Saxton Peak - South Trail

At 7976' in elevation, Saxton Peak is one of the tallest summits in the immediate vicinity of the town of Ely. In fact downtown Ely is visible from the peak, and can even be reached via the Eastern Trail directly from the core of town.The Southern Trail has the benefit of the snow that can cover the path during the cold season melting off earlier due to exposure to the sun. The trail itself follows the path of a service road that accesses the antennas near the summit. Parking in the small turnoff at the base of the service road immediately off of Highway 6, the path is clear and easy to follow, and continues on a consant uphill ascent for nearly the entire length. The payoff of this trail is the views. The higher one hikes, the larger and clearer the peak of Ward Mountain to the south appears. There are also sporadic views across Steptoe Valley, and upon reaching the summit, most of Ely as well as the immensity of the Robinson Mine come clearly into view.As it follows a service road, the trail itself is a bit less than spectacular. While nearly the entire hike is uphill, the steepest section is just before the summit, though it is a short section. The summit itself has a couple towers, a geocache, and a rocky clearing from which you have a nearly unobstructed panoramic vista of the surrounding area.From here, you can retrace your route downhill, or shuttle vehicles and head down the Eastern Trail.There are no amenities of any kind, including bathrooms, water or trash at any point along this hike.