Overview

This hike is strenuous, 4-miles and 3,000-ft elevation gain (one-way), but the grades are fairly consistent and never extreme. The trail starts at the Bonanza Trailhead above Cold Creek, climbs some 80 switchbacks to the crest of the Spring Mountains, then heads south along the crest, passing a few more switchbacks, to the summit.

The trail is forested all the way to the summit with trees that provide lots of shade. The lower trail is forested with ponderosa pine, white fir, and mountain mahogany, and higher up forested with bristlecone pines. There is even some common juniper, uncommon in this part of the world, higher up. There are great views through the trees to the east from many places along this scenic trail, but the views are especially grand from Bonanza Saddle (views east and west) and from Bonanza Peak (views east, south, and west). Above Bonanza Saddle, there are even nice views north.

Presented here are photos of the descent from Bonanza Peak to Bonanza Saddle and down to Bonanza Trailhead. For a complete description of the hike, including maps and GPS waypoints, see Bonanza Peak Trail (uphill).