Toiyabe NF
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Horsethief Canyon Toiyabe NF |
June 23, 2010
Still waiting for the snowpack to recede in my high-mountain haunts,
I have ventured to Woodfords Canyon, which is just up the creek from Carson
Valley where it is nice and warm, and just down the creek from Carson Pass
where the trails remain snowbound. This trailhead, at 6,700 feet, is
about the same elevation as my hike to Grass Lake just five days ago;
yet no snow is in evidence here today.
The first quarter-mile of trail is brutal — very steep and very rough. Boy, I sure hope it isn't all like this.
Getting started up the switchbacks
For the first 800 feet of gain, the trail leads straight up the canyon beside the little creek, necessitating an unusually high number of rest stops. The path is comprised of soft sand, however, with just a few bad spots after the initial set of switchbacks.
The trail levels out at about the 1000-foot mark, and I get a first view of something besides steep hillsides.
A meadow appears
Among the usual East Side suspects — sagebrush, paintbrush, and aspens, two of my favorite flowers are posing for the camera; so I accommodate them.
Snowplant
Spreading Phlox
Presently a big evergreen appears, sporting a big old-fashioned blaze, and numerous others follow. Despite a modern aversion to marking trails in this manner, some of these cuts don't appear to be particularly old. Hmmm.
Tree blazes bring back good memories. I miss them
Not far beyond a stock fence is a sign proclaiming the official end of the trail. Having not even reached the meadow yet, however, I press on northward across a fire road. From here the route is flat and mostly shady. There are lots of cow pies around, but they are last year's contributions. No flies or bugs are bothering me today.
The cows must have escaped
Not a helpful warning
Nice textures
The only snow in the area today
At last, I find myself in an actual meadow, which is pleasant but unspectacular. As there was no other destination in mind, this is it.
Horsethief Meadow
Dandelion
Sierra Stickseed
Northward view
Groundsel
Dwarf Hesperochiron
This creek is quite photogenic
I have the meadow all to myself for the full hour that I am here, which is very nice. After exhausting my photographic possibilities, it is time to head back.
Southward view
Hawkins Peak, 10024', is on my to-do list
The sole stream crossing
Mule's Ears are everywhere, as usual
As I start downhill in earnest, I gain a renewed appreciation for the
steepness of the uphill climb. The loose sand makes for some treacherous
footing, so great care is in order. It is necessary to watch the trail
every second — that is, except for a stop at the nice cascade.
Horsethief 'Falls'
As I approach the big canyon, traffic noises begin to clutter the senses. Fifteen minutes later, this hike is finished.
Looking east down Woodfords Canyon
§: Try not to be put off by the horrible initial stage of this
walk; it gets much better after that. Be aware, however, that the
25% grade will tax your lungs going up and your knees coming down.
| Scenery |  |
| Difficulty |  |
| Personality | |
| Flowers |  |
| Solitude | |
