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Hayford Peak - Sheep Mountains - 2 members in 2 triplogs have rated this an average 4.5 ( 1 to 5 best )
2 triplogs
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Sep 03 2022
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 Guides 1
 Routes 3
 Photos 1,610
 Triplogs 49

41 male
 Joined Nov 18 2005
 
Hayford Peak - Sheep MountainsVegas, NV
Hayford Peak - Sheep Mountains
Vegas, NV
Hiking avatar Sep 03 2022
nobert15 • Triplogs 49
Hiking15.60 Miles 4,130 AEG
Hiking15.60 Miles
4,130 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
The road had some damage from the recent flooding but nothing requiring 4x4. As long as you have high clearance you'll be fine. The hike from the trailhead to Hunters Cabin was pleasant. You start in a very healthy joshua tree forest and end up in a mix of ponderosa, fir, and aspen forest by the cabin. From the cabin to the peak you head through a mix of juniper, pinion, ponderosa, and bristlecone. From the cabin to the peak is brutal. Only a use trail that pretty much heads straight up. The area is very unique and beautiful. The spring at the cabin, wiregrass spring, was flowing enough to fill my hydro flask every couple of minutes. Due to the excessive heat warning I went through far more water than anticipated and ended up drinking unfiltered spring water. Hopefully it's safe. Sure tasted good.
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Wiregrass Spring
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Moderate

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Wiregrass Spring Quart per minute Quart per minute
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May 14 2021
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 Guides 99
 Routes 1,484
 Photos 16,072
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male
 Joined Jan 07 2017
 Fountain Hills,
Hayford Peak - Sheep MountainsVegas, NV
Hayford Peak - Sheep Mountains
Vegas, NV
Hiking avatar May 14 2021
DixieFlyer • Triplogs 1,374
Hiking15.60 Miles 4,130 AEG
Hiking15.60 Miles
4,130 ft AEG
 
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Hidden Forest
Partners none no partners
Hayford Peak has been on my radar screen for a while, mainly because it is one of 57 ultra pics in the continental US. An 'ultra" peak is one with 5,000 feet or more of prominence.

The last 19 miles to the TH is on dirt roads that are pretty well graded. A 4WD vehicle is not needed, and an SUV would be fine to make the drive. I suppose that a sedan could make it, but 19 miles is a long way in a low clearance vehicle.

The last few miles to the TH are through a joshua tree forest, which I enjoyed.

The first 4 miles of the hike were a bit of a slog, due to hiking through a wash that didn't have the greatest traction, so it was a bit tiring and used more energy than it otherwise would. Plus we were looking directly into the early morning sun, so I was just looking down at my feet. Only on the way back out were we able to see and enjoy the surroundings.

After 4 miles the traction got better and we got into a ponderosa pine forest which provided some filtered shade. After 5.3 miles we got to Hidden Forest Cabin, and we took a break there.

The cabin is 2.5 miles from the summit, and the grade of the ascent continues to be relatively modest for the first mile; after that it gets pretty steep. We made it up to the summit and enjoyed the nice views from the summit. The south side of the summit was devoid of trees, whereas the north side had a lot of bristlecone pines; that makes me wonder if there might have been a fire on the south side a few centuries ago.

We went back the same way that we came up. I enjoyed the descent through the wash better than the ascent: it was easier to be going down instead of up through the gravel, and with the sun not in my eyes I was able to enjoy looking at the vegetation and the geology.

I enjoyed the hike, and it is a worthwhile hike to do if you are in the area. However, I think that the Spring Mountains are a nicer place to hike.

We did not see anyone else on a hike. This one doesn't seem to be hiked much, and those enjoying solitude on a hike will likely find it on this hike.
 Flora
 Flora [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Apache Plume  Bristlecone Pine  Desert almond  Indian Paintbrush  Joshua Tree  Mormon tea  Strawberry Hedgehog
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Western Tent Caterpillar
 Culture
 Culture [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Automobile Remains/Wreckage  Benchmark  Informational/Interpretive Sign  Old Rusty Stuff  Reference Mark
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Charleston Peak  Deadman Canyon  Hayford Peak  Spring Mountains  Wiregrass Spring

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water less than max Wiregrass Spring Gallon per minute Gallon per minute
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Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there
  1 archive

WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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