Waterfall Canyon Loop CCW - 10/19/23

Waterfall Canyon

Waterfall Canyon Trail

Great Basin Gopher Snake

Fearsome Foursome on Rocky Gap Road

The Fearsome Foursome set out to review the state of Waterfall Canyon from the Willow Springs Trailhead. It had been a number of years since any of us had set foot in the once gorgeous canyon with waterfalls backed by orange rock and a nice trail that crosses the water flow several times. What stopped us from visiting this once reigning canyon of Red Rock? The stubborn, persistent and dangerous algae bloom that has taken away the beauty. ... And, the ever increasing difficulty in finding the trail in the overgrown grasses and foliage. We hiked up Rocky Gap Road about 1.7 miles passing the second jeep turnaround saddle in the red dirt. (Take note of a trail leading down into Red Rock Wash on the left just before you leave the red dirt.) On this day, the redbud trees surrounding the entrance to Waterfall Canyon were yellowed with fall color. We tried the old trail that crossed the water right away but the new trail that starts up the left side of the water is better. 

Sunrise on Rocky Gap Road

Sauntering up Rocky Gap Road

First Obstacle in Waterfall Canyon

Year round water in Waterfall Canyon

Starting into the canyon, warm air hit us in the cool morning. Hm. I never knew that this was a warm water spring that feeds the year round water flow. All morning, we slowly found our way up through the canyon that we once knew very well. Now, the trail is obliterated in several places. If we didn't know the trail from before, we would have been hiking blind. Grass and thistles covered the canyon from side to side. Almost immediately, we saw that the algae in the water was worse than ever. We enjoyed the effort as we used our brains as well as our brawn. But, the canyon's ugliness was a disappointment. Realizing that the BLM may have this canyon under observation due to the unwanted algae bloom, I cannot encourage others to hike this canyon.

Finding the Trail

The "Up and Around" Section

Climbing next to a Waterfall

Fearsome Foursome at the 30'-40' Waterfall

I researched a little about the algae. What I found was that "Little wind, warm water, sunlight, and plentiful nutrients - especially phosphorus - all increase the chance that a bloom will occur. Warm weather patterns and large rain events that wash agricultural and residential fertilizers (which contain phosphorus) into the water can also jump-start a bloom.Aug 7, 2023" - "Common methods to prevent algal blooms include aeration, chemical/biological additives, or ultrasonic technology. Although there are plenty of treatment solutions on the market, they all have their cons. For example, algaecides offer quick results but damage the entire water ecosystem." - "Floating plants, such as lilies and lotus, provide shade and reduce direct sunlight in the pond to control the growth of algae." (Perhaps this is why the BLM wants the canyon to become overgrown again.) A couple of websites that do a good job of discussing the toxic algae are as follows:

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/algae/defined.htm#:~:text=Little%20wind%2C%20warm%20water%2C%20sunlight,also%20jump%2Dstart%20a%20bloom

and

https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/bluegreenalgae/faq.htm

One last quote from the internet are answers to a common question.

"Some species of algae are adapted to survive in cold temperatures, such as the 39º F water under the ice. The growth of these winter algae mainly depends on how much light and nutrients are available to them. The light available depends on how much snow we have on top of the ice."

and

"Blue-green algae is a toxin-producing cyanobacteria that can be found in lakes, ponds and rivers. Exposure to toxins produced by these bacteria can be life-threatening to dogs, humans and other animals. There is no antidote for blue-green algae poisoning, and it can rapidly become fatal."

Snack break at the top of the High Waterfall

Finding the Trail Back

A surprise for Ralyn!

Starting down Red Rock Wash

We made it to the top of the 30'-40' waterfall where we had our break. Getting back to Rocky Gap Road was easier than going up. We found the trail in the red dirt that leads to the wash below down next to the large rock outcrop downstream. Then, slowly, we made our way back down beautiful Red Rock Wash to the car. When we returned, I was determined to get the word out that Waterfall Canyon needed trail maintenance ... bad! After thinking overnight, I realize that the BLM probably has our best interest in mind. The algae is probably here to stay and, so is the danger. Be careful out there everyone.

Stats: 4 miles; 850' gain; 3.75 hours (due to a lot of route finding & enjoying a slow day)

P.S. Oh yeah, the snake. Isn't it pretty? Harmless and beautiful.

Fall color - and Rita - in Red Rock Wash

Mike and Ralyn stepping down Red Rock Wash

Colorful time of Year