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- Dec 23, 2013
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I headed out to the Toiyabe Range in central Nevada with the intent of backpacking the Toiyabe Crest Trail with a couple of friends, starting in the north at Kingston Canyon, then working our way south to the South Twin River Trailhead. Unfortunately, due to the amount of snow, we were turned back on day three. We didn't bring crampons or ice axes for the conditions we ran into, so we backtracked and explored a couple of canyons on the west side of the range for the next three days. This meant that we exited one day early, and at that point we checked out some of the forest service roads and canyons on the east side of the Toiyabes, where we explored some old mines and ghost towns.
The Toiyabe Crest Trail was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps back in the 1930's during the Great Depression. The trail runs roughly in a northeast to southwest direction with an eastern fishhook at he end that sends it back to the northeast. The trail is roughly 71 miles in length and the range itself is fairly exposed, sage covered, with aspen groves and streams located in the bottoms of the side canyons. The range falls between Austin to the north and Tonopah to the southwest. The Toiyabes and adjacent ranges have a rich mining history and there is still an active gold mine called Round Mountain on the east side of Big Smoky Valley nestled up against the Toquima Range to the east of the Toiyabes.
Here are some images of our trip.
![79573 79573](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79590-d7162632bb65cbde7532de1da6493152.jpg)
The Mizpah Hotel in Tonopah. We stayed here the day before and the last day of our trip. Due to a leak
in the shower from the room above us, we had to change rooms in the middle of the night. I lucked out
and got the Jack Dempsey Suite. This changing of the rooms meant we got a late start the next morning.
![79574 79574](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79591-30fd7263459bbb3f6f299cc820fe9aae.jpg)
Former heavyweight champ and former bouncer at the Mizpah Hotel and Casino
![79575 79575](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79592-940268ded58b4f7afc1ac5a80d5797a2.jpg)
The Tonopah Brewing Company and Tap Room. We walked up from the hotel for dinner. I got a Stink
Eye Porter and smoked turkey sandwich which was excellent.
![79576 79576](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79593-da9d1d81b306cb776e5f64a6a4e1d20c.jpg)
A Stink Eye always makes me happy.![Scatman :scatman: :scatman:](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![79577 79577](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79594-ce3b87b66070e19ced005706a5e58bf9.jpg)
The South Twin River at the South Twin River Trailhead. We dropped off a shuttle vehicle here
![79578 79578](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79595-2c9170174bcd4fc33f3dcd9e2f1de11f.jpg)
View to the north of the Toiyabe Range taken from the South Twin River Trailhead.
![79579 79579](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79596-f18851e1227226f67fc58fad1cb3335e.jpg)
Snow covered peak on our drive to our Trailhead in Kingston Canyon
![79580 79580](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79597-56f48a9c6517dfe07be61cda52cf6b12.jpg)
Approaching the little community of Kingston and Kingston Canyon
![79581 79581](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79598-0ffdf4b54f4d76276548ff84b2886d3a.jpg)
The Kingston Canyon Trailhead
![79582 79582](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79599-98912a08c5c51165d82eb9842fdef422.jpg)
A look back down Kingston Canyon from the trailhead. The Toiyabe Crest Trail follows along Kingston
Creek which runs along the hill on the right side of this image, before heading up the ridge in the distance
![79583 79583](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79600-3f1995a4a9d1defd38259d6f31d2aac8.jpg)
The official beginning of the trail
![79584 79584](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79601-04020eddde5ddfd100ed88d0e8a51783.jpg)
People recreating on Groves Lake to the south of us. We're pretty close to starting our climb at this point
![79585 79585](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79602-505b0b49b8ed291d8b7f066c68b66293.jpg)
Let the climbing begin
![79586 79586](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79603-d650cb156a3c0d2ca79c47b91813b8eb.jpg)
Looking back across Kingston canyon at Bunker Hill
![79587 79587](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79604-8e0a5e05041b97d5828f5d7b2d9e7f1b.jpg)
At the lower elevations, wildflowers were in bloom - Arrowleaf Balsamroot
![79588 79588](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79605-659cc2c30ebc1421961398a839ebcd82.jpg)
A look back up Kingston Canyon. Can you make out the Subaru at the Trailhead?
![79589 79589](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79606-6e2e8b8045aebeb2287e02c7559e9a19.jpg)
Our first of many snowfields as we work our way up to the top of the ridge
![79590 79590](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79607-770b526d8a94e5129682cfa171f4c40f.jpg)
Scatman prints!![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![79591 79591](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79608-fcb3454af1b2b4ae69d31b1e9de0a80b.jpg)
Steep going
![79592 79592](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79609-829ab9eddef5f4c9647bc98fe49e8bf5.jpg)
Still working our way up
![79593 79593](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79610-62d36b1d2bdc3bd8bd05cfc9a56c2f17.jpg)
Yeah, we made the ridge. TCT signpost awaiting us.
