Hiking in Ely

 Mary came to visit me in Ely last week. Hiking is her thing, so that's what we did!

 After her drive we grabbed a bite to eat then went for an evening stroll at the Steptoe Valley Wildlife Management Area.

A spring!

Next day we set out to hike up Cleve Creek Baldy. At 10,942' it is one of the higher peaks in the Schell Creek Range. The first part of the hike is on a jeep trail through lush aspen forest.

The flowers were absolutely stupendous!

A little higher the track turns into a steep trail.

The trail then eases off and emerges into fine, high altitude meadows.

There's a good use trail here with the primary users apparently being Elk!

Hard to tell from the photos but the low sage slopes up high held a plethora of flowers.

 

Mary nears the summit

The summit it as broad flat ridge. It would've been hard to discern the high point without the little cairn.

Loved the scenery up there! Mt Wheeler across Spring Valley

 

We enjoyed the descent too. Stumbled upon this wooden rooster's comb.

And an excellent assortment of flowers.

Next up we drove to Great Basin National Park. Hiked up Timber Creek  over a shallow pass, then down the South Fork of Baker Creek.

Here Mary tackles the upper slopes above Timber Creek.  

Lots of picturesque Aspen groves.

At last we emerged into the open sage and woodland up high.

We enjoyed sweeping views to the high peaks of the park with Mt Wheeler far left.

The head of the South Fork of Baker Creek with Pyramid Peak left.

Meadows.

Once down into the South Fork we enjoyed the presence of a bubbling creek.

Another splendid meadow.

One last flower for the hike.

Lastly Mary and I returned to the Schell Creek Range for a hike up Timber Creek (same name, different range). This outing was a little easier but again brought us to a wonderful alpine scene.

Flowers and butterflies!!

 Stoked Mary came out and motivated me to get up into the beautiful high country!