Red Springs Loop - 1/19/23

View up to Angel Pass

Full Tinaja below Calico II

Accidental Illusion

Starting north from Red Spring Picnic Area

It was a late last minute decision to take advantage of what turned out to be a nice day before the next day that would be full of harsh cold wind. Three of us scrambled ourselves together and arrived at the Red Spring Picnic Area just before 11am. The sky was still blue and the wind was calm. We had on layers of clothing with Odie in tow. (Or, should I say, Odie had us in tow.) Although it appeared that other hikers were finishing their hike, there were also hikers, like us, that were just arriving. We set out to go north along the trails at the eastern base of the Calico Hills. This is a route that we have all done many times but the views never cease to impress. We turned the corner heading into Angel Pass Canyon and were met with water flowing down the wash.

Water draining from Angel Pass

First Scramble

Odie in a Pickle

Western view from Angel Pass Summit

Gingerly, we continued up the striped rock on the left side of the stream and crossed just before we came to the scramble wall. The wall is a good place to begin the climb up to the pass. Suffice it to say, there are many different routes worn into the hillside among the rock. They all get you there. Today, we chose what looked good to us and weaved our way up. (Yes, the new knee scrambles just fine!) We took a short break when we arrived at the pass summit and saw that the expected clouds were coming in from the west. The descent on the west side of the pass is also a maze of trails but they are not so forgiving. Still, to this day, I find myself trying one or two routes that dead end. I return and try again somewhere else! 

Descent Maze

Well-Dressed Trio

Should we go that way, Odie?

Connecting with Trail below Calico II

All paths seem to lead to the angel carving and we took our photo there. Weaving our way on down the widening canyon, we climbed up on the rock on the left to the right of the tinaja-filled wash on the left. (Try to keep up!) Up and over this overlook of sorts and we were back in the wash on the other side effecting a left turn below the Calico II turnout of the Scenic Loop above us. Normally, we continue our scramble down the wash and up the hill between the wash and the Calico Hills. Back in the wash below Calico I turnout, we usually scramble all the way down to the south side of the red rock. Today, since I am still regaining strength, I chose the trail instead. I didn't hear any complaints! Even Odie was down with that!

Trail approaching Calico I

Hidden Waterfall

Rock Formation south of Calico I

Following Trail on South End of Calico Hills

We followed the trail up and over the Calico I Overlook then down and up around large sandstone rock formations. We saw "ponds" down in the wash and were glad we hadn't chosen that route. Even that waterfall that you have to go around in the wash route had water stains. We continued until the trail crossed the wash and led up through the petroglyph site. There were climbers on the wall in the dihedral. We climbed up to the overlook above the boardwalk and on up to the high point of that ridge. A gentle trail led us down from there to the parking lot. Our route was not exactly as the maps show below but the differences are minute. We were all very glad we squeezed this one in!

Stats: 3.5 miles; 1000' gain; 2.25 hours

Old and Damaged Petroglyphs

Learning the Dihedral

Summit above Red Spring Picnic Area