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The
Trip:
Our next stop is the Rosachi Ranch. We take the Wellington Cutoff to State Route 338 and drive 25 miles south to turn onto Hawthorne Road. Here, we leave the pavement for a well-maintained dirt road and soon find ourselves at the ranch.
We leave the ranch and continue driving on the forestry road. We are surprised when in a seemingly unremarkable area of desert, Keith stops and explains that this is the area where the town of Sonoma, Nevada, once stood. There is little or no evidence of a community left in the location. It's not long before we pause again. This time to enjoy a gorgeous panoramic view of the East Fork of the Walker River in an area known as The Elbow. The next stop is about nine miles down the road at the Fletcher townsite. It's a nice spot for a break and a cool drink.
Leaving the vehicles, we begin our hike up the crater. At first we follow a service road that runs parallel a short string of power poles. Then, the road disappears and we're on our own. We head straight up the incline and over a natural wall of loose volcanic rock. When scrambling over terrain like this, it's important to remember to use a three, or even better, four-point stance. According to Keith, the Aurora Crater is really just a baby, geologically speaking. The crater has been dated to 250,000 years old. Once we reach the top of the crater we pause to catch our breath and enjoy the panoramic view. This hilly, pine covered landscape is not what you typically think of as a volcanic crater, but Keith points out its telltale volcanic characteristics and explains that it was once an Andesitic Volcano. To reach our evening's destination, Hawthorne, we return to the Fletcher turnoff and then head east past Mud Spring Canyon and over Lucky Boy Pass. We descend into Hawthorne at dusk, arriving at the El Capitan for some much-needed rest.
The stability and balance of a kayak allows for comfortable sightseeing while on the water. We are able to observe a school of fish swimming below us, and countless pelicans flying overhead. What a great morning of paddling! On the final outing of this adventure, we return south on Highway 95 to the town of Walker Lake where we meet Herman Milsap of the Hawthorne Army Depot, our guide up Mount Grant. We approach Mount Grant from Cottonwood Canyon. As we begin the drive up, our path becomes a military access road. We have the opportunity to visit what remains of the Millage Ranch, which was one of the early settlements on the mountain. The ranch was the home of the man who sold the government his water rights making it a vital watershed area.
We begin the steep ascent to the top of Grant, and the views become more incredible as we near the top. Though the road is well maintained, it requires concentration because of the number of steep switchbacks. Near
the peak, we get out of the truck and climb the last of the journey
on foot. Actually, it is more of a scramble than a hike, and at times
the footing is a little hairy. The rock is very loose. Every step requires
care and balance. Once we reach the summit the work is well worth it.
What incredible views! Thanks to the advisors and contributors of Wild Nevada Program #122:
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Wellington
is a small, scenic town with a lot of history. Following the Aurora
Mining District boom in 1860, Jack Wright and Leonard Hamilton built
a bridge across the West Walker River and established a stage station
at the crossing. In
1863, Daniel Wellington bought out the interests of Wright and Hamilton
and the station became known as "Wellington's." In 1875, the
Wellington Hotel was constructed, and over the years it has served a
multitude of purposes, including a livery stable, freight station, general
store, and post office. 
Keith
Whaley, a geologist with the U.S. Forest Service, takes us on a tour
of the Rosachi Ranch and Walker River Catch and Release Area. The ranch
was a family run operation until it was sold to the Forest Service.
It now serves as a popular base for fisherman to practice and perfect
their 
We
continue our drive to the Aurora Crater, and there is a noticeable change
in the landscape and vegetation as we climb up in elevation. The juniper
and pines become more dense and the terrain more rocky. 
We
begin the second day of our adventure with some flatwater 
Further
down the road, we pause to enjoy the lush views of an old mining area.
With hills cover in scrub mahogany and wildflowers blooming throughout
the meadows you have to wonder if the site was as rich in ore as it
is in natural beauty. Wildlife is common in the area. Herman tells us
that bear, quail, deer, mountain lion, and bighorn sheep are all often
seen in the area.