Boneshaker Hill / Echo Canyon - 2/24/23

Snow Dusted Red Rock Canyon

North Blue Diamond Hill to White Rock Hills

Across the Desert to the South

Climbing Boneshaker Hill

Yep! It was cold! 28° when we left the cars at the Cowboy Trailhead. We were dressed like we were going to explore the North Pole ... well, we are Las Vegans. But, there was a window in the wind, rain and snow so five of us went out for a hike. A few horses were getting saddled up for a trail ride as we circled around the corral and we headed on out toward the base of Boneshaker Hill. No messing around today. Up the steep hill we went with only a couple of rest breaks before the Boneshaker sign. (Not counting the photo breaks and view checks.) The scenery was awesome. Red Rock was showing off its new universal dusting of snow. The light snow covered all of the escarpment, Red Rock Wash valley and the North Blue Diamond Hill on which we trod. It was just enough snow to enjoy and not so much that hiking in it was slippery.

Escarpment from Boneshaker Climb

Short Rest on Boneshaker Hill

Snow on Trail toward South

Mike and Kay at Boneshaker Sign

At the Boneshaker sign, we veered to the right on the SARS Trail to start across the top portion of the hill. At the first Cave Canyon junction, we followed the trail to the top of the ridge and took the shortcut down the ridge to connect with the SARS Trail, Cave Canyon right fork, 2nd Finger junction. Up to the SARS saddle and down to the top of Echo Canyon, we started down. Reaching the rocks of Echo, we stopped for our break. It was nearing time for the wind to commence. We made quick time (as quick as my unflexible knee could scramble) down the fun canyon. A trail and a few cairns aid in navigating the brush. Before we new it, we were at the bottom and climbing up to the upper corral where three sad horses had been saddled and abandoned ... awww. (They wouldn't even look at us.) Regardless of the cold, we had a really fun hike! Last photo says it all!

Stats: 5.7 miles (with shortcut); 1200' gain; 3.5 hours

Starting down Echo Canyon

Descent of Echo Canyon

Approaching Big Drop

They did it! What a fun bunch!

These maps do not reflect the shortcut between Cave Canyon left and right forks.