Springs/Water near Mt. Davis and Glen Boulder

[SAR-EMT40]

I am planning a trip on Davis path in the near future. I remember the last time I did the trip I had the earlier version of the maps. In the earlier version of the map that I had I was pretty sure that a spring was shown on the top of Mt. Davis. My old maps aren't where I can get them right now. The new map doesn't list this spring and neither does the new book. I remember when I was up there I didn't find it. Granted, I didn't look for it real hard. A few questions. Has anyone every used this spring and if you did what was the quality of the water and when was it. Also, has anyone used the spring near Glen Boulder. Anyone that can give me a current report on Davis path especially with respect to finding water I would appreciate it.

Thanks,
Keith

 

[MEB]

I was just on the Davis Path not too long ago and from what I recall there were a few places along the way where one could filter water. My book had referenced the spring but I never did find it.

-MEB

 

[MadRiver]

Although I haven’t been on Glen Boulder for a few years, I did find the spring the last time I did the hike. Once you get above the “Boulder” you will enter a section of scrubs. Halfway between the scrubs and the open ledge there is a spring on the right. There were a few dead branches lying across a small opening marking the entrance. The spring is about 20 yards down the path.

On the Davis Path, the only water is on the East or West section of the Isolation Trail. If you follow the East Isolation Trail through the trees and down a small steep section, you will find that the trail actually follows a small stream. There is usually enough water to filter.

p.s. If you are starting from 302 and hiking the Davis Path and out the Glen Boulder Trail, you best bet is to start with water and refill at the Resolution Shelter. From there, you should have enough water to make it to either the East Isolation Trail or to the spring on Glen Boulder. Before switching trails with my Regional Leader, I used to maintain the Davis Path from Mt. Isolation to the Mt. Davis spur path. Even though I would occasionally find pockets of filterable water, I never did find a reliable water source other than the ones I already mentioned. Have fun, it I a great hike.

 

[SAR-EMT40]

Thanks for the help MEB. I am going to make a concerted effort this time to see if the spring actually exists.

On the Davis Path, the only water is on the East or West section of the Isolation Trail. If you follow the East Isolation Trail through the trees and down a small steep section, you will find that the trail actually follows a small stream. There is usually enough water to filter.

p.s. If you are starting from 302 and hiking the Davis Path and out the Glen Boulder Trail, you best bet is to start with water and refill at the Resolution Shelter. From there, you should have enough water to make it to either the East Isolation Trail or to the spring on Glen Boulder. Before switching trails with my Regional Leader, I used to maintain the Davis Path from Mt. Isolation to the Mt. Davis spur path. Even though I would occasionally find pockets of filterable water, I never did find a reliable water source other than the ones I already mentioned. Have fun, it I a great hike.

Thanks Madriver. Actually we are planning on camping the first night on Stairs coming in from Rocky branch (south). I remember the area from stairs to isolation trail (east) to be very dry and remember only one very shallow stream along the way. That is what has me concerned. I do remember that there was ample water (this was a very dry and humid trip) at isolation trail east by walking downhill a short ways.

Keith

 

[MadRiver]

In the morning you can always take a short detour to the Resolution Shelter and fill up on water before head north along the Davis Path. Or fill up in the evening before heading to the Stairs campsite. If memory serves, I filled up at the Resolution shelter and made it to Washington's summit without needing a refill.

 

[pocahontas]

SAR-EMT40.

We just backpacked-- last weekend-- up to Stairs Mt, also from the Rocky Branch Trail (south).
There is water along the way before you get to the Stairs Col Trail,
definately filter up fully before you get to this Col trail.

There is no water after this up to the Giant Stairs.
We stopped @ the Resolution Shelter the next day, on the way out to 302, the spring right behind the shelter was non-existent at that time. Not even a trickle.

We met a guy who had camped @ the shelter the nite before who said he was able to access H2O but he had to hike :
"Quite a long way down the brook" before he came to any kind of water.

We had full packs on & started to hike down the steep,rocky (very-dry) brook, but since we were heading out & we had enough water to last, we didn't bother to continue.

The Giant Stairs are so fantastic! What a great view (look for Arethusa Falls & Frankenstein Cliff to the right!)
Here's hoping you have a great time!

 

[SAR-EMT40]

Thanks for this tip.

I plan on doing this trip probably sometime in the next two weeks. The area from Giant stairs to isolation east is the area of most concern to me.

Thanks,
Keith

 

[Waumbek]

SAR-EMT40.
We stopped @ the Resolution Shelter the next day, on the way out to 302, the spring right behind the shelter was non-existent at that time. Not even a trickle. We met a guy who had camped @ the shelter the nite before who said he was able to access H2O but he had to hike :
"Quite a long way down the brook" before he came to any kind of water.

SAR--situation remains the same today. Even with a little rain last night, no water other than a few puddles on the Davis Path from 302 to the shelter and "summit" of Resolution. If there's water at the shelter, it's way down stream somewhere.

 

[SAR-EMT40]

Thanks Waumbek for the info. What were you doing there?

Keith

 

[Double Bow]

Gator and I are doing Stairs, Davis, and Isolation tomorrow via Rocky Branch to Stairs Col to Davis Path to Isolation Trail to Rocky Branch. I will try to make note as to where we see water and will report back.

 

[Waumbek]

Thanks Waumbek for the info. What were you doing there?Keith

Just a dayhike on the Davis Path to Stairs & Resolution on one of the best weather days of this summer. Saw zero people all day. The area has changed since my last hike up there--new Bemis bridge, for one. No more rock & roll as you cross it.

 

[SAR-EMT40]

new Bemis bridge, for one. No more rock & roll as you cross it.

Thats a major disappointment.

I used to love that bridge. I love all suspension bridges. I'll have to check the new one out.

Keith