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| Waterfall in Waterfall Canyon |
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| Bighorn Sheep |
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| Waterfall Canyon |
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| Petroglyphs & Pictographs |
Spring Break! Beautiful weather! A bunch of happy hikers! What's not to love?
Waterfall Canyon is one of very few places in Red Rock Canyon NCA that has water flowing in it year round. It is not on the list of official trails likely because the canyon goes 1/4 mile into the La Madre Wilderness from Rocky Gap Road. When hiking this trail, always remember that the wilderness must be preserved. Leave it the way it was when you got there! A bunch of hikers did exactly that today.
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| Starting up Red Rock Wash |
We arrived at the Willow Springs parking lot off of the Red Rock Scenic Loop early enough to not have competition from the Spring Breakers that were there when we left.
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| Bighorn Sheep |
Our first goal was to hike over to the petroglyphs and pictographs located across Red Rock Wash from the end of the Willow Springs paved parking lot.
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| Red Rock Wash |
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| Bighorn Sheep Group Shot |
This trail is very well marked so we got our photos then dropped into the wash and started up. Red Rock Wash is unusual in that the rocks within it are very colorful sandstone. It is also wide and isn't difficult to scramble up. We were doing so about 50 yards up when we startled (and they startled us back) three bighorn sheep about 10 yards in front of us. They took off pretty fast and climbed the hill on the left side of the wash. It was there that they slowed down and we were able to get our fill of photos. Actually, they kind of looked like they didn't really know their way around on this hillside so we just enjoyed the show!
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| One of Many Beautiful Rocks in Red Rock Wash |
We continued up the wash in the sun. Surprisingly, it was quite warm so when we hit the shade, it felt delicious!
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| Someone's been building in the wash! |
Red Rock Wash is one of the most beautiful and enjoyable washes in Red Rock yet it doesn't get a lot of attention. However, there were a few signs that hikers do come around!
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| Enjoying the Effort |
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| Scrambling |
Our long line of hikers stayed together. It was a good group. We weaved our way up until we saw the "mountain island" in front of us. The two trails up to Rocky Gap Road led up to the right in this area just before and/or right after the rock outcrop on the right side before you get too near the island. We followed the trail after the outcrop up through the bushes and loose rock. We gathered on the road ready to start the next part of the hike. Not too far up the road, we came to the Waterfall Canyon junction. We were surprised to see that there was no water crossing the road like there usually is.
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| Climbing Out to Rocky Gap Road |
Our fears were quelled when we started up the canyon and saw that there was plenty of water draining down in the small V of the canyon.
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| Starting up Waterfall Canyon |
There are several waterfalls within the canyon ... thus the name. Today, there was a lot of algae as well. Therefore, the red sandstone underneath the water flow was covered in most places.
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| First Canyon Scramble |
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| Waterfall Canyon Trail |
To follow the trail up the canyon, there are a few water crossings, several scrambles over ridges of slippery limestone and one or two steep "up and arounds." Keep your eyes peeled for the nuances of the trail or you will get stuck on the wrong side of the canyon very easily and have to back track or do some unplanned scrambling. It is also best to keep your feet as dry as possible for better traction. Soon ... too soon ... we saw the 30 footer ahead. This was the snack break turnaround point. We came to its base then climbed up to the top on the right side of the canyon.
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| Scramble over Slippery Limestone |
After our break, the scramble down from the top of the waterfall was slow going but then the group spread out finding their own way back down the canyon.
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| Kay at 30' Waterfall |
The trail seems to be more easily deciphered on the descent. Then we gathered again at Rocky Gap Road.
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| Climbing to Top of Big Waterfall |
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| Above Big Waterfall |
We made sure that all were accounted for then started down the two miles of road. Lots of talking! Pretty good pace. When we returned to the parking lot, it was pretty much chaos! Cars everywhere! Really people? Can't you park better than that? Anywho, there were plenty of cars anxious to grab our spots so we signed out and left. What a rush! Great day. Great hike. Great fun.
4.25 miles; 900 feet elevation gain; 3 hours
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| Taking a Break at the Top of 30' Waterfall |
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| Descending Waterfall Canyon |
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| Descending Rocky Gap Road |
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