![79594 79594](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79611-2f3333dbbb3656046f7963835a22aef8.jpg)
Seems like a good place for a break. The Reese River Valley below and the Shoshone Mountains to the
southwest
![79595 79595](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79612-986bc164491f9670723e8e379dd663bd.jpg)
A look out to the east down Kingston Canyon, with views of Big Smoky Valley and the Toquima Range to
the east
![79596 79596](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79613-ce866cfeaa26ff32d10cfa8148359275.jpg)
A good view of the northern end of the range, looking towards the town of Austin
![79597 79597](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79614-3151d676f83f93d6144203f3beeb816f.jpg)
Arrgh!![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![79598 79598](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79615-1e38582c24175885af0186053e799959.jpg)
More Scatman tracks. The ever elusive creature that seldom smiles.![Scatman :scatman: :scatman:](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![79599 79599](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79616-103791c6914a26b7daa6d0278cf1d2f6.jpg)
Hmmm...............
![79600 79600](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79617-315393a8c1d87319438d4bd3f0bfe1a7.jpg)
Still some climbing to do
![79601 79601](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79618-03eaaaa935760584d4c8226c22cfce86.jpg)
First good view to the south of the southern end of the range
![79602 79602](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79619-bafc93c22032ce5e22931674b0bf1807.jpg)
Contemplating what the hell he got himself into
![79603 79603](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79620-7f889a2c893879843043c01cd477718e.jpg)
Type of scat? Cougar? @Artemus , @Outdoor_Fool
![79604 79604](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79621-df7953d1d7a50a2936e6ca9119ddda7c.jpg)
Another view o the south
![79605 79605](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79622-2183f22931b4a3a9953d3fb9f2ce86dd.jpg)
Sunset and storm clouds in the Toiyabes
![79606 79606](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79623-a03d83dec72055d2a80dace5588eb547.jpg)
Lucky horseshoe?
![79607 79607](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79624-7b003a085b66eee0ec4eac0037bcc7f3.jpg)
Our campsite on the ridge
![79608 79608](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79625-af087d68227155eabe8afcb9233a1415.jpg)
Looking down into the Washington Creek Drainage
![79609 79609](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79626-9379ec7582c894c4d1162215a5237655.jpg)
A small stand of Mountain Mahogany
![79610 79610](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79627-38d63a74400df5f8d1c57e5afa90fcf6.jpg)
Making our way down into the drainage
![79611 79611](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79628-8b499ea9f770387eb8b0e8e27ac5b290.jpg)
Bushwhacking through the sage
![79612 79612](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79629-e8b5ea90bdcd9b6a38b88f6412ff9f6f.jpg)
On the right track - Toiyabe Crest Trail signpost
![79613 79613](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79630-c25d4f9f97be37b1579e2d2e566d34e3.jpg)
Aspen grove along Washington Creek
![79614 79614](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79631-a7b56502e56ec09a8bde01b7ec4d8375.jpg)
TST signpost
![79615 79615](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79632-e2256bb015ea7624631cfab5bf5e7d93.jpg)
Some of the CCC handy work still visible
![79616 79616](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79633-0b992ed3717690b9871d8381d9845cc2.jpg)
Pleasant walk through Quakies
![79617 79617](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79634-0e8dabd8de7db0ca9c7558bf17c53f61.jpg)
Steep climbing - holding onto sage for dear life. We had to do this repeatedly on day two. It wore me out.
![79618 79618](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79635-0243d43cb531c7c0696533058f192890.jpg)
Be sure and take a hard left at this point or you will lose the trail. We lost the trail at this point.
![79619 79619](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79636-8906dcbd543baa24e0c6f1efdd403747.jpg)
Toiyabe Range Peak up ahead
![79620 79620](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79637-e34d648911fdb32476c08e2958bb1a38.jpg)
More Aspen
![79621 79621](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79638-fe578f2804432b361b329334a76a270f.jpg)
Toiyabe Range Peak
![79622 79622](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79639-331e0a28e46b7d31ee80a4420bf9cc88.jpg)
Campsite
![79623 79623](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79640-a3e5f717da824395e8c51cb6f659e64a.jpg)
I could use a Stink Eye about now.
![79624 79624](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79641-66a8c76d4c02b800919001ace84444fa.jpg)
Leaving camp on day three
![79625 79625](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79642-fc5fd634e20bb6e8d6edd3ae71829301.jpg)
View of the Desatoya Mountains in the far distance
![79626 79626](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79643-082a08a69318ef6ccec562ec2369227d.jpg)
The Shoshone Mountains and North Shoshone Peak
![79627 79627](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79644-58a77e8d7f66f862753f26033a2fb3d3.jpg)
Aspen just beginning to leaf-out
![79628 79628](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79645-445c02f5a914afee8893fcedb0f720da.jpg)
No Grizzlies in this neck of the woods.
