Robber's Roost and lower wildhorse canyon

Nine Sierra club members went on a short hike to Robber's Roost and then down the road to Wild Horse Canyon looking for flowers and running water. There were some flowers, but we didn't get to the river. Time was short. Maybe next time.

    Heading up the trail to Robber's Roost. It is short, but steep.

    Just before reaching the cave area.

    Happy hikers

    Exploring the cave area.

    Polished rock due to seasonal waterfall.

    This is the route we took later to Wild horse canyon. The track to Robbers Roost had too many
     errors due to the constricting walls affecting the GPS.

 Small shrub known as Spreading Dogbane

Rosy-Petalled Cliffbush (Jamesia americana var. rosea)

    Eaton Penstemon (firecracker penstemon)

    Alum Root

    Indian Paintbrush

    Western Wall flower

    Wax Currant

    Cryptantha

    Blue Flax

Fletcher peak from North loop

6 miles and 2300 feet gain. Temps from 68-75F. Several flowers were out.

    Yellow Primrose

    Alpine Daisy

    Blue Flax

    Purple Sage

    White Primrose

   Smooth leaf Penstemon

    The saddle between Raintree and Fletcher peak





    Interesting Bristlecones

    Alpine Astor?

    Brenda looking toward Mt Charleston

    Pink Phlox

   



   Arizona Firecracker

    Wood grain in Bristlecone stump

Griffith Peak

Brenda and I went to scout out the snow conditions on the South Loop trail. We had no difficulties following the trail but there were several snow patches. Maybe 15-20 snow patches. There were no dangerous places, and the footing was good if you wear boots and use poles. 9 miles and 3400 feet gain. Took 7 hours overall.


    Nuttall's Linanthus were out on the lower section of the trail.

    This is the foot of the avalanche  shoot that goes most of the way up the mountain.

    A little higher up we crossed the show here.

    Looking back down the snow field.

    After we reached the switchbacks there were several patches of snow in protected areas and under
     trees.

    The last section before the ridge was snow free.

    On top

    Looking toward Mt Charleston

   The grassy slope starting back down the trail

   The snow patch in the trees just below the grassy slope.

    Common Blue

    Rock Crest

    Paintbrush and Lupine

    Lupine

    Common Blue

    Wooly Cinquefoil

   Double Bladderpod

Trail canyon to cockscomb ridge

Trail Canyon to Cockscomb ridge. 5 miles and 1700 ft IAW my GPS and altimeter. Finished in 3 hours and 15 min total time.

    This hike has Bristlecone, Ponderosa, and Limber Pines. And White fir. This is a Bristlecone with
    a Ponderosa in back.

    Close up of a Limber pine. It has 5 needle clusters that are 1.5-2 inches long. Bristlecone needles
    are one inch long.

    On the ridge to Cockscomb.

    Nearing Cockscomb

    Limber pine in front. Bristlecone in back.

    Paintbrush.

    Snow remaining on Mt Charleston.

    Ponderosa on left, White fir on right.

    Window further along Cockscomb ridge that we didn't get to.