Big Arrow and South Arrow from 4324' saddle (LVMC)

pics by Harlan W.S.
February 20, 2011

This was my 5th trip to the range (see 1, 2, 3, 4). This time we chose to go up the S Peak by the common saddle with Big Arrow; as shown the total elevation gain (accumulated) was ~3800', over ~7.8 miles.

Obviously, this is a cool weather trip. There are no trails or water sources. You can park your car along us93, but it must be parked well off the shoulder, else you may get a ticket. The rock is extremely frictional, but also extremely abrasive on skin. Sticky rubber is a problem as, it often won't let go from the rock. Expect ticks.

Big Arrow can be done class 2, if you opt to slog to the shallow wash on the right (SE) side of the peak. If you go up the ridge (as in the photos below), it is class 3. South Arrow can be done as fairly easy class 3, if you are careful to pick your way up the cliff bands as shown. The rock is often very steep, but very frictional. Few climb here, so watch out for loose rock; entire huge boulders may come loose.

	View NE from near us93. The W side of the range is very rouch, with just a few canyons that are not blocked by cliffs.	View ESE out access canyon.
		View S to South Arrow, currently in clouds.

View N; Big Arrow (5227) at R, USGS official Arrow (5202) is at L. The 5202 peak is actually more of a challenge and more impressive.
View N, with 5202 Arrow to L, Broken Arrow to N,	Broken Arrow (5146) to N.

	Maclurites, a snail.	Cliff band of S Arrow.
	View back at Big Arrow.	On 5150' ridge now, view S to South Arrow.


		View S, as Joel heads back.

Joel comes down the Eureka Quartzite band.	"Elbow" highpoint and "Fleur de Lis" peaks in back.
	Desert tortoise burrow.