Moenkopi / Calico I Loop - 10/31/17

Calico Hills

Wilson Cliffs

Moenkopi Trail

Hiking over to Calico I

 The Moenkopi Loop is, perhaps, the easiest trail in the Red Rock Canyon NCA. It is only 2 miles. Fourteen hikers added to that a hike over to the new Calico I turnout for a 3.3 mile loop today. We started at the lowest tier of parking at the BLM Visitor Center and took on a leisurely pace with several stops to comply with the requirements for an Around the Bend Friends "Easy" hike. We climbed the steps to the Memory Garden start of the Moenkopi Loop. There are a few signs along the trail that give interesting facts about a few of the species of wildlife found in our beautiful desert.

South Calico Hills from Moenkopi Trail

 The sky was blue and the temperature was just under warm. ... Perfect!

First Crossing of Scenic Loop

 After passing the weather anemometer, we turned right. This is the lower section of the Moenkopi Loop. Soon, the trail presents a fork.

Turtlehead Peak and the Calico Hills

Informational Sign at Calico I

 The left fork continues the Moenkopi Loop. We took the right fork and crossed the Scenic Loop. The trail took us up to the ridge above the Calico Wash then on to the newly constructed Calico I turnout. At Calico I, about half of the group dropped down to the lower overlook then returned after a few minutes. The rest of the group stayed at the top and took in the view up there. After regrouping, we headed up to the top end of the turnout where there is a crosswalk painted on the Scenic Loop pavement. This is where a new trail has been constructed to take the place of an old one. We followed this trail down passing the old trail junction.

Hiking down to the Lower Overlook

 Next, the trail turned right at the junction of the remaining Moenkopi Loop. This section began a gentle climb up to the top of Moenkopi Hill.

Trail from Calico I to Moenkopi Hill

 Along the way, we noted the remnants of the 2005 desert burn. We also talked a little about how the moenkopi rock layer was formed from seabed shells and silt.

Bridgepoint Peak from Moenkopi Hill

View from Moenkopi Hill to North Calico Hills

 We followed the moenkopi layer up the hill then took our break at the top. The view from the top of this hill is very expansive since the hill sits right in the middle of the wide area known as Red Rock Canyon. On one side, there are the colorful Calico Hills. On the other side, there is the intimidating escarpment that some call the Wilson Cliffs. After the break, we followed more moenkopi rock layer down the other side of the hill then returned to the parking lot. Beautiful and relaxing morning among friends.

3.3 miles; 350 feet elevation gain; 2 hours

Snack Break on Moenkopi Hill

Moenkopi Layer Underfoot

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