The Hike -- Segment 6 -- Crest of the Range to Bristlecone Trail (0.76 miles)

Before departing the Crest of the Range, hikers get their last views to the west into the Pahrump Valley and mountain ranges disappearing into the western haze. Look for the Kingston Range, Telescope Peak in Death Valley, and perhaps the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the far distance.

From the saddle (Table 1, Wpt. 03) by the wilderness sign, the Bonanza Trail drops off the east side of the ridge at a moderate pace. Dropping into the forest, the pure stand of Bristlecone Pine on the high ridge gives way to a mixed Pine-Fir Forest thick with White Fir. Farther down, Ponderosa Pine and a carpet of Common Juniper join the mix as the trail winds down through 4 long switchbacks. After turning the last switchback, the trail makes a long descent to a trail junction with the Bristlecone Trail (Wpt. 02).

Previous Segment | Next Segment