Gary-Summer: May 17, 2018 - North Boundary and North Grove Loops

Thursday, May 17, 2018

May 17, 2018 - North Boundary and North Grove Loops

Title: May 17, 2018 - North Boundary and North Grove Loops
Hike Info : Description : Extra Photo's : Animals : Flowers and Plants

Trail head: General Grant Tree Parking Lot

Hike Info:

Type: Hiking

Trail: North Boundary Loop and North Grove Loop

Destination: Both loops

Distance: 4:48 miles ¹

Start Time: 11:31

End Time: 2:35

Travel Time: 3:03 (1.41 mph)

Moving Time: 2:10 (2.07 mph)

Elevation Rise: 932'

Descent: 921‘

Maximum Elevation: 6,600'

GPS Tracks

¹We actually went about a third of a mile farther than this. My GPS could not pick up the satellites until we got above the General Grant Tree

Description:

We left home around 8:45, heading towards Grant Grove. Where we go depends on what is open. If Burton Road is open, we will go to Little Boulder Creek Grove. Otherwise, we can try for Redwood Canyon.

Leaning to each other-Photo by David

When we got to Quail Flat, the gate on Burton Road was open. Yippee! So down we go towards Little Boulder Creek. The road is one of the more scenic roads in the area, so even though it is not speedy, it is a good drive, or in my case, nice to be a passenger. After we pass the road to Buck Rock Lookout, we travel a few more miles, until we come to a closed gate, which says Closed For Public Use. We are probably within a half of a mile of the trail head, but we will need to figure out where else to go.

We ponder about doing Big Baldy-but I am thinking I have done this a few times this year already and there are clouds, or Redwood Canyon-which would be interesting if the clouds are in the treetops. Sherri had talked about the Destruction Hike might be a good one as well. When I mention the title, David sounds interested. So off we go. This hike is a combination of the North Boundary and North Grove Loops. After the Rough Fire three years ago, I organized a hike with the meetup group to do this.

Steven and David

Gary and Steven-Photo by David

We get to the General Grant parking lot after 11-later than I thought we would be. But I guess going down Burton Road is more for leisure than speed. To get to the North Boundary trail, we need to go past the General Grant Tree. But rather than go up the paved path, we go up the path towards the visitor center. Then a couple hundred yards up, we cut over, away from the Visitor Center trail and cross to the General Grant Tree. We do not stay around very long, and continue past Gamlin’s Cabin to the North Boundary Trail.

Prescribed Burn

We head counter-clockwise on the North Boundary Loop. I quickly see that I will need to stop a few times and catch my breath-Steven and David do not seem to be affected. The first part of this trail has us closer to the midsection of the Sequoia’s in Grant Grove. Always an interesting walk to see these immense trees from some other perspective than looking up. After a ways, we reach the junction which goes to the stables and outhouse. We take a left to continue on. While we still do climb, it is not very much as we go to the top of the ridge between Grant Grove and Abbott Creek.

Dogwood along trail

From the ridge, we can see the results of the prescribed burn from 4-7 years ago. While there are a lot of burnt trees, it is not complete devastation. The trail seems to be the line which marks the end of the burn. As we get to the end of the ridge, we eyeball some rocks and decide that would be a good place to have lunch.

Our lunch makes me a bit lethargic-maybe it is the bit of sunshine creeping in. Or could be old age and the peaceful settings. But if we are to hike, I guess we should get our feet on the trail. David is ready at least. So we head down into the Rough Fire burn area. Even though it has been two full summers and three winters, the area has the feeling of a ghost forest. Trees burnt standing as reminders of how intense a fire can be to an area. On the other hand. shrubs, grasses, wildflowers and baby trees dot the landscape.

Field of Miner's Lettuce

Burnt area-photo by David

We do our final uphill, getting to a horse trail which leads us to the North Grove Loop. Both Steven and David are willing to do more, so we go down the trail. It meets up just beyond the parking lot. Now I keep calling it the South Grove Loop. Not sure why, but habits are hard to break. But it really is the North Grove Loop.

Sequoia reigning over forest

Many a time we have gone on this trail, really an old road. We do it clockwise. There is nothing really too different about the walk today than the ones we have done before. That is except for doing it with my son and brother. That is special. When we reach the bottom where the Rough Fire went through, we see the burnt trees. And now it is time for the climb up. I know that this will require concentration and not much talking on my part. This goes with my troubles getting enough oxygen going up a slope. While not the steepest slope around, it still is a pretty good one. Fortunately, there is much eye candy. From the ferns lining the creek to the Sequoia Gigantea they provide enough refreshment. And before I know it, we are back at the parking lot.

On the way back, nobody is particularly hungry, so we go straight home and order pizza there. Enjoyable hiking with my son and brother.