I began this hike from my campsite following the paved bat trail to its end, then continued on the unofficial trail up the drainage until it petered out. I continued upward cross-country until I reached Bristlecone Trail. I followed it south for a short way thinking I would come to a sign saying the trail is closed. Looking downslope I could see a favorite site of mine for camping/picnicking and so left the trail again to reach it more quickly. After a short break I found the trail again and headed back north. I missed the junction for the old trail that heads higher into the bristlecone zone, so I continued to the junction with the Bonanza Trail, which makes a steady climb to the old and now unofficial Bristlecone Trail, where I would have come to if I had not missed the trail junction earlier. I hiked south through the bristlecones for a while until I reached the distance I calculated would be 7.62 miles if I began my return hike to my campsite and turned around and retraced my steps back to the junction with Bonanza Trail. Back on the Lower Bristlecone Trail I headed down to my campsite. Soon I came to a large sign stating the trail was closed! I had been hiking in the forbidden zone all day! The rest of the hike was easy down the old road and within an hour or so I was back at camp. But my total mileage was 9.44, not 7.62! Oops!
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If someone reads this in the next few days, please bring up new US flag! It is in terrible condition.
Epic views, long, steep in parts but not insane. Not for beginners but rewarding. Can't believe there is still snow in August!! Not walking through any snow though.
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Always a great hike, even on one of the hottest days in history. Get up there early and it’s amazing! Still a tiny bit of snow and tons of flowers at the lower elevations
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Amazing hike to Big Falls. Not sure I got to the actual falls, but I ended at waterfall about 20ft high. Maybe this is the place! A lot of water during my trip in early July. Some tricky spots to navigate along the water runoff.
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This is a very challenging hike, start to finish. For anyone who has hiked San Gorgonio in Southern California, it’s very similar, especially to the Fish Creek trail, but much easier to get to and a little bit harder. (This trail climbs a few hundred feet higher over a few less miles)
Fall colors on the lower part, which is shaded most of the time. Lots of wildlife, including a few horses. The upper parts, including Griffith Peak, are almost entirely exposed, so take sun protection. It was pretty cool, but I still went through 3 liters of water and could have drank more. If it was hot, more water would have definitely been required, but there are some springs up there.
From the top you have unobstructed views for hundreds of miles in all directions! Though I didn’t do it for time reasons, you could also add Mummy Mountain and bag three peaks if you wanted, but that one is a very technical and difficult climb. I don’t know if I would have been physically able to add that one, but it’s an option if you’re doing the south and north loops instead of an out and back as I did.
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Not very technical but fairly strenuous. A great training trail. The last 1.5 miles were cold, windy and still covered with a bit of snow. Bring gloves, handwarmers and a windbreaker with a hood (in early May anyway).
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Lots of deep snow. Most trails are completely covered but Cathedral Rock trail is visible until the end where you get stuck and have to turn around. Expect ankle to knee deep steps without snowshoes.
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Fun hike in the snow with beautiful views. We couldn't get to the trailhead parking area as the last bit of road was closed, which added 2 miles. If you go in winter, be very careful at the falls. I was caught in a sudden icefall and while my injury was mild, the next person may not be so lucky. Would definitely do it again though!
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Second time reaching the top in 2 weeks. First time was from the south side and second time was coming from the north. You can make better time going up the north side and I found it to be easier and more enjoyable with better views, however, you can make better time coming down the south. North side is slightly shorter mileage wise but overall the total time is about the same. If I were to pick between the two next time, I would go up the north side.
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A good hike to beat the desert heat an hour away. Went in mid June there was no spring or water to see but did see lots of butterflies. Did this hike with a 5 year old in 2 hours.
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Great hike to the summit of Mt Charleston. Take plenty of water (I had 6 liters and ran out at the end) as there are no water sources. Not for the occasional hiker.
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Trial start to Class 4 hike/scramble (elevation starts at ~8000 ft) to three repels (in water this time of year) in Mt. Charleston. Beautiful all around.
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After 7 tries to make it to the top, I finally did it an boy did it feel good. Thanks Lord for giving me the strength and perseverance at almost 60 to do this
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We love this loop. I definitely enjoy starting at the Lower parking and ending with the downhill walk back to the car along the road. Still some ice/snow along the Upper trail, but absolutely passable without equipment.
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After 7 tries I finally made it to the top!!! I found out a couple years later that I have diabetes and the reason I always got dizzy near the top was probably low glucose levels.
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Great family hike. There was still a lot of color in the quaking aspens, though it appears to be going away fast.
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Took my 3 1/2 year old and 5 year hiking up to the waterfall (around 8280ft). They did great and didn’t need to be carried. Just make sure you bring plenty of water, snacks, and take breaks and they’ll make it no problem.
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I consider this hike to be more of a moderate hike. Did it on Wednesday and it was awesome. About half way up there is an avalanche that has taken out some of the trail. If your capable you can traverse up the avalanche diagonally about 50 yards and find the trail again. Someone has marked it with rocks. The view at the top is well worth the work to get there
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