Silver Creek - Mineral City, Silver Lake - Monte Cristo — Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024

  "The Silver Creek Trail has always enjoyed a bad reputation.  In 1891, this route was described as:   "...the wickedest and wooliest trail one can find in any mountain land...the most villainous, execrable trail that ever disgraced any so-called, wide-awake people..."  Monte Cristo Area Guide    1977

"Once, a trail led to a former mining site near the hamlet of Galena.  The trail that used to lead to the Mineral City mining claim is now disused and infrequently maintained.  It's now a difficult-to-follow bushwack, hikers are advised to refrain from visiting."      WTA Hiking Guide    2024 

No respect, I tell ya.  Today I clipped and sawed this to an awesome waterfall camp in Molybdenum Gulch, 3 birds with one stone! 

Where I had stopped 2 days ago, it was just so thick I was again tempted to turn back and forget about this trail.  But I noticed an open rocky slope below, down and back up to the better road beyond.  Once I knew it was only 100 yards or so of bad I started working my way back on the road.

I had to cut from both sides, impossible to tell where the trail was so hung a long flag high in a tree, went back via the rocks, and was able to see from the other end.  So very overgrown, but pretty nice now, (yes, that's the same spot) and flagged so you won't wonder where to go.          USGS map

My clippers were acting up, I used the saw alot more than usual this time.  I switched out the clippers before this trip and must have picked a bad pair, looked like they had been used to cut rocks.  I have a whole bunch.

In a couple spots the trail avoids dense foliage by getting off the road, works well so I left it alone.  I considered camping and fixing more but with the bad clippers and thick vegetation I thought this was a good end for now.  Tall waterfalls both above and below the trail, would be spectacular with higher water but just a trickle right now. This crossing was why the old road had to be where it is, some of the bridge is still there.  I located road on the other side of the falls, USGS map shows it turning to trail.  

From Monte Cristo Area Guide:

"...after steadily climbing, the road crosses Molybdenum Gulch at 5.1 miles (2780') and terminates.  From here, a presently unmaintained trail continues up to Poodle Dog Pass.  Silver Creek is crossed at 5.6 miles (2850'), and again at 6.2 (3285").  The Good Hope cabin was situated here in 1918.  The trail climbs steeply via a series of switchbacks, then levels off, 6.8 miles (3830') at a hanging valley..."  (add a mile to mileages due to new lower start)

I fixed the trail above there from my camp at Silver Lake 2 years ago, so only another mile and a half of bad trail left to do.  Here's another before / after

On the way down I ran into two fellows hoping to make it to Monte Cristo tonight, I told them their timing was perfect and about the new camp at the end.  They considered possibly camping there and doing the rest and back tomorrow, probably a better idea, it was 4.  Wouldn't want to get stuck somewhere you didn't want to be come sundown.

I was crossing the log with the spikes, my Salomon quick laces got caught on one and knocked me down.  I had to back up to get unstuck.  I didn't fall off. but what if I had?  I'd be hanging upside down by one foot, I doubt the laces would break and you could never get the shoe off with all that weight on.  One hell of a predicament!  I cut the loop out when I got home.

Now that there is a camp and water we can work on the rest of this, another chance for you to join in the fun (perhaps I need to start paying for help!).  What seemed unattainable - this trail good enough for anybody - is now within reach, barring the misfortune of a fire or heart attack.

Or make it an awesome day trip.  Not all is for everyone - starts out perfect - continue as far as you're comfortable.  Either way, bring your clippers and gloves and help me improve this historic trail.  Took me about 3 hours out with the better conditions.  Hope the guys will write a Report and tell us what they found.