Black Rock Sister Loop - 7/11/26

The Sisters Arch and Black Rock Sister

Rock outcrop as seen from top of Elks Club Wash

Mine Trail/Road

Discussion at the Cattle Grate Trailhead

Six club hikers went out for a review of the Black Rock Sister Loop. Surprisingly enough, we either missed the Galium Spring turnoff or it was gone. (I'll review that at a later time.) Therefore, we ended up going up the steep hill after that to the ridge. Not optimal. We got to the ridge and continued to the steeper ridge climb after the saddle. It was a strong group of hikers that I had difficulty keeping up with. Kudos AtBF! At any rate, we slowly made it up the trail on the ascent ridge and arrived at the Sisters Arch overlook. This overlook provides a view of the arch and Black Rock Sister in the distance as seen in the first photo. Finally reaching the Traverse Trail turnoff to the right, my struggle began to let up. Everyone else was not having any problems! (That's the way it goes sometimes.) We sat for our break at White Sister gazing at the huge monstrosity of Black Rock. The temps were higher than usual up in the elevations and we sought shade. Not much wind either. Still, the view was tremendous all around. 

Common Mullein in Lee Canyon Wash

North Sister (L) and Ascent Ridge (R)

Smoke passing through on the ridge Climb

Rock pinnacle as seen from traverse Trail

After our break at White Sister, we crossed in front of Black Rock, hiked out the trailing ridge and turned left. Heading in a 1:30 direction, we soon came to the trail that took us down the steep hill. This is a great trail. Yes, it's steep but it is not slippery if you use the proper method of side-stepping. The trail led directly to the Break Saddle on the right side of the hill. This saddle lies between the Black Rock Sister hill, Elk Ridge, Deadwood Wash, Sisters Spur Ridge and Elks Club Wash. We didn't stop for long before we dove straight down the Elks Club Wash lying directly in front of us on the left side of Elk Ridge. There are a few cairns to aid in the descent, however, the rule is to just go down the wash!

Black Rock Sister

North Sister, McFarland, Everest, and Macks Peaks from White Sister

Break Saddle (Elk Ridge and Mummy Mountain in view)

Starting down Elks Club Wash

There are a couple of wiggle trails in and out of the wash but, only one, is important. Look for the cairn in the middle of the trail climbing out on the left side. This takes you right up to the Mine Road/Trail. Follow this trail all the way down until it leaves the wash to the right. Here, continue hiking parallel to the wash all the way down to arrive at the trailhead. You also have the option to get back into the wash to finish out. I will need some recovery time after this! Everyone else is fine!!!

Stats: 4.5 miles; 1700' gain; 4 hours.

Tree over Elks Club Wash

Climbing out of Elks Club Wash to the Mine Road/Trail

Hiking parallel to the wash back to the Trailhead