Redstone / Jean's Canyon Loop - 2/24/24

Inside the Redstone Slot

View from Jean's Saddle

Jean's Canyon

Redstone

Newly engaged John and Deborah

Nestled between the Bitter Spring Valley (named for the bitter taste of springs in this area) and the Hamblin Bay Fault just north of Lake Mead and the Black Mountains, is a place called Redstone. Redstone lies on the south side of Northshore Road between MM 25.5 and MM27.5. It is an area that is filled with Aztec Sandstone and, subsequently, many petroglyphs from ancient native occupants ... if you can find them. There is a picnic area and restroom that lies near Northshore Road MM 27 but today's hike with 15 hikers began by parking at the MM 26 turnout to hike up a nearby wash toward the redstone. During this hike from beginning to end, we passed several tortoise burrows. Be aware that those wonderful creatures are trying to get some sleep!

Canyon wash leading to Mushroom Rock

Mushroom Rock (right)

Mushroom, Elephant, and Eagle

Hiking through Redstone

Nearing the redstone, we found a use trail leading up toward Mushroom Rock. As we wandered around the redstone, we took on small opportunities to scramble and name redstone animals; including an elephant arch and a resting eagle seen across a wash to the east. Next, the route turned west and we began a cross trek over a couple of ridges following game and use trails. The group was strong and welcomed the exertion. Finally, we perched onto the last and highest ridge. This ridge had a trail that runs the length of the ridge so no matter where you come up to the ridge top, you can easily maneuver to the right place to begin your descent down the other side.

Descending to the Redstone Slot

Tight Squeeze in the Slot

Petroglyphs pointing to the Slot on Left

Bighorn Petroglyphs

Downhill in the distance, one particular space between walls can be seen from this vantage point. This is your target; the Redstone Slot. There is a small bit of a scrambly brushy approach to this canyon slot but about half way down, you get a clear view of the now brushless slot. One caveat: the trimmer you are, the more success you will have getting through the lower portion of the slot! Most of us had to remove our pack! As the fifteen hikers exited the slot, we each began observing the petroglyphs on the wall to the left. We noted that one man seemed to be pointing to the slot! As we continued along that wall, we noted several other petroglyphs which included eight bighorn sheep and a possible coyote!

 

Climbing up from the Slot Area

Descending off of the Plateau

Keyhole Arch

Scrambling through Cut Wash

Turning up to the right at the bighorn display, we climbed a ramp to the top of the next plateau. The best way we have found to get down into the canyon to the north is found in a 2:00 direction from the top of the ramp. There is a slippery zigzag trail down then a scramble, a drop into the ramp wash to the right and we came on down! Some people have named this Kay's Drop! Anyway, we exited the canyon below to the left and went around the corner to view Pinto Valley from under a Keyhole Arch. From there, we continued our drop down to a desert plateau between two large washes. At the endpoint of the plateau, we dropped once again to hike through the Cut Wash on the left which leads to the Old Arrowhead Road. Our break followed!

Taking a Break on the Old Arrowhead Road

Following the Old Arrowhead Road

Mark inside Jean's Canyon

Stephen climbing through Jean's Canyon

Approximately 3/4 mile down the Old Arrowhead Road from our break spot, we junctioned with the bottom end of Jean's Canyon. This junction is marked with a small cairn. We turned right and began a winding ascent through the lower part of the canyon. Things finally get interesting  when we get to the famous Slip 'n' Slide dryfall go around. Some of the stronger hikers climbed up the Slip 'n' Slide but the rest of us chose to take the go around of the go around! After this fun spot, we reached the 3rd class dryfall further up. No one had any problems negotiating the climb that has many handholds and footholds. The climb up to the Bear Paw Poppy Saddle continued steeply. At the top, we found a way over the saddle and started down the other side. But, not before we observed a group of bighorns (females and kids) observing us from the top of the next ridge over. Most likely, one female and kid were the same we saw a week ago on the Jean's Peak hike.

3rd Class Climb

Climb Continues

Bighorns seen from Jean's Canyon Bear Paw Poppy Pass

Descending the other side of Jean's Canyon

The other end of Jean's Canyon has a few slanted obstacles then, after around 1/3 of a mile, we turned right onto the Jean's Saddle Trail. This route is worth the climb as you are able to take in the view of the second photo of this entry at the top. We took the trail down the other side and turned left on the Old Arrowhead Road. Another quarter of a mile on the road in the wash and the road led us up to the right and back to the cars. Not quite 6 miles, this is an interesting hike with a lot of things to see and do! A fun time was had by all great friends!

Stats: 5.8 miles; 1025' gain; 4.25 hours

A lot of slanted Terrain

View from Trail up to Jean's Saddle (Jean's Canyon Below)

Starting down from Saddle

Finishing out on the Old Arrowhead Road