![79629 79629](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79646-2a170b46611c28923cb26ef774abbddb.jpg)
Nearly marble sized hail had me hunkering under a Limber Pine for about twenty minutes
![79630 79630](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79647-b59fe649b44db510918b0b3c5d13b786.jpg)
Of course it was sunny across the valley![Frown :( :(](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![79632 79632](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79649-092327b8566efdf537cb1e0604393f12.jpg)
The point where we had to call it a day
![79633 79633](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79650-1d09cecd6b5042bb6db3c2da55675c95.jpg)
Steep and icy for as far as we could see
![79634 79634](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79651-3f4969488c95d08147b17c19e1adb344.jpg)
Large spring in the Toiyabes
![79635 79635](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79652-497fe3fb909d8c8c63e86ff1dd9acfdc.jpg)
More storm clouds rolling in. We got lots of rain on day two and three
![79636 79636](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79653-1e678942bf60d29425a04f1ad96731ed.jpg)
Corn Lily grew near the streams
![79637 79637](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79654-f0ecd2af7795e48ddcd4fbbbfb284822.jpg)
Exploring the Cottonwood Creek Drainage
![79638 79638](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79655-33e08ceb6e3303a6f8571321a96b1770.jpg)
Cross country travel tore my Moab Ventilators to shreds
![79639 79639](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79656-5bd36b82c7326c22e51d6333aae143f9.jpg)
Still off-trail at this point
![79640 79640](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79657-05f86f4da8937506b307a85f04220ee7.jpg)
Careful!
![79641 79641](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79658-3e014a53ffa6e8e95d96ec71d022a68e.jpg)
Typical side canyon view in the Toiyabes
![79642 79642](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79659-4ec24e30f5c3a0eab805e0e7f6d4f1d5.jpg)
Ants were everywhere in the Toiyabes
![79643 79643](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79660-c1a77bbdeefa409dffb507bb24f0ded2.jpg)
Finally back on trail, we stopped for a group shot
![79644 79644](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79661-7975fd4a40e685d09d3bf0e06cd1892c.jpg)
Good view of the Shoshone Mountains
![79645 79645](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79662-2742f0d99ed37c2b52735b12dc4c75b1.jpg)
A look up Washington Creek Drainage
![79646 79646](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79663-36a26bfee54f01e45bc6fb98fa6c01db.jpg)
![79647 79647](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79664-830980f08a11131a059dd2a44e627ad5.jpg)
Another spring in the Toiyabes
![79648 79648](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79665-f11f9db17eb56eb75011e050ffde7960.jpg)
Exploring the Washington Creek Drainage
![79649 79649](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79666-ae0f2b10d50c356211ce795f0cf94a62.jpg)
Washington Creek Drainage
![79650 79650](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79667-b7d2f267a2136b3010f2d033ccec81d3.jpg)
The Washington Creek Drainage
![79651 79651](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79668-d0be838cb625a373b3b444e9242d7c16.jpg)
Phlox
![79652 79652](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79669-2ecb9044f9a7420756ec915bc78c4c46.jpg)
Trailhead on Washington Creek
![79653 79653](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79670-6fc7a088c4c09f6955a25d70e23e9e09.jpg)
Heading back up Washington Creek to our campsite
![79654 79654](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79671-0a406c6378181fbd3cd76ac393074d26.jpg)
Washington Creek
![79655 79655](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79672-01ddfbd463d2c7fe8e84e79984a8d40c.jpg)
Hard to make out, but there is a small hornets nest hanging just under the dead aspen tree. This is the
first hornets nest that I have ever seen while backpacking.![Thumbs Up :thumbsup: :thumbsup:](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![79656 79656](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79673-8cbdf0d280c2573244fe2e97c747869e.jpg)
Another spring
![79657 79657](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79674-cd40d3226a8a6a8bc2b610978d546230.jpg)
The wind on ridge on day six was unbearable. Down in the valley, we learned later, there was severe wind
warnings with gusts up to 50 mph. It was worse along the ridge. I found it hard to breathe when I was
heading into the wind.
![79658 79658](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79675-84af05d8d42106a04e375e61cbdbc7ac.jpg)
Don't know why I like this shot but I do. And yes, those are Scat tracks
![79659 79659](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79676-77edd73ec492dd3d83605467be998f03.jpg)
How's the wind up there?
![79660 79660](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79677-329e989793ad83b1cbe9a3db03db46bd.jpg)
More slippin' and sliding
![79661 79661](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79678-9416ecfaebf9732db5883a83c240430b.jpg)
Looking down on the trailhead on our last day
![79662 79662](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79679-aafbd3b9a0b721b1328f1ba2ff865d56.jpg)
Can you make out the military jet in this shot? It buzzed my Subaru twice while I was hiking down into
the canyon. It turns out they were filming Top Gun 2. So maybe the Subaru will be famous! It was
pretty cool to see the jet banking through the canyon.
