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
