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| Sun rises on the Needles from Slickrock Loop |
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| Mesa Sunrise |
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| Slickrock Loop |
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| Sunrise at Needles District |
The forecast for our sixth day on the road trip was a little indecisive. There would be rain in the area but not much so we decided to do our shorter hikes just in case. We started by driving out the park road almost to the end where the River Confluence Trail began. We stopped just short of that for a trail that headed up the sandstone to the right. Because of a comment made by another visitor, we decided this trail was a good place to learn a few things for people that are not desert hikers. For instance, yes, the piles of rock are called cairns and they are there to direct you along a route that cannot be seen on the slickrock (aka sandstone). Constant vigilance is required to follow the cairns and complete the hike safely.
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| Fresh morning Sky |
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| Slickrock |
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| Fab Four on Slickrock Loop |
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| View of Cliffs |
The sun was just coming up and the scenery was morning fresh! We followed the cairns up to where the loop split and decided to go to the right. All along the route, there were several places where hikers could go off trail a little and take in high fun views of the surrounding desert. As long as we didn't go too near the edge, the viewpoints were quite safe. At one point, Tim wanted to go down to a lower level of desert to view over the canyon rim. He and David were very careful to stay in the washes and not step on the ever-present cryptobiotic soil. (Big sister and hiking buddy Rita were watching!) Afterwards, one of the last overlooks actually did include the canyon, Little Spring Canyon. There was a difference of around 500-700 feet between our overlooks and the bottom of the canyon.
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| Rita stands above Cliffs - Tim explores more Slickrock |
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| Mesas and Cliffs |
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| Tim and David go down for a View into Canyon |
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| Needles from Slickrock Loop |
The route circled around the slickrock and back to the trail split. From there, we followed the cairns back to the car. We had taken our time taking in the views and the 3 miles were very relaxing with no rain.
Stats: 3 miles;250' gain; 2.25 hours
Driving back along the park road, we stopped for a picnic lunch and then at the Roadside Ruins. The ruin was likely a well-preserved Anasazi granary. (See last photo.)
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| Little Spring Canyon |
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| Completing the Loop |
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| Roadside Ruin |
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