Oak Creek Canyon Loop - 1/31/25

Oak Creek inside Canyon

Oak Creek Canyon

Oak Creek near Potato Knoll

A Calico Hills Sunrise

Once again, the three of us opted to go out on our own for a favorable hike into Oak Creek Canyon. Every time I do this hike, I go a different route on the return and today was no different! I have found that "all trails lead to Rome!" ... Almost! ... If you point your nose in the right direction ... which we did. Leaving from the Red Rock Scenic Loop exit parking lot on a beautiful cool morning, we headed out on the well worn trail toward the canyon between Wilson Peak and Rainbow Peak. Oak Creek Canyon is a formidable canyon filled with large sandstone boulders; a difficult scramble up. Therefore, most hikers and, particularly rock climbers, make use of the side trails around the most jammed spots. Our hike routed into the canyon on the Middle Oak Creek Trail. When we reached the "Red Dirt," we continued straight on the trail that traversed the lower portion of Rainbow Peak's south base. Just above us, there was a group of rock climbers working their way up for the day's climb. Apparently, the wall is a popular winter climb as the sun reaches it all morning. 

Nearing Oak Creek Canyon (Wilson Peak, L, Rainbow Peak, R)

Wilson Peak - Highest peak in Sandstone Bluffs

Pausing at the "Red Dirt"

Sue climbs up toward the base of Rainbow Peak

We found the correct bouldered gulley up to the right to continue hiking around and down to a chosen spot in Oak Creek Canyon below. We welcomed the short bit of scrambling that all of this provided. And, when we dipped into Oak Creek Canyon and turned to the left, we stepped down and sat and slid with the best of them! Soon, we were dropping down the left side of the rock wall shown a few photos down. Taking a breath, we turned to the right and started up the trail that would take us out of the canyon toward Potato Knoll, a noticeable small peak that lies in the desert between Wilson and Rainbow. Here's where the route becomes indecipherable. There are several use trails to take. Just point your nose to Potato Knoll's left side and you will get to where this hike leads. Today, we intentionally took a fork to the right where I had not gone in several years. Up on top of a ridge at the base of Wilson Peak, we took a short break and proceeded to find a trail that led down the other side. Here, we connected with another trail that took us down to that left end of Potato Knoll.

Taking in the View

A climber on Rainbow Peak south Wall

Colors in Oak Creek Canyon

Susan in Oak Creek Canyon

In familiar territory, we continued around the knoll until we crossed Oak Creek a second time. Next, we, again, chose an unfamiliar route back over the creek and headed down canyon to exit to the Middle Oak Creek Trail. A nice swift one mile hike back to the cars finished out the day. This is one of my many favorites. Sue and Susan were relatively new to the route and enjoyed it very much. As the day wore on, the clouds kept the sun from ruining our party.

Stats: 5.5 miles; 600' gain; 3.75 hours

Delineation in Oak Creek Canyon 

Sue and Susan looking for rock climbers on Rainbow Peak

Oak Creek near Potato Knoll