Sugarloaf Cafe to La Quinta Cove

[rickyb]

Howdy,

I'm new member to this forum and could use some help and advise. 3 years ago, 4 of us tried unsuccessfully to hike from Sugarloaf to the La Quinta Cove (Boo Hof Trail). We are bound and determine to complete this hike when in the desert Christmas week.

Does anyone have a topo map with the GPS coordinates for this route? Last time we attempted this hike, (starting at the Cafe), the trail became very vague after leaving the Cactus Spring Trail. We lost our way for hours, luckily finding the trail and backtracking to Sugarloaf after sunset. It was a scary experience and plan to be better prepared this go round.

[halhiker]

I unfortunately don't have to coordinates for the trail although I have hiked it many times. However, I have never hiked it down from Sugarloaf but always up from La Quinta. I think the trail would easier to find in this direction than walking down and you can also enjoy lunch at the Sugarloaf Cafe when you're done.

Just a thought.

Hal

[magikwalt]

I heard yesterday that the Sugarloaf Cafe was closed or is closing very shortly. We modified our hiking schedule due to the lack of beer at the end of the hike. Anyone been up there lately?

[cynthia23]

I have never successfully completed this trail. (I've tried several times.) It's tricky. I agree that it's probably easier to work your way up from the LaQuinta cove than down from SugarLoaf. The trail is very faint and confusing after it splits. The most-lost I ever got was when I turned back and tried to return to the Sugarloaf. The washes there are very, very easy to get lost in. (and I did.) Pavel (the Ironman) goes up from the LQ cove fairly often and somehow finds his way, but I don't know anyone on this board who does it on a regular basis.

The Sugarloaf is closed, as far as I know (when I last drove by it, in late August.) Sad! It was a great place.

Be careful if you attempt this trail and take many safety precautions (satellite phones, GPS/topo, emergency/overnight supplies, and several people waiting for you at prearranged times.) Many people have gotten lost/rescued on it, and I wouldn't be surprised if some have gotten lost and never found. The canyon the trail goes down into is quite wild ....

[KathyW]

Yes, Sugarloaf looked closed to me too when I was up there last month.

Here's an article on it:

http://www.pe.com/columns/joannaberesford/stories/PE_News_Local_D_djoanna22.3202ea0.html

The building had a "For Sale" sign on it, so who's interested in buying and running the Sugarloaf Cafe?

[magikwalt]

There are not enough hikes that end at a watering hole in this country. When I lived in Scotland it seemed like every hike ended at a pub. We need to promote more trailheads that start or finish at a pub. A beer after a long trek is part of the ritual isn't it?

[AlanK]

Agreed.

[halhiker]

I hope someone opens the Cafe again. It was always a good stop after the hike from La Quinta and even after hikes to Horsethief. Sorry to hear it's closed.

[cynthia23]

Hm. The dark path to which this conversation is unintentionally leading.... Soon, someone will casually suggest, "You know, if we each just get together two hundred bucks, we'd have enough money to buy the SugarLoaf! MagikWalt can contribute his BBQ recipes, and Cynthia23 will run the Espresso Machine! And My Dad Judge Hardy can contribute his Barn! Let's put on a Restaurant, folks!" This is clearly the premise of a Sitcom Comedy. "The Wacky Members of a Hiking Board Band Buy a Country Cafe and Attempt to Run It. Krazy Laughs!" We'll call it ...Fudge Mountain? Big Rock Candy Store? Over The Hill? Ice Axe Popsicles?

Suggestions, donations, names, recipes??

[magikwalt]

I've been fooling around with perfecting a cinnamon bun recipe using cream cheese in the icing. I'm sure it will be great with the expresso machine!

The women in my house love me first thing in the morning but have started to complain about tightness in their jeans. Butter, sugar, brown sugar, more butter, cream cheese, more butter and 2 cups of confectioner's sugar...I'm pretty sure it is a low calorie treat. I'm going to make some for Ellen and let her decide if they are fitness food or not.