Oak Creek Canyon Loop - 11/10/22

Oak Creek Canyon

Oak Creek Canyon Colors

Oak Creek

Middle Oak Creek Canyon Trail

It was a little chilly as we stepped out of the car in the Scenic Loop exit parking lot but it warmed up quickly as the sun rose. Crossing the Red Rock Scenic Loop, we chose the second trail from the left. There are so many trails leading out from here that it is important to find correct trails. Some of the trails lead to the same place but some don't. Our trail led us one mile into the desert at the base of the escarpment hitting a dirt road. We turned right onto the dirt road, known as the Middle Oak Creek Trail and continued toward the escarpment in front of Rainbow Peak. As we hiked, the trail became rockier and rockier. It gives you a couple of choices but essentially, you want to end up between Rainbow Peak on the right and Oak Creek on the left. There is a lot of red dirt here and is known as "The Red Dirt!"

Reading the Knoll Trail Sign

Rock Climbers on Rainbow Peak

Starting into Oak Creek Canyon

 Trail leads up by the Wall

Continuing on the trail down and over sandstone rocks, we did a little easy scrambling. Above us on the wall called Solar Slab, there were several climbers. The climbers like this wall because it is in the sun for most of the day in the winter. Our trail came to a place where it appears that it may turn right up some rocks. Don't turn right here but do go forward just a tad more and turn right to scramble up to a large tree and boulder at Rainbow Peak wall. The trail continues along the wall in the sun until, finally at the end of the trail, it decides to turn down toward Oak Creek. Again, look for a large tree and boulder along this trail toward Oak Creek and soon you will find yourself dropping into the Sandstone boulders.

Scrambling starts in Oak Creek Canyon

Canyon Sandstone

Turnaround Point

Trail between two Boulders

Oak Creek is unique in that it has huge boulders with round corners leaving very little to grab onto when scrambling up. Requiring use of the whole body at times, it is a lot of fun. We scrambled up the dry creek bed, and I had to climb up and around into the woods on the left side once.  About a 1/4 mile up, we found the "pond." This is a small water hole on top of a large boulder. Not far past this point, there is an area of huge boulders that I don't know the secret to. Maybe the scramble continues up and around on the right side. So here, we rested and took our break and photo. In just a few minutes, we were scrambling back down the boulders. This endeavor was much easier than the ascent. The important thing is to remember which way you came up before. Mike and Ralyn came down through the middle all the way. Rita and I found a cairned trail on the north side that took us to the junction with the trail we came in on.

Large puddle in Colorful Section

Large Puddle in Colorful Section

On the Trail toward Potato Knoll

Returning to the place we came into the creek, we continued down and passed through a very colorful area with a red wall. Just past the wall, we dropped down off of a huge orange boulder. Here, we turned to the right and began the trail that heads toward Potato Knoll. The trail is one of many and not marked, therefore, just hike toward to hill as best you can. After reaching Potato Knoll, the trail leads around the hill on its left (north) side. Ideally, you will cross Oak Creek 3 times and continue up the berm on the left. I never do this section the same and oftentimes I learn ... or relearn ... how to navigate. Find a trail that will then climb up the berm on the north side of Oak Creek and lead you out to the road called Middle Oak Creek Trail. Turn right and take a quick left to get onto the trail leading back to the cars. We had a fun day.

Stats: 6 miles; 600 feet, 4 hours

First Oak Creek Crossing

Last Oak Creek Crossing

Western Bluebird