![79663 79663](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79680-2008a666308fdbcc73e59463c31fe78d.jpg)
View south along the Toiyabe Range as we headed back to pick up our shuttle vehicle
![79664 79664](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79681-a4ffa88ae1c1b5f49b662ec5abfba5a5.jpg)
The Toiyabes
![79665 79665](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79682-01c3c0ff2ec5f4348239994411dc2161.jpg)
The Toiyabes
![79666 79666](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79683-dd90c880c9ed43518ec31467565e2af6.jpg)
Since we had an extra day now we explored some of the canyons on the east side of the range. An old
mining structure.
![79667 79667](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79684-3e642fa47fb4440e753df4c2d6b025df.jpg)
Grave site in an old cemetery near Ophir Canyon
![79668 79668](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79685-f67b89a16b96b7bed20f9f48a6b477af.jpg)
An old bucket up Summit Creek
![79669 79669](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79686-fddea36f637cf1d6ee466e150dc333fb.jpg)
Old mine shaft
![79670 79670](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79687-6526515165fdb018597afd749d6e3c99.jpg)
Treacherous going up a couple of the Forest Service roads
![79671 79671](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79688-0a184013f18d29aa615f327ca55644aa.jpg)
Egg Milkvetch
![79672 79672](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79689-88f67c6e427884439e3ed09ffc6da092.jpg)
Old homestead
![79673 79673](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79690-2f927845ddb83fc2dfdac5c8534b28a5.jpg)
Ate my salmon on a tortilla next to this.
![79674 79674](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79691-b1aef9812fa48fc29a4c48faa3db637c.jpg)
![79675 79675](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79692-8ad3f056215ac4bcef79a73fcee21dc0.jpg)
Old stamp mill
![79676 79676](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79693-47a466ae572e0aa28d64a8034db46942.jpg)
Looking east at the Toquima Range and the Alta Toquima Wilderness
![79677 79677](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79694-13994f88d0f1d01b6b92ba7bbbd82311.jpg)
The Toiyabes and Big Smoky Valley
![79678 79678](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79695-15e2712cb819c8ce72a9e155e97eca7e.jpg)
Of course exploring builds up ones thirst and there is only one way to quench it - The Lucky Spur Saloon.
They make a mean burger at the Lucky Spur - actually the bed and breakfast down the street makes the
food and delivers it to the saloon.
![79680 79680](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79697-1afb84039ed6a5d5f11065501aba9f0d.jpg)
With chili-cheese fries no less
![79679 79679](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79696-818ddb83d667ca708e529276777dd886.jpg)
Of course if Scatman were to scrape the shit from himself, there would be nothing left.
@Rockskipper
can attest to this.![Big Grin :D :D](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![79681 79681](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79698-17fb9014886b6b59a269fd97cfe2732c.jpg)
On our last night we camped at the South Twin Trailhead so I hiked up the south end of the Toiyabe Crest
Trail and looked down into the South Twin River Gorge.
![150b.jpg 150b.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79700-d20109be867287d0ec3e44e58f1fc68d.jpg)
The southern Toiyabes
![79682 79682](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79699-364b326e835aa3830f8845a918827055.jpg)
Waterfall up Broad Creek. On our way back to Tonopah we explored a couple of canyons on southern
end of the range.
![79684 79684](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79701-ee01538e3d2b9c8e798712c7b1753aef.jpg)
A look down Broad Creek
![79685 79685](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79702-18d7395e2f01d2ed1a3fa9c559b15a7d.jpg)
Back in Tonopah at the brewery, eating in style
![79686 79686](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79703-c6d1cc3e3a4998f4e5e897d841d49e41.jpg)
The Bug Bar is that way.![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![79687 79687](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79704-668dd009fa46c4e3624362f52899373f.jpg)
And what trip report wouldn't be complete without Scatman at the Clown Motel! Scatman, Clown Motel,
sounds about right to me.![Stick Out Tongue :p :p](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
Well, I was disappointed that I wasn't able to complete the trail. That seems to be my MO these days. I probably should have schedule the trip in July when most of the snow had melted but I needed to schedule my surgery so that I would be healed up for my Yellowstone Lake canoe trip next week. The Toiyabes are definitely worth a look, particularly if solitude is what you are looking for. The trip turned out to be much colder than I had anticipated. The first day was a warm one but after that we had rain for two days and cool temps also. The day we hiked out of the Washington Creek Basin was easily the windiest day I have ever backpacked in. I didn't enjoy that day at all.
We ended up seeing a number of Golden Eagles and I have never seen so many hummingbirds in my life - they were everywhere. I started calling them Toiyabe Mosquitoes. We saw sign of deer everywhere but never saw a deer. When we were at the Lucky Star Saloon in Kingston, the locals told us there were lots of Bighorn Sheep in the range but we didn't see any of them either. Songbirds in the aspen groves were a pleasure to wake up to each morning and the overwhelming smell of sage throughout our trip was something I hadn't experienced before. I thought the smell of rain and sage together was wonderful too.
