April 19, 2005 - Collins Gulf to Savage Gulf North Rim

**THIS PAGE HAS MANY PHOTOS, MAY TAKE A WHILE TO LOAD**
On April 19, 2005, I hiked from Collins Gulf Access to Savage Gulf Ranger Station via North Rim Trail. This hike included portions of the Collins Gulf Trail, Connector Trail, North Rim Trail, Mountain Oak Trail, North Plateau Trial, and the Savage Day Loop Trail. I got started at 6:40 am, the temp outside was in the lower 40's, but would eventually reach near 80. I took 96 ounces of water along and I needed every bit of it.
Below is the hiking trip map
The photo above was actually taken the day before this hike. This is an overlook at Stone Door. In the distance, you can see the location of Tommy Point Overlook. This is the first time I've got to see this overlook with everything green.
Collins Gulf Overlook, I will be hiking all the way down this gulf.	Suter Falls had a lot less flow than I 've seen lately. It made crossing the creek very easy.
Collins Gulf Trail - Wildflowers are still in bloom and they are everywhere
Horsepound Falls	Horsepound Sink
After reaching the end of the Collins Gulf Trail, I hiked by Sawmill Campsite. I saw about five tents set up. Several folks appeared to be just waking up.
I was in familiar territory until after crossing the Stagecoach Historical Trail. I had never been on this section of Connector Trail. It is known for being the most difficult in the whole area. It crosses the mouth of Savage Gulf, then starts a rough climb up Coppinger Gulf to Hobbs Cabin. It climbs 800 feet in elevation in about 2 miles. Parts of it remind me of the "boulder fields" on the Collins Gulf Trail. After starting the ascent, you can look down and barely see Savage Creek disappear into it's sink. After reaching the top, it's only a couple hundred feet to Hobbs Cabin.
I have been wanting to go to Hobbs Cabin for years, but it's a long trip from any park access point. So this was a major milestone for me.  I spent about 30 minutes here to eat lunch. I was able to make a very noisy phone call on my cell phone.
From Hobbs Cabin, I took the North Rim trail to eventually exit at Savage Gulf Ranger Station. While leaving the cabin, I walked upon several deer. They didn't hear me and I didn't see them. They must have scared me as much as I scared them. Just 1.3 miles from the cabin, is this beautiful overlook below.
Tommy Point Overlook - In the background, you can see the location of the great Stone Door. The closest mountain on the left is Peak Mountain. It is very interesting to stand on these bluffs, and while looking at a map, try to figure out where specific locations are down in the gorge. The suspension bridge across Savage creekbed, Savage Creek Sink, Connector Trail, Cator Savage Cabin, Stone Door, etc. Big Creek Gulf is in the center of the picture in the distance. Collins Gulf starts to the left on the other side of Peak Mountain.
Tommy Point Overlook - this is one of my favorite spots in the park. Unfortunately, it is about 7 miles from any access point.	Old "Dinky Line" railroad grade on the North Plateau Trail. Used in the 1920's.
Rattlesnake Point - This is a beautiful view of Savage Gulf. I had just hiked the North Rim (right side of photo) of this gulf. The farthest mountain is the same mountain seen much closer from Tommy Point.	Savage Falls Overlook, from here, only 1.5 miles to go.
I signed out at 3:40. I hiked 16 miles in 9 hours. I hurt.