Argus Mountains

The Argus Mountains are little loved, well, I guess except by us in the winter.  We have found it to often be 10 degrees warmer than the lower Sierra in the winter making for very pleasant hiking.  We do tend to avoid the area when it heats up, as that bonus 10 degrees makes it an oven.  We have created standard routes, but recently have expanded into exploring new areas.  The rock formations are lovely, and the occasional flowers is an added bonus.

Beavertail Cactus

Bob is trying to figure out how to get up a ridge.

One of the thistles

I love the standing rocks.

An arch.

Rock Nettle

This monolith is something we have viewed from afar for years.  It sits well below one of our favorite donkey trails.  Yes donkey trails.  Donkeys created and maintain the Argus Mountain trail system.  They even include switchbacks.  Very nice.  We decided to finally go have a close look at the rock and it is a beast.  I have another loop in mind that will include the beast as the high point  Next fall we will see if my chosen drainage to complete the loop goes, or if we are foiled by dry waterfalls.

Donkeys, three of our little trail builders.