I look forward to getting back and checking out the southern end with the Arc Dome Wilderness that I didn't reach this time. Of course I might need someone to provide a shuttle vehicle. Hint. Hint.![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
The End.
The Toiyabe Crest Trail was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps back in the 1930's during the Great Depression. The trail runs roughly in a northeast to southwest direction with an eastern fishhook at he end that sends it back to the northeast. The trail is roughly 71 miles in length and the range itself is fairly exposed, sage covered, with aspen groves and streams located in the bottoms of the side canyons. The range falls between Austin to the north and Tonopah to the southwest. The Toiyabes and adjacent ranges have a rich mining history and there is still an active gold mine called Round Mountain on the east side of Big Smoky Valley nestled up against the Toquima Range to the east of the Toiyabes.
Here are some images of our trip.
![79573 79573](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79590-d7162632bb65cbde7532de1da6493152.jpg)
The Mizpah Hotel in Tonopah. We stayed here the day before and the last day of our trip. Due to a leak
in the shower from the room above us, we had to change rooms in the middle of the night. I lucked out
and got the Jack Dempsey Suite. This changing of the rooms meant we got a late start the next morning.
![79574 79574](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79591-30fd7263459bbb3f6f299cc820fe9aae.jpg)
Former heavyweight champ and former bouncer at the Mizpah Hotel and Casino
![79575 79575](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79592-940268ded58b4f7afc1ac5a80d5797a2.jpg)
The Tonopah Brewing Company and Tap Room. We walked up from the hotel for dinner. I got a Stink
Eye Porter and smoked turkey sandwich which was excellent.
![79576 79576](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79593-da9d1d81b306cb776e5f64a6a4e1d20c.jpg)
A Stink Eye always makes me happy.
![79577 79577](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79594-ce3b87b66070e19ced005706a5e58bf9.jpg)
The South Twin River at the South Twin River Trailhead. We dropped off a shuttle vehicle here
![79578 79578](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79595-2c9170174bcd4fc33f3dcd9e2f1de11f.jpg)
View to the north of the Toiyabe Range taken from the South Twin River Trailhead.
![79579 79579](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79596-f18851e1227226f67fc58fad1cb3335e.jpg)
Snow covered peak on our drive to our Trailhead in Kingston Canyon
![79580 79580](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79597-56f48a9c6517dfe07be61cda52cf6b12.jpg)
Approaching the little community of Kingston and Kingston Canyon
![79581 79581](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79598-0ffdf4b54f4d76276548ff84b2886d3a.jpg)
The Kingston Canyon Trailhead
![79582 79582](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79599-98912a08c5c51165d82eb9842fdef422.jpg)
A look back down Kingston Canyon from the trailhead. The Toiyabe Crest Trail follows along Kingston
Creek which runs along the hill on the right side of this image, before heading up the ridge in the distance
![79583 79583](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79600-3f1995a4a9d1defd38259d6f31d2aac8.jpg)
The official beginning of the trail
![79584 79584](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79601-04020eddde5ddfd100ed88d0e8a51783.jpg)
People recreating on Groves Lake to the south of us. We're pretty close to starting our climb at this point
![79585 79585](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79602-505b0b49b8ed291d8b7f066c68b66293.jpg)
Let the climbing begin
![79586 79586](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79603-d650cb156a3c0d2ca79c47b91813b8eb.jpg)
Looking back across Kingston canyon at Bunker Hill
![79587 79587](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79604-8e0a5e05041b97d5828f5d7b2d9e7f1b.jpg)
At the lower elevations, wildflowers were in bloom - Arrowleaf Balsamroot
![79588 79588](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79605-659cc2c30ebc1421961398a839ebcd82.jpg)
A look back up Kingston Canyon. Can you make out the Subaru at the Trailhead?
![79589 79589](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79606-6e2e8b8045aebeb2287e02c7559e9a19.jpg)
Our first of many snowfields as we work our way up to the top of the ridge
![79590 79590](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79607-770b526d8a94e5129682cfa171f4c40f.jpg)
Scatman prints!
![79591 79591](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79608-fcb3454af1b2b4ae69d31b1e9de0a80b.jpg)
Steep going
![79592 79592](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79609-829ab9eddef5f4c9647bc98fe49e8bf5.jpg)
Still working our way up
![79593 79593](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79610-62d36b1d2bdc3bd8bd05cfc9a56c2f17.jpg)
Yeah, we made the ridge. TCT signpost awaiting us.
