Fern Canyon Overlook via Red Rock Wash - 4/7/22

Fern Canyon Overlook from Cantilevered Rock

Bridge Mountain as seen from the Overlook

Trail above the Deep Canyons

Early Morning in Red Rock Wash

There is one place in Red Rock Canyon NCA that has views like no other. It is found up where the limestone meets the sandstone in the Keystone Thrust. Yes, these views are common up in the nether regions of the south end of the Sandstone Bluffs. But, uncommon are the views on the north end. Up behind the formidable Bridge Mountain. Up above the top ends of Ice Box Canyon and Fern Canyon. Occupying the elevations between 6600' and 6800', there is a hike with these views known to only tough Las Vegas hikers. Today, six of those hikers braved the early morning cold winds of the Willow Springs Trailhead and headed uphill in the colorful Red Rock Wash. We were not to be cold for long.

Sun rises behind Us

Snoopy's Nose rises above Red Rock Wash

A Scramble in Red Rock Wash

Steep climb up Ridge

Not always having an equally tough vehicle, we have taken quite well to scrambling up the wash to get to the North Peak Trailhead. Today, the flowers were beginning to bloom and the wash was decorated with colorful flowers to add to its colorful rocks. We methodically climbed the wash that presents a trail of its own through the gravel and larger rocks. Even when you pass through the spring area, the trail is worn on the right side. After climbing up the white rock slide, our initial journey came to a close when we reached the North Peak Trail crossing our path. After a small break, we turned to the left and began the ascent up the one mile steep and unforgiving trailing ridge.

Red Rock Flowers are coming Out

From Ascent Ridge to Red Rock Summit

North Peak Ascent Trail

Griffith Peak from Dragon Rock

Two thirds of the ridge trail is on a limestone layer of the Keystone Thrust overlaid with dirt. Sandstone is found not too far below the surface and makes its appearance on the last third of the climb. We tried to cover our labor with small talk and laughter but there were times when gasping for air took over! When that started, we stopped and let our legs relax for a moment, drank some water and proceeded. Talk, laugh, gasp, relax and repeat. One mile can be a long way! Finally, we made it to the top where the main ridge runs from North Peak (Limestone) down to North Peak (Sandstone). In the middle of this lengthy escarpment ridge is Dragon Rock. It sits on the limestone / sandstone line. 

Great group of Hikers!

Fern Canyon Overlook Trail

Terrain above Ice Box Canyon

Ice Box Canyon Overlook

We hiked over to Dragon Rock and rested for just a moment ... until the cold cross wind begged us to put on jackets and gloves. We thought it might be cold and windy where we were going. It wasn't. Ready to continue, we dropped down the other side of the ridge  where there were a couple of cairns on the sandstone and found the worn trail that runs along the tree line. Immediately, we were stunned by the wide open views of colorful sandstone. A shallowish fork of Ice Box Canyon dropped below us on the left, wide and light in color. The trail circled around the entire top end of this canyon then encroached upon the top reaches of Ice Box Canyon, itself. This canyon was very much deeper.

Gorilla Rock (don't ask us!)

Ice Cube Canyon

Circling around to Overlook

Arriving at Fern Canyon Overlook

The trail of dirt and cairns led us above the more dangerous route of tilted slab sandstone covered with small pebbles a little lower. (It's up to you, I guess, if you want to take that chance.) Next, we passed the Gorilla Rock area where rock outcrops are large and lumpy. The following canyon is the rock climbers' Ice Cube Canyon; a fork on the other side of Ice Box Canyon ... deep and sided with curtain-like sandstone. Our trail continued around with a final stint to the left side of a large red rock outcrop. Finishing the circle around the red, we came to Fern Canyon Overlook, a place where you can stand almost 2000' above the floor of the canyon below. It is best to watch your step here!

The Overlook

Settling in for a Break at the Overlook

Bridge Mountain from the Overlook Area

Taking a Break at the Overlook

We took our break with Bridge Mountain Peak rising up to our level 3/4 mile away. The hike to that peak starts at this overlook, loses 500' then regains those 500' in elevation. (But, the best part is in how you do that!) We finished our break with a group photo and retraced our steps back to Dragon Rock. We drank in the views as much as we could. Another rest at the rock landmark gave us the energy to tackle the steep downhill trail to Rocky Gap Road. Finding the trail from the top is tricky but Mike helped us find our bearings.

Six Hikers

Returning above the Canyons

Las Vegas from Trail

North Peak Sandstone from Dragon Rock

Down the sandstone. Down the limestone. Down the slippery sections. ... And, there are many. Finally, we hit the wash. It was decided that we would descend from the North Peak Trailhead via Rocky Gap Road. The road would be half a mile longer, easier on the knees and a lot more difficult on the feet but probably faster than the scramble down the wash. All true. When we reached Willow Springs, the trailhead was bustling. Spring is like that in Red Rock! Excellent day! Excellent group of hikers!

Stats: 9.2 miles; 3000' gain; 6.5 hours

Descending the Ridge

Arriving at Rocky Gap Road

2.5 miles down Rocky Gap Road