The next morning (this time at 6am. Ugh!) we packed and drove to Cottonwood Basin to start our next hike. Much easier. It sounds pretty bad - 2300' in 1.5 miles - but the terrain was easier, the rock (granite) easier to climb on. We found a nice short class 4 chimney to climb in just for fun on the way up. The top was again infested with ladybugs although fewer than Mitchell. The peak register had more signatures that Mitchell. Going down was a piece of cake. We went down through the canyon and found running water. There is nothing sweeter than the sound of a small waterfall in the middle of the desert. We found lots of good scree for scree skiing back down. Also found a fairly complete burro skeleton, bones bleached bright white and a classic cow skull complete with horns. The hike took about 4 hours. Then the long drive home which, even though it was Sunday night, wasn't too bad.

MITCHELL PEAK & GRANITE MTN. #1 NOV 14 & 15 GREG ROACH / JIM SCHOEDLER

Friday the 13th we drove out to the Providence Mountains in the Eastern Mojave Scenic Area. A warm wind blew across the desert when we arrived at the campsite off Black Canyon Road. This was a good omen we would have good weather, food, and comradeship on this outing. Our group numbered four: Mark Webster, Jim Schoedler, Mirna Roach, and myself. We were a small but congenial group. Saturday morning we set off to climb Mitchell Peak. We drove to the ruins of the Bonanza King Mine and started southwest then up the mountain side until we gained the Eastern ridge. The route up the eastern ridge to the peak went slowly due to the rough terrain. The sharp abrasive rocks and cholla make the climbing slow. It took us about 4 hours to climb the two miles and 2800 feet elevation gain to the peak. Future climbers may find leather gloves helpful. Although we encountered rough terrain, the climb was most rewarding. Jim kept spotting fossils on the way to the peak and explaining them to us. At the summit we had a tremendous view. The day was so clear we could see Mt. Charleston to the North covered with snow and a desert panorama in all directions. While we were having our lunch we noticed an enormous amount of ladybugs on the summit. I guess they were enjoying the view as we were. After returning to our vehicles that afternoon we decided there was still enough daylight left to do a little desert exploring in our Jeeps. We crossed the Providence Mountains by way of Foshay Pass and found a good campsite near the Vulcan Mine on the western side of the pass. That night we enjoyed a warm campfire and good food. Sunday morning we headed down the Foshay Pass road to the trailhead for Granite Mtn. #1. The western side of the pass is a 4 wheel drive road with some ruts and roller coaster hills. At Kelbaker Road we turned left(southeast) then right(southwest) on a dirt road to Cottonwood Springs. The description in the Desert Peak Guide is accurate as to where to turn off Kelbaker Road and the big rock where you park your cars. This would also make a good campsite.

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