Dragon / Gateway Loop (with new approach) - 4/18/26

Heading into lower Gateway Canyon

From Dragon Canyon to Ash Meadows and North Blue Diamond Hill

From top of Rattlesnake Canyon to Gray Cap and Damsel Peaks

Dragon Peak in morning Light

There is a loop hike / scramble out of Calico Basin that many of us enjoy in many ways and routes. Taking a look at the traditional loop, I decided it could be improved by changing the beginning. Three Lady Hikers parked at the lower end of the Kraft Mountain Trailhead in Calico Basin and started out the trail next to the large sign. We headed straight toward Kraft Mountain and the boulder field used largely by rock climbers that practice their skills and have a great day with friends. Nearing the mountain, there is a trail junction sign where we turned left. We decided to stay on the most worn trail and not venture up into the boulders. It was a beautiful morning and the colors of Kraft and Dragon Peaks were striking.

West Kraft boulder Field

Sue and Susan hiking along boulder Field

A canyon in Dragon Peak

Sue and Kay hiking the Slab Trail

Eventually, we came to the 5-Stop Hill area and joined the most used trail that runs from the parking lot to the dreaded climb up to Kraft Saddle. Not staying on that trail for long, we turned to the left onto a trail that climbs up to the top end of a ridge that comes from the center of Calico Basin. At that time, we were nearing the base of Dragon Peak. Our target was the mouth of Dragon Canyon so we continued across the base of the mountain on a seldom used trail that uses sandstone slab to go up and over another ridge. Finally, we had approached the canyon where there were at least two trails offering to take hikers up into the colors. Deciding to take the wash trail to start, we climbed up the middle of the canyon.

Turning the corner to Dragon Canyon

A few tough Scrambles

Dragon Canyon

Climbing Dragon Canyon

There are some good class 2.5 scrambles inside the wash. The canyon trail parallels closely to the right. We only used the trail once during the initial climb, however, near the top, we decided to take the trail up all the way to one of the highest crossovers to Dragon Saddle. What a thrill! We actually came out about 20' higher than the saddle and had to make our way carefully down. By using the higher trail, we avoided climbing up a choice of steep scree-filled trails or difficult wash scrambles. We reached the saddle and had the place to ourselves. Colorful views everywhere! Dragon Saddle lies between the deep part of Ash Canyon and the top regions of Dragon Canyon. We stopped here for our group photo.

View back down Ash Canyon

Lady Hikers on the Dragon Saddle

Ash Canyon with side trails and Red Cap at Top

Peering over the side into Ash Canyon

Moving on, we could still see the recently maintained trail under us and we followed it across the sandstone slab. It led into the limestone gravel and earth making a few dips and climbs just above Ash Canyon to the left. As we continued to follow this trail, we hiked at a climbing traverse above Ash Canyon that took the three of us all the way up to the top of the canyon. Another way to have fun is to drop into the canyon's wash and climb up through to the very top. We were already going to be sore enough so we stayed on the trail! At the top, we took in the views and enjoyed a snack break. Turtlehead Peak rose from the limestone directly across from Ash Canyon to the west. To the southwest, the yellow sandstone walls rose up to Red Cap. Dragon Peak still reigned to what was now our east. After the break, it was time to descend. We dropped around to the right into Rattlesnake Canyon, a small canyon that connects to Gateway Canyon further on. (It's trail also continues part way down Gateway Canyon to make a loop around Dragon Peak.)

Beginning the Ash Canyon side Trail

From the side Trail

Arriving at the top of Ash Canyon

Taking a break at the top of Ash Canyon

The Rattlesnake Trail is a nice trail down through the small canyon wash. Ahead of us and above, Gray Cap can be seen. Being part of the collective Keystone Thrust, Gray Cap is a limestone peak sitting atop huge mounds of yellow and red sandstone. At this angle, there is no mistake about where Gray Cap is located! See the photo below. We reached Gateway Canyon, turned right and immediately started scrambling again! Most of us locals have done the Gateway Boogie many times so we know the scrambles and their choreography like the back of our hands ... (where did that mole come from?). The thing is, this canyon can change from year to year due to rains carrying the boatloads of gravel from scramble to scramble.

Rattlesnake Trail with Gray Cap Above

Sue tackles the first Slider

Another Scramble

Carpet of Gravel

This year, the gravel had landed in our favor ... for the most part. The first significant drop is a sliding rock that you find on the left side of a big boulder in the middle of the wash. We got down to a certain point then let 'er rip! (Hopefully not our pants!) It's quite fun! But you have to aim for the stacked rocks at the bottom that are sometimes there and sometimes not. Nevertheless, your choice is a nasty downclimb over to the right. What fun! The next significant drop is through some medium sized boulders. Not difficult. Next comes a whole lot of gravel to crunch down through as you pass the Rattlesnake Trail junction to the right. (Here is where we passed several tourist types trying to figure out how to finish the Kraft Mountain CCW Loop. If you can, try to show them the trail junction. It is not marked at this time.)

Lower Gateway Canyon

A six-part scramble Descent

The end of the six-part Scramble

Susan nearing the end of the Wash

After the Gravel Crunch, the scrambles come a little closer together. Stay on the right side of the canyon for best results on two of the harder scrambles. This was where the gravel was situated in our best interests. The last big scramble had a gravel dump that raised the bottom of the canyon about 3-4 feet. (Of course, this is referring to where the gravel level was for many years before 2023. Remember Hurricane Hilary?) After this last scramble, there is only a few more medium scrambles before you finally reach the Kraft Mountain Loop Trail meeting the wash on the right side. This is the best way to exit the wash and follow trails back to the car. Usually, you can see rock and boulder climbers along the trail but we didn't see any on this hike. Strike that! There were some rock climbers playing high above the left side of the wash about midway down. And, we did hear voices coming from the rocks and crevices of Kraft Mountain on the right side! Anyway, we followed the trail all the way around and back to the very first junction sign of the hike. Turning left, we started back to the cars. Btw, please do not short cut this last corner from the loop. You would be crossing private property. It was a great day! I'm going to be sore!!!

Stats: 5 miles; 1300' gain; 4.5 hours

Starting on the trail circling east end of Kraft Mountain

Leopard Lizard

Finishing view of Dragon Peak