![79594 79594](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79611-2f3333dbbb3656046f7963835a22aef8.jpg)
Seems like a good place for a break. The Reese River Valley below and the Shoshone Mountains to the
southwest
![79595 79595](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79612-986bc164491f9670723e8e379dd663bd.jpg)
A look out to the east down Kingston Canyon, with views of Big Smoky Valley and the Toquima Range to
the east
![79596 79596](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79613-ce866cfeaa26ff32d10cfa8148359275.jpg)
A good view of the northern end of the range, looking towards the town of Austin
![79597 79597](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79614-3151d676f83f93d6144203f3beeb816f.jpg)
Arrgh!
![79598 79598](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79615-1e38582c24175885af0186053e799959.jpg)
More Scatman tracks. The ever elusive creature that seldom smiles.
![79599 79599](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79616-103791c6914a26b7daa6d0278cf1d2f6.jpg)
Hmmm...............
![79600 79600](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79617-315393a8c1d87319438d4bd3f0bfe1a7.jpg)
Still some climbing to do
![79601 79601](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79618-03eaaaa935760584d4c8226c22cfce86.jpg)
First good view to the south of the southern end of the range
![79602 79602](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79619-bafc93c22032ce5e22931674b0bf1807.jpg)
Contemplating what the hell he got himself into
![79603 79603](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79620-7f889a2c893879843043c01cd477718e.jpg)
Type of scat? Cougar? @Artemus , @Outdoor_Fool
![79604 79604](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79621-df7953d1d7a50a2936e6ca9119ddda7c.jpg)
Another view o the south
![79605 79605](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79622-2183f22931b4a3a9953d3fb9f2ce86dd.jpg)
Sunset and storm clouds in the Toiyabes
![79606 79606](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79623-a03d83dec72055d2a80dace5588eb547.jpg)
Lucky horseshoe?
![79607 79607](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79624-7b003a085b66eee0ec4eac0037bcc7f3.jpg)
Our campsite on the ridge
![79608 79608](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79625-af087d68227155eabe8afcb9233a1415.jpg)
Looking down into the Washington Creek Drainage
![79609 79609](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79626-9379ec7582c894c4d1162215a5237655.jpg)
A small stand of Mountain Mahogany
![79610 79610](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79627-38d63a74400df5f8d1c57e5afa90fcf6.jpg)
Making our way down into the drainage
![79611 79611](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79628-8b499ea9f770387eb8b0e8e27ac5b290.jpg)
Bushwhacking through the sage
![79612 79612](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79629-e8b5ea90bdcd9b6a38b88f6412ff9f6f.jpg)
On the right track - Toiyabe Crest Trail signpost
![79613 79613](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79630-c25d4f9f97be37b1579e2d2e566d34e3.jpg)
Aspen grove along Washington Creek
![79614 79614](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79631-a7b56502e56ec09a8bde01b7ec4d8375.jpg)
TST signpost
![79615 79615](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79632-e2256bb015ea7624631cfab5bf5e7d93.jpg)
Some of the CCC handy work still visible
![79616 79616](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79633-0b992ed3717690b9871d8381d9845cc2.jpg)
Pleasant walk through Quakies
![79617 79617](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79634-0e8dabd8de7db0ca9c7558bf17c53f61.jpg)
Steep climbing - holding onto sage for dear life. We had to do this repeatedly on day two. It wore me out.
![79618 79618](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79635-0243d43cb531c7c0696533058f192890.jpg)
Be sure and take a hard left at this point or you will lose the trail. We lost the trail at this point.
![79619 79619](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79636-8906dcbd543baa24e0c6f1efdd403747.jpg)
Toiyabe Range Peak up ahead
![79620 79620](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79637-e34d648911fdb32476c08e2958bb1a38.jpg)
More Aspen
![79621 79621](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79638-fe578f2804432b361b329334a76a270f.jpg)
Toiyabe Range Peak
![79622 79622](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79639-331e0a28e46b7d31ee80a4420bf9cc88.jpg)
Campsite
![79623 79623](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79640-a3e5f717da824395e8c51cb6f659e64a.jpg)
I could use a Stink Eye about now.
![79624 79624](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79641-66a8c76d4c02b800919001ace84444fa.jpg)
Leaving camp on day three
![79625 79625](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79642-fc5fd634e20bb6e8d6edd3ae71829301.jpg)
View of the Desatoya Mountains in the far distance
![79626 79626](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79643-082a08a69318ef6ccec562ec2369227d.jpg)
The Shoshone Mountains and North Shoshone Peak
![79627 79627](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79644-58a77e8d7f66f862753f26033a2fb3d3.jpg)
Aspen just beginning to leaf-out
![79628 79628](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79645-445c02f5a914afee8893fcedb0f720da.jpg)
No Grizzlies in this neck of the woods.
