Keystone Thrust Loop CCW - 2/20/25

Sandstone Bluffs from Keystone Thrust above ground Location

View up through Keystone Canyon

Starting up Keystone Wash

In and out of shade in Keystone Wash

Thinking that the wind was not going to be that bad ... nine club hikers met at the Lower Trailhead of White Rock Road off the Red Rock Scenic Loop. When we started out by crossing the paved road and dipping down onto the Grand Loop Trail, we learned the wind was going to be a deal. What started out as a stiff breeze, became a gusty cold wind coming down off the snowy mountains and right down through the Keystone Wash. We turned off of the Grand Loop into the wash and made our way up through the gravel and debris to the culvert that runs under the road. We thanked whoever cleared the upper end of the culvert of those roots that curtained the opening and continued up to the first limestone dryfall. After that, we climbed up through the white sandstone. It was beautiful as always ... even through the gusty wind. Using the right embankment, we skirted around some of the canyon wash then dropped back in. We could see the actual thrust fault high above us. Before, we would bravely climb straight up on the rocks and bushes to reach the rare above ground fault. On this hike, we used the wash on the right side to gain access to the top of the fault area.

Climbing a limestone wall in Wash

Climbing a sandstone crack in Keystone Canyon

Up through the wash next to the thrust Fault

Using the wash to gain the top of the Sandstone

The scramble up through the wash was fun. Next, we found the trail and connected with it. The trail led us up to the top of the red sandstone to an overlook that was likely right above the open fault. This fault is one of only a few above ground faults in the world. Following the trail around to the other side of the fault area, we dropped into the wash and out again as we climbed up the hill. The trail led us to the Keystone Thrust Trail / La Madre Double Arch Trail junction. Even though our intentions were to continue up towards the double arch, we decided to turn back towards the cars. The wind had become "not fun." So, a left turn took us down to the White Rock Hills Trail where we turned left and made our way down to the White Rock Road Upper Trailhead. Next, it was down the road to our cars. No, it wasn't a long hike but as one of our hikers said, "At least we all got out and breathed some fresh air!" The intended hike will have to be completed another day.

Stats: 3.25 miles; 700' gain; 1.75 hours

Trail on top of the Sandstone

Trail over the Sandstone (Turtlehead Peak in Background)

View into thrust area in Keystone Canyon from Trail