Harris Springs Canyon Slots & Ridge Loop - 5/22/25

Entrance to first Slot

Starting up Waterslide Wash

Beautiful tree on the exit Plateau

Sun rising in the slot Area

In college, someone once told me that my first draft is never the best that I have to give. (I studied architecture.) Over the many years since, I have remembered and followed that rule. It was very useful in my career as a ballet dancer / teacher / choreographer. (No, I never became an architect.) However, perhaps, this background has helped me in this "career" as a Las Vegas hiker / hike leader / hike developer. I truly enjoy developing hikes that entertain as well as keep you in condition. The hike in this entry was developed over the course of three explorations and this last track is probably my favorite. So, on a coolish day, pick up your pack and figure this one out. If you recognize a burro trail when you see it, you shouldn't have any problem.

   The Lady Hikers parked at the Harris Slots Trailhead at the base of Harris Springs Road. This is a large parking lot ~13 miles up Kyle Canyon Road from SR 95 on the left. Southwest of the trailhead, is where the slot canyon is located. We stepped up on the raised trail leading out from our car, hiked to the trail sign that says the trail ends there and dropped down to the left. Connecting with the gravel wash, we turned right and hiked up to the slot canyons.

Entering the first Slot

Entrance to the second Slot

Sliver of light through the second Slot

Kay admiring the huge Slot

We hiked through the first slot, through a large open area where it appears that people have camped, then entered the second slot. This slot is more "spooky" (as Sue described it). Darker, longer, and more architectural. Out the other end and facing upwash, we headed in an eleven o'clock direction to the left of the wash. In the distance, there is a canyon opening. Taking advantage of a vague trail through the brush, we headed to this opening and came to the bottom of a beautiful huge waterslide area. The waterslide is made by a rock layer collapse to a slant. We scrambled up to stand on the slanted rock and climbed to the top. This brought us to the bottom end of the Waterslide Wash. Last time we were here, the wash seemed a bit more brushy. This time, we didn't have any trouble staying within the wash as we ascended except for one messy dryfall area. There is an up and around trail for this. As we hiked up the wash, we heard braying in the distance. There, up on the hill on the left side, we saw a lone burro foraging his way up. So, who was he talking to? Later, we saw who. Another burro was on the bank on the right side of the wash. Both burros were far away from us so we were free to gawk at the semi-native creatures.

Starting up the Waterslide Wash

Hiking / Scrambling up Waterslide Wash

Waterslide Wash was touched by the Carpenter One Fire of 2013

Lady Hikers having a fun Time

Finally, a trail appeared on the right side that climbed up the hill to a plateau above. On the plateau, we had to look around a little before we found the burro trail that led across to the descent trail into the very large Harris Springs Canyon wash. Sure enough, we came to the descent trail and it was in good condition. Because it is used by the burros, the trail was very rocky. But, we were careful and made our way down slowly. From this trail we took a good look at the high bank on the other side of the canyon. I was concerned that the ascent trail we last used might be washed off the side of the embankment! From this perspective, we were able to chart our course. It was a different route but one that appeared more solid.

A burro seen foraging on the Hillside

Crossing the plateau to the Harris Springs Canyon Descent

The worn burro trail starting down into the Canyon

Burro trail descending and ascending the Canyon

As you can see in the photo to the left, steepness is involved. But, most of the time, you can count on the burros having it all figured out. We followed their trail down and across the canyon. Then, right up the other side, we found the trail up. The burros gave us a choice to go right or left after the initial climb. We chose right and ended up in the next wash. This wash ran just below an overlook where I had been on previous explorations. We climbed up the wash a little ways and found a trail that switchbacked up to the left. On the overlook road, we took photos and rested. We turned to go up the road to where there are several back roads making a network on top of the ridge running between Harris Canyon and Kyle Canyon. I call it Harris Canyon Ridge.

Overlook view after the canyon Ascent

Following old road on the Ridge

They're watching you!

Old road entering a wooded part of the Ridge

At our first chance, we turned left to continue climbing the top end of the ridge. Passing a group of three burros, we soon entered the only forest up there that the fire of 2013 left standing. Immediately following the forest, we turned left and found a trail that runs along the cliff. As we neared the main ridge road (Erce Rd.), we decided to bushwhack over to it. After a break, we started our straight route back down the ridge on Erce Rd. This led us to a road to the left. Another new part of the hike starts here. We dropped down this road just thirty feet and turned right onto a burro trail. This burro trail took us down to the next flat level of the ridge. The burro trail took us all the way to the end of a point on the ridge. And, ... down the point end, we went.

Prickly Poppy, Rodent skeleton, Artifacts, Skull (dog or cow?)

View from rim Trail

Erce Road Return

Burro trail starting down the exit Plateau

It was a burro trail! No bushwhacking! Wonderful! We loved it as it took us all the way down to the parking lot level. Next, we found our way to the flat raised trail and all the way back to the car. Fantastic! What a ride!

Stats: 6.2 miles; 1000' gain; 4.25 hours

Burro trails range from clear dusty / rocky trails to vague dusty trails that clearly have hoof prints. At some places in the Spring Mountains, these trails can take you to water or just over the next ridge. We love our burros!

Burro trail nearing the point of the exit Plateau

Burro trail descending the point of the Plateau

Joining the raised track back to the Trailhead