Discussion archives: Geronimo Trail 557

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Geronimo Trail 557

Re: Geronimo Trail 557 (#)
10/20/08; 3:07:48 PM ¦ by Dominic M Maze
Hi all, Just hiked this trail on Oct. 18th, 2008 and the trail was getting fairly overgrown and did seem to be little used. At several points, it was difficult following the trail (especially around the lower portion); however, the trail does not veer from the ridge for the last 1200' feet or so. Sign at bottom of the trail said "abandoned" and it definitely looked that way.

- Re: Geronimo Trail 557 (#)
- 10/21/08; 5:24:16 AM ¦ by Rob Williams
- I would love to know more about this trail, as it is on my list of trails to hike, although probably not this year. If the trail was difficult to follow, was it well blazed? Or how did you keep the trail? Other questions that come to mind:
  - Is it as steep as it is described here?
  - Are there good viewpoints or interesting scenery?
  - Do you have any pictures?
  - What route did you take? I'm guessing Elk Lake (either north or south, since it is pretty much in the middle) to Mother Lode to Geronimo?
  Love to hear more about it....
- - Re: Geronimo Trail 557 (#)
  - 10/21/08; 6:58:44 AM ¦ by Robert Koscik
  - It is steep as hell. Straight up the mountain, no foolin around. I hiked it a few years ago with a full pack, it nearly kilt me. But it gets you up the mountain in a hurry. Seemed pretty easy to follow.
    
    I got in from the Elk Lake Creek trailhead.
  - - Re: Geronimo Trail 557 (#)
    - 10/21/08; 7:08:54 AM ¦ by Rob Williams
    - Steeper than Ruddy Hill? That trail is short, but it is very steep.....
    - Re: Geronimo Trail 557 (#)
    - 10/21/08; 9:10:59 PM ¦ by Joe Keller
    - I did the same hike about 7 years ago, and agree completely with Robert's assessment. At that time there was no problem following the trail; in fact it was clear. Sorry I have no recent info, but I haven't had a desire to take that trail again!
    - - Re: Geronimo Trail 557 (#)
      - 10/24/08; 2:35:09 PM ¦ by trailhead
      - Its steep and direct. I remember the top portion being a bit overgrown as in fir limbs and rhodies closing in on the trail but easy to follow. Just came on here to add that an old mine was still visible 10 years ago. It was covered up by timbers but its right where the map showed it should be - its on one of the lower right turning switchbacks coming up from the Mother Lode trail. Up above, on the ridge but off the trail, there is a old helicopter landing site just like the one above Lake Lenore.
      - Re: Geronimo Trail 557 (#)
        
        10/28/08; 7:44:32 AM ¦ by Rob Williams
        
        I was thinking about doing a 14 mile loop last weekend - Elk Lake to Welcome Lakes to West Lake to Schreiner Peak to Welcome Lakes to Geronimo and Back to Elk Lake. With the days getting shorter, I decided to put it off until next year, but I'm really looking forward to exploring this.
        
        Thanks for the additional description.
        
        Re: Geronimo Trail 557 (#)
        
        10/28/08; 12:49:49 PM ¦ by Doug Firman
        
        Rob,
        
        It's probably a good thing that you didn't try that loop, because that 14 miles is really more like 22 (if I understand your route correctly).
        
        Re: Geronimo Trail 557 (#)
        
        10/28/08; 2:06:13 PM ¦ by Rob Williams
        
        I didn't calculate it too closely, since I didn't figure I'd have time to do it anyway. I'm guessing I missed something.... <G> But 22 miles might be doable if I had a little conditioning and a long day. I'd still love to do it.