Ash Canyon / Calico Hills Loop - 11/22/21

Tenacious Trio in Ash Canyon

From High Point at Base of Red Cap to Ash Canyon Overlook

Grand Circle Trail between Sandstone Quarry and Calico II

Following the Trails to the Base of Ash Canyon

Out for another big scramble, the Tenacious Trio left the Red Spring Trailhead to follow the trails out to the base of Ash Canyon. There are a network of trails in this area but perseverance leads hikers to Ash Canyon on any trail that follows the base of the Calico Hills. For the past several years, our route of choice up Ash Canyon has been the high slab on the left (west) side of the canyon wash. Today, we decided to do the work and scramble up the wash route. As it turns out, there is now a third trail up through the canyon. This is the trail we ended up on. The trail reminded me of the dirt and rock trail that scrambles up to Angel Pass. After passing two groups of young people having a great time on their descent, we found the trail and followed it up to the halfway point on the west side of the canyon.

Dragon Peak

Starting into Ash Canyon

View back in Ash Canyon

Starting up the Ash Canyon Wash half way Up

Here, we dropped to the wash and scrambled up the wash all the way to the top and out at the overlook. Fun, fun, fun! We didn't stop for our break until we were at the base of Red Cap, the high point of the hike. After a rest, we rejoined Rattlesnake Trail and followed the trail and scramble around the north side of the Calico Hills. In this section, we used the small slot canyon which was dry and circled around to junction with the Calico Tanks Trail for a short bit. Instead of following this trail back to Sandstone Quarry, we used the wash route and crossed through the quarry. At the parking lot, we took a short break and continued down toward Calico II on the Grand Circle Trail.

Scrambling up the Wash

Ash Canyon Colors

Nearing the Climb Out

Rita and Mike in repose at High Point

Enjoying the beauty of the colorful sandstone walls to our left, we hiked down the familiar trail at a good pace. When the trail dipped down near the gravel wash, we hiked in and took the wash route beneath Calico II turnout above. This put us on a course for the Old Grand Circle Trail route that climbs through the rocks and up onto a hill. Here, we noticed groups of rock climbers learning their skills on the walls above. Hmm. It's not time for Red Rock Rondezvous! Oohhh. We forgot. It is Thanksgiving week and that's when Red Rock really gets hustling. We looked across the desert and saw that there was a long line of cars coming into the fee station and the large Calico I parking lot was almost full. Thus, the large crowd of rock climbers.

Sandstone view on the Rattlesnake Trail

The Small Slot

Gravel Wash on Rattlesnake Trail

Short rest at Sandstone Quarry

At Calico I, we dropped into the wash and found the blackened slot. At the end, Rita and I chose the rabbit hole while Mike muscled it up the 3rd class way on the left. A photo collage below shows the slot and the up and over and drop that is involved here. Next, we came to the slide. It is a very deep drop right now and we didn't like the looks of it so, we turned to the right and scrambled up and over. Back in the wash, we came to several more interesting scrambles that we've learned over the years. Finally, a trail appeared on the left side of the wash heading up onto the plateau between the wash and the rock wall where there were more rock climbers. This trail is now called the Calico Overlook Trail! It travels through the bouldered petroglyph area and up the side of the embankment. We hiked under the balanced rock and connected with the hill climb up to the saddle, or Calico Overlook. (Someday, that balanced rock is coming down ... I just know it!) On the saddle, we turned to the right and climbed a little more to the next high point. Here, there is a trail that veers off to the left. This trail takes a more gentle descent approaching the Red Spring parking lot.

The Grand Circle Trail between Sandstone Quarry and Calico II

Checking on the Petroglyphs

Starting down the Calico Wash

Lots of Rock Climbers

This is a more challenging loop around the Calico Hills than the traditional loop that includes 5 Stop Hill and the Gateway Canyon / Rattlesnake wash trail. We felt like we really did something when we got back to the car! Fun day!

Stats: 6.5 miles; 1500' gain; 4.5 hours

Through the Slot and Up & Over

Trail through another Petroglyph Area

Finishing on the Trail beneath the Balanced Rock