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

South Loop 1st Overlook (Echo Overlook) - 6/6/24

South Loop's 1st Overlook (aka Echo Overlook)

Waterfalls formed with snow melt from Griffith Peak Drainage

Closed sign for Cathedral Rock (behind) Trail

Cathedral Rock / Little Falls Trails Junction

We were a little behind the 8-Ball on climbing the South Loop Trail. We even knew several other hikers that had climbed all the way up to Griffith Peak before now. (Still need spikes at this time.) However, we were in no hurry to run out of trails to hike and new stuff to discover for the season. Therefore, we are heading up into the higher elevations a piece at a time. This hike began at the South Loop / Cathedral Rock Trailhead found near the end of Kyle Canyon Road. Although we arrived before 7am, there were several cars already in the parking lot.

Climbing below the Echo Cliffs on the South Loop Trail

Tree cleared from Trail - Mummy's Toe in Background

Climbing the South Loop Trail

Rainbow Corner (1 Mile)

We found a spot, the toilets were clean and the South Loop Trail was cleaner than it has been for several years. The mountain was ready for the onslaught of hikers yearning for the fresh air and challenging climbs. We saw the sign that declared the Cathedral Rock Trail closed and hiked up. On good authority, I know that the Little Falls Trail is open and ready for business. However, if you are new to the area, you must know that you have to turn right at the Cathedral Rock Trail sign and right again at the next trail junction to get to Little Falls. We've seen Little Falls during the snow melt season and it is something to behold! Just be prepared to wade in shallow water and climb up slippery rocks to get to its base.

Starting across the Griffith Drainage Snow

Careful! Crossing on snow Bridges

Switchback #7 Fossil Rock

Switchback # 13

We passed the sign, climbed up to the left and kept going straight at the Cathedral Rock Trail junction. Unfortunately, during the cleaning of the trail, they did not take out any of the steep steps! Just kidding. Oh, how I missed the steep steps! It was so nice to see our trail so clean and the same as it was before! (Oxymoron!) We took our time. Slow and steady. The higher altitude has been growing on me for the past couple of weeks. The rest of my group has been up in the clouds several times before me in the past month and they were fine. It mattered not! I was busy taking photos of the beauty of the mountains ... one of our many backyards. We passed Rainbow Corner, the Griffith drainage (covered with snow tunnels, careful!), took on the 15 switchbacks and arrived at the 1st Overlook which is also known as Echo Overlook. During the climb, we passed (and were passed by) a mix of hikers. Some appeared that they were much like us; back on the mountain for the first time since last August.

Last climb to the Overlook

Ralyn and Odie rest at the Overlook

Griffith Peak drainage and Echo Cliffs from Overlook

Taking a break in the Shade

Those were the hikers with the big smiles on their faces. Happy to say hello or comment or just say, "Have a good hike!" The hikers with confused looks on their faces were almost always visitors to Las Vegas! Those were the ones that we were very happy to help if asked. Again, signage on trails around here is scarce. Wilderness and forestry rules. But, hey. Just ask! (We look old enough to know the answers!!) So, at the overlook, we took a leisurely break and enjoyed the scenery. Finally, we started back down. I haven't mentioned it but today was an extremely hot day in the valley. High of 112 degrees! A record for this early time. Consequently, the mountains were around 80 degrees where we were.

Charleston Peak (R) through trees from Overlook

There it is! The tree is still there seemingly ready to fall.

Down the last Switchback - Fletcher Peak in Distance

Heading down the steps Section

The section of the trail that we now had to descend is one of the hottest sections of the South Loop. Luckily, it was still morning and we were able to catch a very slight breeze. The descent went smoothly back the way we came. At the bottom, we were surprised to see 6 wild horses munching the vegetation around the trailhead. There were also several family hikers watching the display. Very exciting! (Insert more trail directions to the newcomers.) It was a great hike! We love our mountains!

Stats: 4.5 miles; 1325' gain; 3.25 hours

Community of Echo in Kyle Canyon Below - North Loop Ridge Beyond

Nicely cleared Trail