![79629 79629](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79646-2a170b46611c28923cb26ef774abbddb.jpg)
Nearly marble sized hail had me hunkering under a Limber Pine for about twenty minutes
![79630 79630](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79647-b59fe649b44db510918b0b3c5d13b786.jpg)
Of course it was sunny across the valley
![79632 79632](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79649-092327b8566efdf537cb1e0604393f12.jpg)
The point where we had to call it a day
![79633 79633](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79650-1d09cecd6b5042bb6db3c2da55675c95.jpg)
Steep and icy for as far as we could see
![79634 79634](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79651-3f4969488c95d08147b17c19e1adb344.jpg)
Large spring in the Toiyabes
![79635 79635](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79652-497fe3fb909d8c8c63e86ff1dd9acfdc.jpg)
More storm clouds rolling in. We got lots of rain on day two and three
![79636 79636](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79653-1e678942bf60d29425a04f1ad96731ed.jpg)
Corn Lily grew near the streams
![79637 79637](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79654-f0ecd2af7795e48ddcd4fbbbfb284822.jpg)
Exploring the Cottonwood Creek Drainage
![79638 79638](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79655-33e08ceb6e3303a6f8571321a96b1770.jpg)
Cross country travel tore my Moab Ventilators to shreds
![79639 79639](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79656-5bd36b82c7326c22e51d6333aae143f9.jpg)
Still off-trail at this point
![79640 79640](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79657-05f86f4da8937506b307a85f04220ee7.jpg)
Careful!
![79641 79641](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79658-3e014a53ffa6e8e95d96ec71d022a68e.jpg)
Typical side canyon view in the Toiyabes
![79642 79642](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79659-4ec24e30f5c3a0eab805e0e7f6d4f1d5.jpg)
Ants were everywhere in the Toiyabes
![79643 79643](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79660-c1a77bbdeefa409dffb507bb24f0ded2.jpg)
Finally back on trail, we stopped for a group shot
![79644 79644](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79661-7975fd4a40e685d09d3bf0e06cd1892c.jpg)
Good view of the Shoshone Mountains
![79645 79645](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79662-2742f0d99ed37c2b52735b12dc4c75b1.jpg)
A look up Washington Creek Drainage
![79646 79646](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79663-36a26bfee54f01e45bc6fb98fa6c01db.jpg)
![79647 79647](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79664-830980f08a11131a059dd2a44e627ad5.jpg)
Another spring in the Toiyabes
![79648 79648](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79665-f11f9db17eb56eb75011e050ffde7960.jpg)
Exploring the Washington Creek Drainage
![79649 79649](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79666-ae0f2b10d50c356211ce795f0cf94a62.jpg)
Washington Creek Drainage
![79650 79650](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79667-b7d2f267a2136b3010f2d033ccec81d3.jpg)
The Washington Creek Drainage
![79651 79651](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79668-d0be838cb625a373b3b444e9242d7c16.jpg)
Phlox
![79652 79652](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79669-2ecb9044f9a7420756ec915bc78c4c46.jpg)
Trailhead on Washington Creek
![79653 79653](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79670-6fc7a088c4c09f6955a25d70e23e9e09.jpg)
Heading back up Washington Creek to our campsite
![79654 79654](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79671-0a406c6378181fbd3cd76ac393074d26.jpg)
Washington Creek
![79655 79655](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79672-01ddfbd463d2c7fe8e84e79984a8d40c.jpg)
Hard to make out, but there is a small hornets nest hanging just under the dead aspen tree. This is the
first hornets nest that I have ever seen while backpacking.
![79656 79656](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79673-8cbdf0d280c2573244fe2e97c747869e.jpg)
Another spring
![79657 79657](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79674-cd40d3226a8a6a8bc2b610978d546230.jpg)
The wind on ridge on day six was unbearable. Down in the valley, we learned later, there was severe wind
warnings with gusts up to 50 mph. It was worse along the ridge. I found it hard to breathe when I was
heading into the wind.
![79658 79658](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79675-84af05d8d42106a04e375e61cbdbc7ac.jpg)
Don't know why I like this shot but I do. And yes, those are Scat tracks
![79659 79659](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79676-77edd73ec492dd3d83605467be998f03.jpg)
How's the wind up there?
![79660 79660](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79677-329e989793ad83b1cbe9a3db03db46bd.jpg)
More slippin' and sliding
![79661 79661](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79678-9416ecfaebf9732db5883a83c240430b.jpg)
Looking down on the trailhead on our last day
![79662 79662](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79679-aafbd3b9a0b721b1328f1ba2ff865d56.jpg)
Can you make out the military jet in this shot? It buzzed my Subaru twice while I was hiking down into
the canyon. It turns out they were filming Top Gun 2. So maybe the Subaru will be famous! It was
pretty cool to see the jet banking through the canyon.
