Exploring Pole Canyon

It was time to leave Ely, Nevada and return to our home in Utah.  We had some extra time and thought we would spend a few hours exploring the west side of the Snake Range before hitting the road.  Kent has always been intrigued with a rugged road that leads up to the top of Mt. Washington (11,658), but was unsure were it began (no signs).  So we took what looked like the correct road (across from the Pickering mailbox . . . in case you were wondering!) and headed up Pole Canyon.  After about five miles of a good gravel road we discovered the abandoned Mt. Wheeler Mine . . . we later learned the mine last operated in the 1940's.  Yep, we were on the right road, but didn't have time to complete the remaining six miles of a steep and narrow 4WD road to the top.  That'll have to be an adventure for another day . . . oh, don't worry, it will happen!

We spotted this beautiful bull elk near Connors Canyon south of Ely, Nevada

Mount Washington towers high above the Mount Wheeler Mine

Mine car tracks from days gone by 

There was a lot of  crystal clear water flowing from the mine adit

Pole Canyon adit is about 1 1/2 miles long!

Beryllium minerals were discovered here in the 1940's . . .
in case you were wondering (I know you are) . . .
 the road continues up to the saddle on the skyline . . .
bring your nerves and a good 4WD if you're going to continue on!

A hay farm thrives below in Baking Powder Flat

View of the Schell Creek Range . . . from the inside out!

Wheeler Peak Mine ore bin clinging to memories of its past

A different view of the Snake Range . . . the majestic mountains of Great Basin National Park

Berry Creek in the Schell Creek Range

Just east of Ely, Nevada lies the Schell mountain range . . . one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the Great Basin!  We have hiked here many times in the past and have summited North Schell, Unita Peak and South Schell.  This time we decided to "take it easy" and explore the several springs that come together and form Berry Creek.  We enjoyed a gorgeous day all to ourselves as we took a five-mile hike along this beautiful aspen lined stream. A new trail (not on any maps) was discovered and plans for a future hike began to formulate in Kent's mind.  I have a feeling it won't be long until we will be back to continue our exploration of the Schell range!

It's a great day for a walk among the aspens

The hands caught my eye

We have never heard of this trail before . . . 
Now it's on our list of things to do!

An old snow survey cabin

Just think of all the possibilities beyond this gate . . .

The old barn and corral

Looking back at the cabin and the barn . . . 
You can see why they built them here . . .
it's a beautiful spot!

Interesting outhouse . . . never seen one with a Dutch door before!
What a great idea!  

Don't you wish you were here with us?  You could be . . . we love company!

Little springs bring life to the Great Basin

Springs lead to streams . . . 
I could sit all day and listen to this babbling brook 

Bright yellow aspen branch . . .  a taste of Fall yet to come

Living in the desert we don't take water for granted

Not too sure how big this little tree will get . . . hmmm

This hillside will be gorgeous when the leaves show their fall colors

It's so quiet and peaceful in the forest . . . 
Except for an occasional deer or a trickling stream . . .
Welcoming sights in this crazy, busy world we live in . . . don't you think?!

Enroute to Bald Mountain

Great Basin National Park is only three hours from our home and always delivers as a favorite destination for solitude, great scenery and challenging hikes.  It had been almost two years since we last visited GBNP and it was high time to return to this special place.  We didn't have a specific hike in mind . . . in fact, our only priority was to find a good camping spot . . . which we successfully accomplished!

The next morning we decided to take the scenic drive to the Wheeler Peak trailhead.  We followed the path for a couple of miles, passing Stella Lake, and then took a northerly ridge that lead us to the summit of Bald Mountain.  After enjoying a break and the views, we descended (using a slightly different route) that brought us back to the Wheeler Peak trail.  What a great way to spend a gorgeous Fall day!

Baker Creek Campground was a great place to camp . . . even these turkeys thought so!

A campfire makes camping fun . . . especially if you have to sleep in a tent!

Starting out for our five-mile hike

Wheeler Peak, on the right, is the highest in the Snake Range at 13,063 ft

It's always fun to see deer on our hikes

In a little over a mile we arrived at Stella Lake . . .  so pretty! 

This chipmunk is pointing us in the right direction

Soon we will leave the Wheeler Peak trail and head cross-country for Bald Mountain

Colorful rocks along the way

There's no trail . . . just a destination ahead

Yes, it's quite rocky . . . aren't all the mountains in the Great Basin?

Looking to the west . . . Spring Valley and it's wind turbines!

Looking south towards Wheeler Peak from the top of Bald Mountain (11,562)

Windswept Limber Pines cling to the rocky slope

A perfect day for a hike!

We drove up to the end of the road and saw these unusual cars from Oregon

Cute as can be . . . but I think I'd rather travel in our 4Runner!

Mount Nebo (almost!)

Whenever we drive north on I-15, Mt. Nebo is always the first to greet us as we travel along the Wastach Front (the metropolitan area from Nephi to Bringham City) and for many years has intrigued us.  Last year we drove the Nebo Loop National Scenic Byway and discovered the trailhead for Mt. Nebo.  Once Kent found out that Mt. Nebo (11,928) was the highest peak in the Wasatch mountain range, I knew I was in trouble . . . it was obvious the peak was calling his name!

Kent worked on taking down the tent, while I cooked breakfast

Kent, Darrell and Allison at the Mount Nebo/North Peak Trailhead . . .
It will be nine-miles round trip, if we make it . . .
Those grey clouds are an ominous omen!

We've only just begun . . . it's an uphill climb from the beginning!

We saw a few of these pretty conglomerate rocks along the trail

Ahead lies North Peak (11,174) . . .
We will hike to the ridge on the right and then traverse the backside of North Peak
to Wolf Pass (on the left) . . . from there we will begin our final ascent of Mt. Nebo

Simple white Erigeron or Fleabane  

It rained on us two times during the hike . . . no wonder these flowers are so pretty

We're still going uphill . . . yippee!

Some of the north facing slopes were covered with wildflowers

We've made it to the ridge of North Peak . . . 
  That's Mount Nebo (11,928) on the right . . . yikes!
Can this really be the same mountain?  It looks so much steeper!

Now it's time to begin the backside traverse of North Peak . . .
We're heading for Wolf Pass

We've arrived at Wolf Pass and take a much needed break . . .
the question now becomes, "Do we continue on?"

Kent and Darrell look up at Wolf Peak (false summit) . . .
we can't even see Mount Nebo from here!
So close, yet so far way . . . Mount Nebo is not to be for us today!

Looking down towards Mona Reservoir to the west

The scenery was amazing in every direction . . .
We could see Utah Valley and Utah Lake looking to the north

Heading back down the North Peak ridge line . . .

We took a quick snack break and one last peek at Mount Nebo . . . 
Amazingly, the sun came out and the clouds cleared away . . . go figure!

Kent working his way through a steep, rocky section of the descent

Though not yet ripe, elderberries were abundant

Time to load up and head for home

One last look at the mountain that beat us!
Mount Nebo is on the left . . .
Wolf Pass is the saddle in the middle and North Peak is on the right . . .
We were so close, yet so far away!

Click here for an interactive map that shows trailhead and route to the summit.