Roman went hiking June 29, 2014 6.34 miles 1,750 feet gained
Silver Star north trailhead always poses a dilemma, either: a) this hike makes the drive almost worth it; or b) this hike is so good I am willing to sacrifice my car for it. But today's hike was exceptional.
First, found a shortcut trail for the summit. From the trail that goes east to Baldy Mtn., unsigned trail juts off uphill where main trail stops climbing. It cuts half of that rocky, crowded road stretch (not that long, but anyway).
Secondly, found the trail up Sturgeon Rock (not after circling 2/3 of it - what I was thinking when I went around N side first?? Not like anyone comes from there anyway. It started good, then turned into impenetrable brush, and then after going through that we were cliffed out). Turned out there's a steep, but well used trail from its downhill SW side. Saw some climbers trails though below vertical rock, I am not a climber but rock quality seems pretty good. The meadow near the top of Sturgeon is small, but PACKED with all kinds of flowers, really neat place. The view from the rock is almost as good as from the summit, but completely different, nice to have both in one hike.
Third, there's a good trail that runs from the old road just above Sturgeon Rock, and to 5 trails' junction just NW of the summit. Again, no need to hike the rocky roads.
