The morning was breezy and pleasant as 13 daring Trailblazers set out from Dome Mountain Trailhead for Blue Ridge. The lower reaches of the trail are indistinct, but soon we are up on the ridge enjoying the “Bulldog Peak” boulder, the Shoe Arch, and panoramic views of the valley.

The Blue Ridge Trail follows dirt roads on the southern part of the ridge, then takes us over black volcanic rock before we start down on the east side.

Ted points out features of the Goldfields that occur in pairs; for example, Dome Mountain and peak 3134; Hat Top Hill and golden hill 2726.

At Triple Trail Junction we turn north on the Orohai Trail, following the upper reaches of Bulldog Canyon until reaching Forest Service Road 1356.

There’s nothing left of the Rock House but part of the walls. Upstream is a well with some water in it, so somebody must have lived here in the mining and cattle ranching days. Continuing east over the pass we’re rewarded with an inspiring view of Hat Top Hill with the Four Peaks in the background.

At Packsaddle Road we turn north, walk by Cottonwood Spring and the corral, then stop for lunch by a cairn that marks our route up and over Slickrock Pass.

“There are at least three ways over the pass,” Ted advises. We take the southern approach, a fairly easy off-trail climb but for the prickly vegetation. Beyond the pass we find ourselves on a ridge south of the Golden Valley.

Instead of climbing ridge 2402 we head downstream, an easy walk with fine views of Helmet Rock along the way.

Before reaching the stream junction we turn southeast, following the streambed cross-country on a gradual climb.

As we get higher the slope eases and the vegetation thins out. From here it’s an easy walk up to the pass at 2264. “Stay with me on the way down,” Ted admonishes.

The hikers scatter, except for three who experience a close encounter with a Teddy Bear cholla, opuntia Bigelovii. We regroup on the mine road.

Gonzales Needle, named after a great grand-nephew of the Peralta family, marks the northern limit of the Goldfield mining district. It serves as our navigation landmark on the way to Willow Springs Trailhead. Dirt roads lead to the site of the Gold Bond, Gold Strike, and Lazy Doc mines nearby. We stay in the canyon until finding the road south to our trailhead.