Crest Trail, Part 1 Monjeau Peak to Ice Spring General Description: A 7-mile, one-way hike along the divide of the Sacramento Mountains. Special Attractions: Spectacular views of Sierra Blanca, Lookout Mountain, and the South Fork Rio Bonito and Eagle Creek Drainages Net Elevation Gain: 2500 feet. Difficulty: Moderate. Estimated Hiking Time: 6 hours. Directions: Take Hwy 532 Ski Run Road from Hwy 48 in Alto. Go 1 mile and turn right onto USFS Road 117. Go 4.5 miles and the trailhead #10 parking lot is on the left just past Skyline Campground.

The Crest Trail (25) is almost 22 miles in length and follows along the spine of the northern Sacramento Mountains. Day-hiking the southern portion of the trail is best accomplished using a shuttle vehicle, otherwise backtracking to the trailhead will double your efforts. better yet, use three days and a light backpack and hike the entire trail. Regardless, if you enjoy fantastic alpine views, this hike is the one for you.

The trailhead is located in the shadow of Monjeau Peak, which is an erosion-resistant outcrop of the Bonito Lake Stock. this peak has withstood the rigors of 30 million years of erosion better than the softer volcanic rocks surrounding it.

The trail initially descends gently through an aspen grove prior to emerging into a large alpine meadow. views of the upper Bonito drainage and Nogal Peak are breathtaking from this vantage.

About 1 1/2 miles into the hike, you will pass intersections with Peacock Trail (18) and Miner's Road Trail (16) which plummet into South Fork and Eagle Creek, respectively. Both trail are usable, but will drop you to the canyon bottoms in a hurry. Miners Road Trail follows an abandoned road that was originally constructed from Eagle Creek over into South Fork to access an old mine.

Approximately 4 1/2 miles into the hike, the trail intersects Buck Mountain Road (5625) and briefly follows it prior to cutting across it twice. Ski Apache is now visible to the south as is Sierra Blanca and Lookout Mountain.

The Crest Trail intersects with Scenic Trail (15) about 1/23 mile past Buck Mountain Road. If you plan to leave a shuttle vehicle, the Scenic Trailhead at the entrance to Ski Apache is where you should leave it.

The Crest Trail now climbs nearly 1000 feet over 1 1/2 miles to Ice Spring, which is the only reliable source of water along this entire hike. Just above the spring, along the Trail, is a semi-level camping spot in the edge of the trees. Level camping spots abound on top of the ridge, but beware of lightning danger as most of the ridge is open and exposed.

If you're staying overnight and are not too tired, make a packless trip on up to Lookout Mountain. If you want to talk about a view, this is the one worth talking about.

What to take: A minimum of two quarts of water, poncho, sturdy shoes (preferably boots), hat and long-sleeved shirt, sunscreen, fire starter, waterproof matches, insulating garment (light sweater), a small amount of extra food, compass and map. In addition, leave an itinerary with someone, and wear lightweight pants rather than shorts because of the stinging nettle.

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rev 8/28/98 b