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| Hiking | 18.65 Miles |
5,522 AEG |
| | Hiking | 18.65 Miles | 8 Hrs 51 Mns | | 2.36 mph |
| 5,522 ft AEG | 57 Mns Break | | | |
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| partners | | Great hike up Charleston Peak and the loop! John suggested the idea so sounded like a good plan. Headed up Friday night so we could get an early Saturday start which was just before 7am. Started from Trail Canyon trail head and began the several thousand foot initial climb which was pleasantly lined with aspens in fall color. Last time I did this hike it was June so I didn't realize just how many aspens are on this hike. Along with the foliage, the great views, and high quality trail this section is hard to beat. The views get even better about 6 or 7 miles up the trail when it reaches the main ridge line and then contours leading to the final switchbacks.
The final switchbacks are equally impressive even though the altitude burns a little more. The last mile is above tree line so nothing to obstruct the view except for the smoke from CA fires but still wasn't too bad. Finally made the summit and we enjoyed a great summit beer  A handful of other people on the summit but not to crazy being so close to Vegas. We took a good break before continuing down the South Loop Trail.
On South Loop Trail the first part above tree line is nice easy walk but eventually we hit the burn section about 1.5 miles down the trail. The trail is fine through the burn but the damage is nuclear with only tree skeletons left and not much growing back. Most of the trees were Bristlecone pine so they probably don't grow back very fast or maybe not at all. The fire was in July 2013 and took out about 28,000 acres. After about 2 miles or so we reached the junction to head down off the ridge line and hiked out of the burn. From there it was lots of switchbacks that drops over 3,000 feet back down to the canyon. We were treated to some more fall color towards the bottom of the hike. Eventually we reached the South Loop trail head and then followed a few connector trails back over to the Trail Canyon start.
Great hike and still debate whether to do the loop next time or out and back on Trail Canyon. Trail Canyon is without doubt the nicer of the two trails but I dislike out and backs just enough to make the loop an option. Will see next time  |
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