Butterfly Loop - 4/20/25

Ebb 'n' Flow Trail

Canyon #5 Trail Above

Transition to Goatroper Trail from Canyon #5

Lower part of Goatroper Trail

The Butterfly Loop is a very pleasant 4.5 mile hike utilizing a few of the bike trails in the Blue Diamond area. Four hikers began at the Wheeler Camp Springs Trailhead located between the entrance to Blue Diamond and the gated entrance to Oliver Ranch on SR 159. We crossed the road and followed the trail down into the wide wash to the right. This is Canyon #5. The trail took us up to the left rim of the wash and we hiked through the deep canyon mid-rim. The canyon takes a curve to the right and we followed trails to climb up to the left putting us on the lower end of the Goatroper. Using a few wiggles, the Goatroper bike trail continues a gradual climb up to the top of the desert ridge in view ahead.

Lady Hikers

View down to Cottonwood Valley

Goatroper Trail

Approach to Goatroper Saddle

After the last long slow climb, we reached the "saddle" where we took our break. The Goatroper continues along the ridge for another 6 miles but, after our break, we found the burro trail that leads down to the "Canyon #6" on the other side of the ridge. The burro trail took us diagonally down to intersect with Ebb 'n' Flow. This bike trail has beautiful views as well. It circles around the end of the ridges and above the road. The trail, itself, is a lot of fun! It crosses the desert undulating through the terrain and, finally, back to the Canyon #5 trail closing the loop. The four of us had a wonderful Easter morning on this hike enjoying the desert landscape, a few flowers and cotton on all the cotton-top barrel cacti!

Taking a break on Goatroper Saddle

Forming a trail down from saddle to Ebb 'n' Flow Trail & Canyon #6

Ebb 'n' Flow Trail

Circling the hills on Ebb 'n' Flow

Walking out the wash trail, we saw two burros just hanging out. When they saw us, they continued their stroll across the wash and up the hill on the other side. One of the burros nervously eyed us at the last few meters but, finally, decided we were not a threat! The Lady Hikers were great company, had a lot of fun and always had interesting things to say!

Stats: 4.5 miles; 850' gain; 3 hours

Ebb 'n' Flow descent Challenge

Canyon #5 Wash

Two burros in Canyon #5 Wash