Ash Canyon Overlook & Gateway Loop - 4/3/10

Thirty- seven hikers gathered for a hike around Red Cap to the Ash Canyon Overlook. Another eight hikers met for a hike up Ash Canyon to continue around through Gateway Canyon. The two hiking groups met for a snack at the top of Ash Canyon. If you look closely at the photo to the left, you can see the larger group waiting at the top as the smaller group crested the Ash Canyon "hump."

Ash Canyon Overlook is a 2.5 mile hike which leaves from Sandstone Quarry, hikes around the Calico Hills and arrives at the top of Ash Canyon with little elevation change and a small amount of scrambling. Guy led this happy group of hikers.

Chris led the smaller group of hikers which included three hikers from Nellis AFB. The Ash Canyon / Gateway Canyon Loop hike is 6 miles with about 1100 feet of elevation gain during the climb up through the boulder-filled canyon.

After parting ways with the larger group who headed back to Sandstone Quarry, the smaller group hiked down to Gateway Canyon, turned right and began their descent through the colorful red and white calico sandstone. The boulders and sides of the canyon were worn smooth from water draining down the canyon wash. A few weeks ago, there was still water to be seen in pools along the way. Now, the canyon is dry.



We hiked all the way down the canyon and around the corner to the right where we began the finish of the hike through the boulder field at the base of Krafft Mountain. The trail took us back to Red Springs via the criss-crossing trails that wind their way through Calico Basin. We all enjoyed our morning.

The picture to the left is for the ladies!







Ash Canyon Overlook

Ash Canyon / Gateway Canyon Loop