Pioche Benchmarks

On our way back from exploring Bristol Wells Kilns, we decided to "grab" some benchmarks that were located on the hills above Pioche.  What intrigued us about these benchmarks were their ages.  White Cairn BM, was first observed atop Treasure Hill in 1883 and the other, Red Hill BM, was monumented in 1915.  In addition to their ages, we were hoping to find the unique/rare crosses that were chiseled in the rock and used for reference markers . . . we have heard about these, but have never seen one for ourselves.  Since we were in the area and needing to stretch our legs, before the two-hour drive back to St. George, we decided to see if we could locate these rather easy to reach benchmarks.

If you felt like putting your truck to the test, you can drive your 4WD to the top of Treasure Hill . . .
We chose to walk the last mile, from the saddle, and not tear our truck up on the steep and rocky road!
(We know it doesn't look bad, from this picture, but trust us it is and there's no place to turn around)
The skies sure looked threatening and Kent brought his rain jacket just in case of a downpour 

Up on top, Kent checked the GPS coordinates for the benchmark . . . we are close

It's supposed to be right here . . . just a piece of rebar with a white cap was all we could find
No benchmark or treasure to be found on this peak!
The arrow points to Red Hill benchmark . . . our next stop . . . maybe we'll have better luck over there

As we were heading down, it started thundering off to the east . . . 
This put a little, hop, skip and a jump into our steps to get down off the peak!

This picture shows a little of the road's steepness . . . it would have been a scary drive!
The two skyline bumps, in front of Kent, form Mount Ely . . .
It also has an early benchmark (1915), but we won't be able to make it over there today

On the way out we spotted this doe laying next to a foundation of someone's house

Now we are working our way towards Red Hill

Along the ridgeline walk, there are several "bumps" that need to be crossed or side hilled . . .
On top of one of the bumps, we came upon this mine shaft

We could not see the bottom

Thick clusters of Fleabane were scattered along the hillside

Once again, Kent checks the GPS coordinates for the benchmark

There it is (the gold medallion below the wooden stake) . . . but it's not what we were expecting 

The original benchmark must have been replaced . . . the NGS map shows this was monumented in 1952

The GPS coordinates (taken from NGS) show that the benchmark should be under this tree . . .
Needless to say, we couldn't find it or the chiseled cross reference markers we were hoping to see

Keeping our eyes to the sky, we didn't waste any time heading back down the mountain . . .
The arrow points to Treasure Hill, where we had been earlier, searching for White Cairn BM

It's been a while since we've seen such colorful Buckwheat in bloom

We tried our best to beat the storm . . . but no such luck this time!

Although somewhat disappointing that we couldn't locate either of the early benchmarks and chiseled reference markers, it still didn't diminish a good hike that provided us with exercise and great surrounding views.  Between the two hikes we logged about 3.75 miles and 1200 ft of ascent . . . not too bad!  I guess we need to come back and see what's up on Mount Ely . . . another hike for another day!