Discussion Topic |
|
This thread has been locked |
| Messages 1 - 14 of total 14 in this topic |
Eric Beck
Sport climber
Bishop, California
|
|
|
Topic Author's Original Post - Nov 28, 2014 - 08:04pm PT
|
I've hiked the Druid Stones Trail 4 times this fall to strengthen my legs after getting a new hip. It is an excellent trail. I have been told that it is actually a climbers use trail, although I find this hard to believe as the trail is so good. Does anyone know the actual history of this trail and also, where it continues to after reaching the plateau with the Stones?
Popular today with 15 cars at the parking. Some may have been escaping crowds at the Happy Boulders. On the day after Thanksgiving several years ago I counted the most cars ever there, 93.
|
|
MisterE
Gym climber
Bishop, CA
|
|
|
Nov 28, 2014 - 08:15pm PT
|
I am SO busted.
Nice to meet you today, Eric.
Erik Wolfe Borghoff
|
|
Mungeclimber
Trad climber
Nothing creative to say
|
|
|
Nov 28, 2014 - 10:47pm PT
|
93 cars at Druid parking?!
|
|
McHale's Navy
Trad climber
From Panorama City, CA
|
|
|
Nov 28, 2014 - 10:56pm PT
|
Does anyone know the actual history of this trail and also, where it continues to after reaching the plateau with the Stones?
There is another plateau up a bit higher that connects with a drainage that flows down to the east more. I went up there alone and felt like I might have been in cougar territory. I think I have seen on maps that the trail goes on up to Coyote Flats. It would be a good way to hike over from the Palisades since roads can connect up on top. You would not want to walk down the road on the north end of Coyote Flat due to sand. It's hard enough on a motorcycle!
|
|
ß Î Ø T Ç H
Boulder climber
extraordinaire
|
|
|
Nov 28, 2014 - 11:19pm PT
|
... it is ... a climbers use trail, although I find this hard to believe as the trail is so good. Truer words were never spoke.
|
|
neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
|
|
|
Nov 28, 2014 - 11:29pm PT
|
hey there say, eric beck... first off, wow:
congratulations on the new hip and may it go extra well, through the years...
second off:
erik,mrE, say, i really ENJOYED your facebook tale, :))
of that 'meeting up' story, :))
and lastly, mcHale's navy, good to know about the sand, for folks...
and nice to share on the trail info... :)
|
|
Mick Ryan
Trad climber
The Peaks
|
|
|
Nov 29, 2014 - 12:02am PT
|
It's not a climbers trail Eric.
I was one of the original 'developers' in 1999, and christened the place. Myself and Bruce Pottenger spotted the tall central stone one day from Bishop.
I hiked up that day and was like a kid in a candy store. I kept it quiet for a while then led friends up there.
The trail was already established although not as established as it soon became.
Peter Croft told me he had also been up there running, but thought the rock to loose to climb. I think Tony Puppo had been up there as well, and goodness knows who else.
Over the subsequent years the trail became more established and we erected a mini Druid Stone trail marker on the path at the half-way point.
Galen Rowell used to use it as a morning 'run'. I saw him several times up there as Gabriella and myself used it for the same purpose.
There is Pinyon pine up there, and my guess is that people used to hike up there to harvest the nuts.
What a beautiful walk it is. I miss it.
All the best Eric from the UK - I have a lovely photo of you cranking up a sport climb at the Alabama hills, I should dig it out.
Mick
|
|
F10
Trad climber
Bishop
|
|
|
Nov 29, 2014 - 07:17am PT
|
The Druids are a great place to boulder. Nice hike and good bouldering. Usually see a few hikers, but not many climbers. There's a loop that continues on around to Wilkerson. Mick, put up the pogo stick photo on the Sacrificial boulder, that was a hilarious day.
|
|
Eric Beck
Sport climber
Bishop, California
|
|
|
Topic Author's Reply - Nov 29, 2014 - 07:23am PT
|
Here's another question: Has the very tall, needle like stone been climbed? if so, what is it like?
|
|
Mick Ryan
Trad climber
The Peaks
|
|
Hi Eric
Yes the Druid Stone has been climbed. The northish arete with the off-width to flakes...
5.12c - climbed onsight of course by Craig Smith.....I think it was christened, Key To The Whole Deal.
I'll ask Craig - and there may be photos.
|
|
Lurking Fear
Boulder climber
Bishop, California
|
|
The trail forms a loop that is around five miles from car to car. You go up past the Druids and then head North on a very nice trail that takes you past the big blocky boulder near the top of the druid trail. The trail continues South to Wilkerson and West to Coyote Flat. You can hike all the way to Habegger's Resort RV Park near South Lake. The trail to Wilkerson is about eight miles and is excellent.
|
|
Tricerabottoms
climber
Tri County Fairgrounds
|
|
Bud Cashbaugh(RIP) used to run cattle through the Druid Stones up towards Coyote Flat. Bud could describe every boulder up there. I'm willing to bet a use trail was established by those guys 50+ years ago.
|
|
missjr
Trad climber
|
|
There are several trails leading up to Coyote Flats that were used for cattle and sheep over time. I believe that the trail was originally used for sheep before cattle long ago. I have friends who like to run up a trail that eventually leads towards the Druids that originates near Keough hot springs. It was a sheep trail from turn of the century or longer. I would suppose the Druid's trail is of the same origin. Also, not far off the trail in certain drainages are old Piute camps scattered around used for hunting and gathering.
|
|
JerryA
Mountain climber
Sacramento,CA
|
|
Has anyone skied in Coyote Flat in the past few years? I've read about Norman Clyde skiing there when he wintered at Glacier Lodge.
|
|
| Messages 1 - 14 of total 14 in this topic |
|
SuperTopo on the Web
|
Let us know!