Ref: Hiking Guy
***This trailhead is closed during winter months***
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At the South Loop Trailhead.
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Hike:
RT 9.0 (includes Griffith Peak); 4.25 up. While staying in Phoenix, I
wanted to ascend Mount Whitney in preparation for my trip to Aconcagua.
Unfortunately, the long drive and time constraints made the objective
unreasonable. Charleston Peak, however, wasn't as far and granted a
hike with a comparable distance; it seemed like a good trade-off.
Furthermore, it is the most topographically prominent peak in Nevada,
which makes the objective a worthwhile destination. We drove to Las
Vegas, where we spent the night. On the following day, we set off to
the trailhead after a good breakfast. Unlike last year's visit, the
gate to the south loop trail was open. After changing our footwear and
organizing our packs, we began hiking. The weather was pleasant; good
travel ensued on the well-maintained trail. We gained the ridge after 2
hours of trekking. From there, the summit is a long shlep; however,
most of the height gain was behind us. Hiking the ridge is fast and
delightful. We were fortunate to enjoy our plod without windy
conditions. The final push to the summit was equally straightforward
and didn't require much energy. We stayed at the top for quite some
time, sitting comfortably against the building. The sky's colour was
already changing, announcing the beginning of a beautiful sunset. After
a good break, we headed back with a slight detour to visit the wreckage
from a C-54 military plane crash that occurred on November 17, 1955,
during a blizzard. We made good time to the trail junction; Milan
didn't contest when I told him I wanted to include Mount Griffith. I
told him it wouldn't take me more than half an hour, and he should bask
in the last sunrays; it wasn't a tough sell.
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Weaving through Bristlecone pines towards Echo Canyon.
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Mummy Mountain's distinctive shape is that of a mummy lying on its back.
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The sheer limestone cliffs are impressive.
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Nearing the ridgeline with Griffith Peak on the left.
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The gentle terrain grants pleasant hiking.
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The remnants of a major wildfire.
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Looking towards the valley just north of Las Vegas. |
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The lengthy, barren ridge is as straightforward as can be.
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Looking back.
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Getting closer.
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The summit finally comes into view.
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At the top.
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To the south-east, Potosi Mountain is visible in the distance.
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South-western view over Wheeler Wash towards Dry Lake.
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To the north, Lee Canyon Ski Resort is bordered by The Sisters South and North, and Lee Peak.
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The eastern view includes Fletcher Peak (left center), and the town of Mount Charleston on the right.
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The unsightly hardware shielded us from the wind.
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What's left of a C-54 military plane that crashed in 1955.
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Casual trekking back to the Griffith Peak trail junction.
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Griffith Peak is hard to pass-by.
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Continue on to Griffith Peak
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Back
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