Butterfly Loop - 1/21/23

Goatroper Trail heading Up

Ebb 'n' Flow heading Down

Canyon 5 Wash

Trail above Canyon 5 Wash

The Blue Diamond, NV area is always a good place to go on a Saturday when everything "Red Rock scenic loop" is packed with visitors. The Fearsome Foursome (plus one) parked at the Wheeler Camp Spring Trailhead and crossed SR 159. To find this trailhead from the north, pass Spring Mountain Ranch and Bonnie Springs on the right. Pass the entrance to Oliver Ranch (unsigned) and pass a big brown sign telling us to not feed the burros. Right after the sign, there is a driveway to the right. Be careful of the bumps if you have a low car. If you are coming from south SR 159, pass the main entrance to Blue Diamond (left) and the mine trucking road (right) and the trailhead driveway will be on your left. Much of it is hidden behind bushes and trees.

Trail leading above a deep part of Canyon 5

Transitioning from Canyon 

Zigzagging up to the Goatroper Ridge

Still smiling at Trail Junction

There is a treasure trove of hiking and biking trails to find on both sides of SR 159 here. We chose the north side of the road and made a route track that appears similar to a butterfly ... thus the name. We utilized the trail that proceeded up the canyon and on up to the rim on the west side. There is a thrill hiking above the deep canyon for a couple of minutes then the bike path wiggles itself up the hill to make a left turn toward the ridge in the near distance. This is the Goatroper Trail. There are three long trails along this ridge and beyond; Goatroper, Ebb 'n' Flow and (the unfortunate biker name) Flow Job. Our Butterfly Loop climbs up to the first saddle on the ridge using Goatroper. After a break to enjoy the views, we bushwhacked down the west side to the canyon where Ebb 'n' Flow awaits. This trail crosses the canyon wash and we took a left here. Watch for bikers coming up behind you as this is a one way trail in your direction.

Climbing

Sandstone Bluffs from Saddle

Fearsome Foursome on Goatroper Trail

Needs no Words!

Ebb 'n' Flow circles around the small ridge on the east with loop-de-lous that bikers love. Finally, it drops down into the desert below to cross between the Goatroper above and SR 159 below. The trail ends where the first trail comes out of the wash. We dropped back to the wash and hiked out. All the icy mud from the morning had turned into muddy mud and our shoes slipped and slid. Although somewhat short, this route provides a good workout with nice views on a very busy Saturday at Red Rock Canyon NCA. Check out the butterfly shape of the track below!

Stats: 4.6 miles; 700' gain; 2.75 hours

Rita leading the Pack

Ebb 'n' Flow traversing above Canyon 6

Steep spot on Ebb 'n' Flow