Page 61 - 2006 DT 12 Issues

Tues. 15, “Bristlecone/Bonanza” Overnight” - Climb to the peak with Chris Stren; 5 mi round trip, 2,000 ft elevation gain.
- Loop through the aspen and pine forests on South Loop and descend on North Loop, Minimum age limit 15.
above the ski resort in Lee Canyon with over-nighting on the ridge between Kyle and Sat. 26, “Corn Creek Spring Walk”
Chris. Mod/Stren; 5 mi, 1,200 ft elevation Lee Canyons. Very strenuous, 18 mi, 4,300 - Corn Creek is a major bird watching area
gain. Minimum age limit 15. ft elevation change. All gear will be carried and is prime habitat for aquatic and land
Wed. 16, “Moenkopi Plus” - Circle the entire distance. Bring enough food and plants and animals. Come observe all these
‘round the Visitor Center with Janis and enjoy water for 27 hours. Minimum age limit 21. creatures and learn the history of the area.
the sights—easy, short and beautiful, that’s Sun. 20, “Little Falls” - Join Carleton Easy, 1/2 mi.
what this hike is all about! Easy, 2 mi. and Carol for a hike on Echo Trail to Little Sat. 26, “Owls” (Visitor Center)
Fri. 18, “Hike Leader’s Choice” - One Falls. If the water is running, there are 3 falls - Come listen to Ranger Jim discuss the
of the best the Mountain has to offer. The visible from our destination. Mod; 2 mi, 728 nocturnal primeval world of owls and other
Bristlecone Loop will take you on a 6-mi loop ft elevation gain. things that flit in the night.
through aspens and bristlecone pines. With Thurs. 24, “Bonanza Peak” - Climb a Sat. 26, “Astronomy” - This program
barely any elevation gain, this is a great Mt. trail with nearly 100 switchbacks with Chris is for everyone young and mature. LVAS will
Charleston introductory hike. Mod. from the north end of the Bonanza Trail, past have telescopes for sharing and present a
Sat. 19, “Summer Springs Hike” - Join a saddle, and scramble to the peak. Stren; power point program. Gate will close at
Bob as he takes two short hikes to three 10 mi, 2,600 ft elevation gain. High clearance 8:30 PM. There will be NO admittance
permanent springs that are prime bird and vehicles needed. Age limit 15+. after 8:30 PM!
wildlife viewing areas in the southern Red Sat. 26, “South Sister” - Hike the alter- Sun. 27, “North Loop” - Join Carleton
Rock Conservation Area. We’ll hike to one nate route to the peak from Old Mill Picnic and Carol for a hike up North Loop to a
spring, drive to the next and hike to two more area in Lee Canyon with Chris. There are plateau with gnarled bristlecone pine trees.
springs. Easy, 2.5 mi. several steep sections and some off-trail Mod; 4 mi; 1,000 ft elevation gain.
Sat. 19 & Sun. 20, “Mt. Charleston hiking on the way to some great views.

Raintree, continued from p. 3 and Mummy Springs Trails. You’re to enjoy the panorama. Return to the
near the base of the Mummy’s toes Raintree and delight in the Kyle Can-
of Mummy Mountain that rises high yon vista to the south before retracing
ponderosa and pinyon pine, mountain beyond the Raintree. your steps down the North Loop Trail

mahogany, wild currant and white fir. After a respite at the Raintree, take to the parking lot.
The trail starts rising immediately and the trail to Mummy Springs
there are many switchbacks, a normal by heading north for about
part of hiking at Mount Charleston. 3/10 of a mile. There is no
Depending on the time of year, sign marking the trail but
there are Indian Paint, mountain it’s a use trail that’s easy
lupines, daisies, and other plants in to spot. Along the route,
bloom. About 1 ½ miles later, you ar- there’s a large area of low

rive at a wide, flat viewing area where growing juniper. Mummy
the bristlecone forest begins. This is a Springs is in a gully about
great spot to rest a bit and take in the 50 feet above the trail. The
views of the Spring Mountain Youth path to the spring has been
Camp, Deer Creek, and the growth of blocked to preserve the flora,

Las Vegas toward Mount Charleston. so enjoy the spring from a
It’s only 1 ½ miles to the crest of distance. The earlier in the Bristelcones and the Mummy’s toes
the ridge where the elevation is just spring/summer you hike, the
over 10,000 ft—the highest point of more water will be fl owing from the It’s possible to continue hiking the
the hike. The trail continues amid the small falls into the spring. There are North Loop Trail from the Raintree
bristlecone pines with their unusual wonderful ferns and columbine grow- until you get to the junction with the
shapes caused by the harsh winters ing in this wet area. The spring area is Trail Canyon Trail and head down into
and wind at this elevation. Soon in an avalanche chute that provides un- the Echo subdivision in Kyle Canyon.
you see the majesty of the Raintree obstructed views of the valley and the But Trail Canyon is a hike best left for
at the junction of the North Loop Sheep Mountains. It’s a superb place another day. ❏

FORRC/August 2006 Page 5