drop and take a smooth walk down into the wash below.

A Geode

Two bighorns on a ridge saddle in the far Distance

Group of fourteen hikers at Break

A fun little drop on the Descent

There a couple more smaller scrambles on round slippery boulders, and when the wash flattens out, there is an arch in the embankment on the left where we sometimes take our group photo. We were about to leave the area when there was a shriek! Thinking it was a snake, a hiker jumped back quickly. We pondered the eye as it slowly blinked as if having just been awakened. What was it? ... So, here comes Mike to save the day! ... Ladies! Calm down. (no, he didn't say that) He also pondered for a moment. Then, said, "It's a bird," and walked away. He was right.

The remaining part of the hike is a fast walk down the very wide wash in which we began and back to the cars. A good hike! Happy New Year!!!

Stats: 5.5 miles; 1150' gain; 4.25 hours

Rosie steps Down

The Arch

Is it a snake? A lizard? An alien? "No," says Mike, "It's a bird!