The Hike -- Segment 1 -- Bonanza Trailhead to Bonanza Peak Trail Junction (4.6 miles)

From the trailhead (Table 1, Waypoint 16), the trail departs to the southwest across an open area before slipping into the forest. The trail winds to the northwest to gain a ridgeline (0.7 miles), then begins up the ridge. The trail mostly switchbacks up the ridge, but in places it simply runs straight, and rather steeply, up the ridgeline.

By 2.5 miles out, the trail has passed some 50 switchbacks and departs the ridgeline to run up and across the mountain slope heading south. In another 0.4 miles, the trail begins a series of 10 switchbacks that lead to Bonanza Saddle (Wpt 15).

The saddle, on the crest of the Spring Mountain Range, provides grand views east and west and is an honorable destination, but the trail continues south, climbing along the ridgeline.

Staying on the west side of the ridge, the trail passes 10 switchbacks, then 2 short switchbacks, and runs out 0.25 miles to the junction (Wpt. 13) with the use-trail to Bonanza Peak (Wpt. 14).

For details of this section, see Bonanza Peak Trail. Next Segment