Ash Canyon / Gateway Canyon Loop - 2/4/23

Standing on the White Rock Mid-Point of Ash Canyon

Peering into the top of Ash Canyon

Yellow Stripes of Lower Gateway Canyon

From Trailhead to Ash Meadows

Probably the most challenging hike/scramble we have done since the knee surgery, Ash Canyon / Gateway Canyon Loop spends most of its time within the La Madre Wilderness boundary. For hikers, this means there is a limit to the number of folks that can hike this trail at the same time. It also means that this route is legally protected from vandals and rock collectors, among other things. Always practice "Leave no Trace" when hiking anywhere. The La Madre Wilderness boundary runs right up the middle of Ash Canyon then contains all of Gateway Canyon with the boundary running from the south end of both (and northward). Keep these things in mind when climbing into this beautiful and colorful terrain.

Climbing into the Mouth of Ash Canyon

Mike scrambles into the Red Rock

Exposure Begins

Waiting on Kay!

Since this is a challenging canyon to hike, it isn't often that large groups attempt it. Our group of four and a half met only one other hiker within the walls. She was on her way down. We started at the Kraft Mountain Trailhead and walked the length of the gravel road at the end of the parking area. Trails took us through Ash Meadows and up to the bottom of Ash Canyon. We hiked up and into the canyon wash on a trail that lies on the right side. Not long after entering the wash, we saw a worn trail on the left side. Even though there are countless ways to climb Ash Canyon, we chose this trail today; perhaps doable with this new knee of mine. The trail led up the left side of the canyon providing scrambles and exposure at times.

Just a little more Exposure

Climbing up to the Mid-Point

On the Trail above the Wash

On the Trail above the Canyon Source

Odie chose Ralyn's path. Mike and Rita went for the harder scrambles and I went for what my knee could do! Sometimes, they were all waiting for me on top of a rise! We all arrived at the mid-point white rock near the same time and were rewarded with gorgeous views. Next, we dropped into the wash on the trail leaving the other side of the mid-point. Wanting to get some photos of the wash, I paralleled the others as they climbed along the trail above. Ash Canyon is very colorful and the wash can be climbed all the way up to its source. We reconvened at the Ash Canyon Overlook where we took our break and group photo. It was a beautiful day with very calm wind and temps in the high 50s. 👍 We are so ready for spring! Who isn't?

Fearsome Foursome ... and a Half ... at Ash Canyon Overlook

Rattlesnake Trail from Ash Canyon Overlook to Gateway Canyon (Gray Cap above)

The Rock Slide in Gateway

Mike strolls through the Rocks

After the break, we followed the right-most trail down to the wash that leads to Gateway Canyon. This is part of the Rattlesnake Trail. Be careful! The limestone rocks are slippery in this wash. No falling here today but I have fallen before. At the junction with Gateway Canyon, we turned right. Again, be reminded that the limestone rocks are a lot less forgiving than the sandstone in Ash Canyon. We dropped down the rock slide and hiked down a long portion of gravel wash. Hikers were starting to appear coming from the other direction. Yep! It's a beautiful Saturday at Red Rock! At the end of this, we entered into the colorful display of Lower Gateway Canyon and met the familiar scrambles one by one.

Entering the Color of Lower Gateway Canyon

Shaded Color

Top of Large Drop (Don't go that way!)

Odie and Ralyn handle Pickle Rock like Champs

Little Odie was a champ with every obstacle. We all wished we had his 4WD. Passing several hikers on the way down, we handled all the scrambles then veered to the right onto the Kraft Mountain Loop Trail. Here, we passed many many boulder climbers hiking around Kraft Mountain, most of them with their crash pads strapped to their shoulders in preparation for today's fun! The rock climbers were crowded around every single boulder they could find to lay out their pads and sharpen their skills. I've never seen so many in one day! Fantastic scramble!

Stats: 4.7 miles; 900' gain; 3.75 hours

More Lower Gateway Color

Exiting Gateway Wash onto Kraft Mountain Loop Trail

Hiking through Climbing Boulders on the Southwest Side of Kraft Mountain