Camp MRP - 6/27/2009
I've been working on a campsite out on the southern most point of the Milk Ranch Point plateau. There is a really tall tree out on the point that provides all day shade. The spot can serve as a campsite or photography blind. A large rock under the tree works as a backrest for resting and a nice picnic table. The ground is soft under the tree and I have cleared a lot of the rocks out.
To get up to Camp MRP start at the Pine Trail Head and hike up to the Highline Trail. After about a mile and a half you'll come to the Donahue Trail sign to the left of the trial. From there it is a long steep climb up the trail to the top. Once you get to the top the trail goes right and left. Take the right trail south out to the point and head for the tallest tree. That's where you'll find the campsite/shelter I am working on. It's about 100 yards out to the tall tree. It's a good spot to drop your gear and work your way out to the edge of the point with your camera.
The total round trip from the Pine Trail Head parking lot is about 5 miles and may take about 2 hours for novice hikers. Take plenty of water it can get hot at times but there is plenty of shade along the way for resting. If you will be carrying a lot of weight and gear, stiff-soled rugged boots are a good idea or your feet will be sore when you get back to the car. The views are great from the top so don't let the 5 miles and steep terrain stop you from trying. Summer late afternoon lightning may be present during the monsoon so leave early in the morning.
To get up to Camp MRP start at the Pine Trail Head and hike up to the Highline Trail. After about a mile and a half you'll come to the Donahue Trail sign to the left of the trial. From there it is a long steep climb up the trail to the top. Once you get to the top the trail goes right and left. Take the right trail south out to the point and head for the tallest tree. That's where you'll find the campsite/shelter I am working on. It's about 100 yards out to the tall tree. It's a good spot to drop your gear and work your way out to the edge of the point with your camera.
The total round trip from the Pine Trail Head parking lot is about 5 miles and may take about 2 hours for novice hikers. Take plenty of water it can get hot at times but there is plenty of shade along the way for resting. If you will be carrying a lot of weight and gear, stiff-soled rugged boots are a good idea or your feet will be sore when you get back to the car. The views are great from the top so don't let the 5 miles and steep terrain stop you from trying. Summer late afternoon lightning may be present during the monsoon so leave early in the morning.
Here is the view as you approach the tall tree from the trail
Front door of the campsite/shelter
Looking back at the campsite/shelter
It can get windy up on the top so I'm piling up logs to serve as a wind break or blind for photographing wildlife
Here you can see that the ground is soft for sleeping overnight
There is even a house plant growing inside on the dining table
About 10 feet to the west of the campsite is a steep drop off with a nice view of Pine below and Strawberry Mountain. So be careful if walking around in the dark.
Here are three hikers down below as seen through my 300mm telephoto lens from the top.