Buck Rock Tunnel and Loop Trail

Monday morning was a time for greeting old friends and new acquaintances in the Rite Aid lot. I was pleased to welcome back Barry, Vicki, Marilyn and June; also with David our newest member and Esther from the Wednesday group. All together we had 14 hiking enthusiasts for our weekly outing. (All vaccinated by show of hands).

We were hiking around Buck Rock and visiting the abandoned train tunnel entrance for photo ops. These new hikes which we scouted a year ago have many old roads and trails and lots of opportunities for getting side tracked. But with the help of my friends, we managed to explore both west and east tunnel entrances and complete the loop around Buck Rock Mountain of 6 miles and 800′ elevation gain.

Lunch was at a sunny hillside after finding the east entrance, thanks to Liz. And we enjoyed extra chocolate thanks to Tony.

This hike is convenient to hikers as it’s just 9 miles down Highway 66 from Ashland and off Buckhorn Springs Road and 2 miles up Emigrant Creek Road.

But once you pass around the yellow gate and start hiking up the old BLM Road (40-2e-11) you are quickly out in nature and away from the bustle of town.

Our group enjoyed both the exploration and the chance to interact with friends.

Hike Leader: Rich Stickle

Photos By: Jerry, Randy