Date: Saturday, July 27
Meetup Place: Skye Canyon Marketplace – by the Burger King
Meetup Time: 6:30 am. / 6:40 am. Departure
Miles: ~ 5.5 miles
Elevation Gain: ~ 1,825
Beginning Elevation: ~8,400
Maximum Elevation: ~ 10,000 ft
Duration of the Hike: 4 to 5 hours depending on the speed of the group
This 5.5-mile lollipop loop trail is considered a difficult route due to the steepness and elevation gain. It takes an average of 4 to 5 hours to complete.
It’s a beautiful trail, with so many cool trees, views of Fletcher and Griffith, and of course Raintree, which is 3000+ years old. The trails to Raintree and Mummy Springs are well maintained. I’m not sure of the Wildhorse Canyon Trail so this trail will be kind of an “exploratory” for lack of a better word. Before we venture to Mummy Springs, we will stop at the famous 3000 + year old Bristlecone Tree.
Mummy Springs is a 12-foot high, 150-foot-long rock ledge that in a couple places is damp with water that slowly drips over it. The spring usually flows year-round although it’s typically a trickle in the summer months. During the hike there is a variety of foliage and seasonal wildflowers surrounding the spring along with grand views of the Vegas Valley.
IMPORTANT REMINDER OF THE RAINTREE BRISTLECONE TREE*This old tree has stood proudly for some 3,000 years. However, with so many visitors, it is starting to show signs of human use. Please do not climb on the tree, camp beneath the tree, or even spend too much time standing beneath the tree. Each of us who stands close to the tree compacts the soil, reducing infiltration and denying the plant life-giving water. Each of us who sits or stands on the roots damages the bark covering the roots, possibly allowing insects or disease to enter. We are also causing dirt around the roots to erode, exposing more roots to damage. Each of us who climbs the tree damages the bark. While these things may be unnoticeable to us, they add up over time for the tree. *
Since many of the popular trails are closed due to the devastation of hurricane Hilary in August of 2023, there will be many people on the trails that are still open, especially on the weekends, and parking can be problematic. With that said, I am highly recommending we meet at the Burger King at 6:30 am at Skye Canyon Marketplace for ride sharing. The Sierra Club does not organize carpools, but there should be plenty of opportunity for folks to meet up there and share rides to the trail head. Please note that 6:30 am is the Meetup time and 6:40 is the departure time. Remember that the driver is using their vehicle to transport you to and from the trailhead. Drivers typically appreciate a donation towards the fuel costs. Please be respectful of others and be on time. Your punctuality is greatly appreciated.
Backpacks are recommended and you'll need at least 2 to 3 liters of water in metal or plastic containers…no glass. A water hydration pack is the most convenient. Bring a light snack that provides quick energy. You'll need sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and hiking boots. Sneakers, other than trail running sneakers, are not recommended. Trekking poles can be useful on a hike like this. Always be prepared for a longer day than anticipated in case there is something that prolongs the hike. These are only recommendations. You be the judge of what you need to safely participate in the event.
Sorry, no dogs, children, guests or ‘plus one’. Everyone registering here must be a member of the Sierra Club Southern Nevada Meetup Group and sign up separately. There is no charge for the hike, and you do not need to be a member of the Sierra Club to join us! You will be asked to sign a waiver at the trailhead when you sign in.
And, as always practice Leave No Trace ethics during our adv