![79663 79663](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79680-2008a666308fdbcc73e59463c31fe78d.jpg)
View south along the Toiyabe Range as we headed back to pick up our shuttle vehicle
![79664 79664](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79681-a4ffa88ae1c1b5f49b662ec5abfba5a5.jpg)
The Toiyabes
![79665 79665](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79682-01c3c0ff2ec5f4348239994411dc2161.jpg)
The Toiyabes
![79666 79666](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79683-dd90c880c9ed43518ec31467565e2af6.jpg)
Since we had an extra day now we explored some of the canyons on the east side of the range. An old
mining structure.
![79667 79667](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79684-3e642fa47fb4440e753df4c2d6b025df.jpg)
Grave site in an old cemetery near Ophir Canyon
![79668 79668](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79685-f67b89a16b96b7bed20f9f48a6b477af.jpg)
An old bucket up Summit Creek
![79669 79669](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79686-fddea36f637cf1d6ee466e150dc333fb.jpg)
Old mine shaft
![79670 79670](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79687-6526515165fdb018597afd749d6e3c99.jpg)
Treacherous going up a couple of the Forest Service roads
![79671 79671](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79688-0a184013f18d29aa615f327ca55644aa.jpg)
Egg Milkvetch
![79672 79672](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79689-88f67c6e427884439e3ed09ffc6da092.jpg)
Old homestead
![79673 79673](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79690-2f927845ddb83fc2dfdac5c8534b28a5.jpg)
Ate my salmon on a tortilla next to this.
![79674 79674](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79691-b1aef9812fa48fc29a4c48faa3db637c.jpg)
![79675 79675](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79692-8ad3f056215ac4bcef79a73fcee21dc0.jpg)
Old stamp mill
![79676 79676](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79693-47a466ae572e0aa28d64a8034db46942.jpg)
Looking east at the Toquima Range and the Alta Toquima Wilderness
![79677 79677](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79694-13994f88d0f1d01b6b92ba7bbbd82311.jpg)
The Toiyabes and Big Smoky Valley
![79678 79678](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79695-15e2712cb819c8ce72a9e155e97eca7e.jpg)
Of course exploring builds up ones thirst and there is only one way to quench it - The Lucky Spur Saloon.
They make a mean burger at the Lucky Spur - actually the bed and breakfast down the street makes the
food and delivers it to the saloon.
![79680 79680](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79697-1afb84039ed6a5d5f11065501aba9f0d.jpg)
With chili-cheese fries no less
![79679 79679](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79696-818ddb83d667ca708e529276777dd886.jpg)
Of course if Scatman were to scrape the shit from himself, there would be nothing left.
can attest to this.
![79681 79681](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79698-17fb9014886b6b59a269fd97cfe2732c.jpg)
On our last night we camped at the South Twin Trailhead so I hiked up the south end of the Toiyabe Crest
Trail and looked down into the South Twin River Gorge.
![150b.jpg 150b.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79700-d20109be867287d0ec3e44e58f1fc68d.jpg)
The southern Toiyabes
![79682 79682](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79699-364b326e835aa3830f8845a918827055.jpg)
Waterfall up Broad Creek. On our way back to Tonopah we explored a couple of canyons on southern
end of the range.
![79684 79684](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79701-ee01538e3d2b9c8e798712c7b1753aef.jpg)
A look down Broad Creek
![79685 79685](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79702-18d7395e2f01d2ed1a3fa9c559b15a7d.jpg)
Back in Tonopah at the brewery, eating in style
![79686 79686](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79703-c6d1cc3e3a4998f4e5e897d841d49e41.jpg)
The Bug Bar is that way.
![79687 79687](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/79/79704-668dd009fa46c4e3624362f52899373f.jpg)
And what trip report wouldn't be complete without Scatman at the Clown Motel! Scatman, Clown Motel,
sounds about right to me.
Well, I was disappointed that I wasn't able to complete the trail. That seems to be my MO these days. I probably should have schedule the trip in July when most of the snow had melted but I needed to schedule my surgery so that I would be healed up for my Yellowstone Lake canoe trip next week. The Toiyabes are definitely worth a look, particularly if solitude is what you are looking for. The trip turned out to be much colder than I had anticipated. The first day was a warm one but after that we had rain for two days and cool temps also. The day we hiked out of the Washington Creek Basin was easily the windiest day I have ever backpacked in. I didn't enjoy that day at all.
We ended up seeing a number of Golden Eagles and I have never seen so many hummingbirds in my life - they were everywhere. I started calling them Toiyabe Mosquitoes. We saw sign of deer everywhere but never saw a deer. When we were at the Lucky Star Saloon in Kingston, the locals told us there were lots of Bighorn Sheep in the range but we didn't see any of them either. Songbirds in the aspen groves were a pleasure to wake up to each morning and the overwhelming smell of sage throughout our trip was something I hadn't experienced before. I thought the smell of rain and sage together was wonderful too.
I look forward to getting back and checking out the southern end with the Arc Dome Wilderness that I didn't reach this time. Of course I might need someone to provide a shuttle vehicle. Hint. Hint.
The End.
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