RonnieAdventures #0023 - Raintree and Mummy Springs, Spring Mountains, Clark County, Nevada

A great fall hike in the Spring Mountains is a day trip to Raintree and Mummy Springs. The most direct route is to use the Mt. Charles North Loop Trail #146 starting from Deer Creek Road (State Route 158). It is a 2.4 mile hike to Raintree and an additional 0.3 miles to Mummy Springs, one way.

The trailhead elevation starts at about 8,400 feet and it is almost all uphill from there. During the first mile the trail meanders through the pine forest at an ever increasing grade and then a short distance later you encounter the infamous 13 switchbacks. At this point, the steepness of the grade, along with the combination of high altitude and not being in the best physical condition, will take its toll on many hikers. However, if you endure to the end, the hike is worth it. After you pass the trail summit at an elevation of about 10,000 feet, the trail descends through a beautiful Bristlecone forest until you reach Raintree.  

 One of the Thirteen Switchbacks

Raintree is located at the junction to Mummy Springs and is one of the most famous trees in southern Nevada. The tree is thought to be about 3,000 years old and is considered to be the oldest Bristlecone Pine tree in the Spring Mountain Range. However, Raintree is not considered to be exceptionally old for a Bristlecone Pine tree because Bristlecone Pine trees in other areas of Nevada and California are thought to be closer to 5,000 years old. These trees are very interesting because they are only found at high altitudes and survive in the harshest conditions. Adapting to the harsh conditions often causes the trees to become gnarled and twisted into odd shapes and sometimes only part of the tree survives. There are also many standing dead trees in the area that have numerous marks from lighting strikes.

Raintree

Bristlecone Pine Tree

Bristlecone Pine Trees

 

To find Mummy Springs, from Raintree take Trail #161 (it may not be marked) that leads downhill to the east for about 0.3 miles. You cannot miss the springs, because they are at the end of the trail. During the fall months there is very little water at the springs, but there is enough water dripping from the rocks to keep the plants green. However, in the spring months, there is enough water flowing down the ravine to create a small water fall. 

There are a number of different deciduous trees and plants in the area of Mummy Springs, which includes Aspen trees, so during the fall months there are some beautiful fall colors in the area. Later in the fall as the temperature drops, water flowing over the rocks freezes into beautiful shapes, resembling cave drapery. 

Regardless of the time of year, a hike to Raintree and Mummy Springs is always a great outing!

 

Mummy Springs

Green Plants at Mummy Springs

 

Fall Foliage at Mummy Springs