South Canyon Bike Trail (aka Angel's Landing) - 4/13/23

South Canyon and Bike Trail

Trail Work in South Canyon Narrows

Entering South Canyon on Bike Trail

Windy Morning below SR 160

 When we started out there was a bit of gusty wind and it really didn't die down until we were over halfway through our hike. This was a new hike for us although Rita and I had explored the top part of it a couple of years ago. Ever since then, I had been looking for a better trailhead from where to start and I never did. When NDOT did the construction on SR 160, they neglected to place a more convenient trailhead next to the road nearer South Peak, the southernmost peak in the Red Rock escarpment. I believe other hikers have taken to parking on the side of the road and climbing over the wildlife fence. I didn't want to do that and it turned out that we didn't really need to. Our 6 mile hike was just right!

Nearing South Canyon

Trail Work below SR 160

Bikers, Watch your head!

Nearing Narrows

This hike explored the completion of a bike trail that travels the south side of the South Canyon, on the south side of South Peak! To make a loop, we also used the old powerline road that ran up the north side of the South Canyon. Here, I would like to say that the bikers did an outstanding job on the bike trail portion of this hike while constructing it. The bike trail is not only well constructed but is also made beautiful by the choices they made. Kudos! So, we drove up the dirt road that turns north two roads up from the Late Night Trailhead. Following the road in the direction of South Peak as far as it would take us, we parked right there at a sharp corner where the road turns back on itself. We started hiking toward South Peak in the gravel wash.

South Canyon Narrows

Climbing up on Powerline Road

Powerline Road

Powerline Road

Eventually, we came to the bike trail that crossed the wash and turned left. This trail is very clear and it took us up the south side of the wash then crossed the wash to go along the north side until we reached the narrows of South Canyon. Wishing to ascend via the old powerline road, we turned right on a steep hill and began following the road which is only clear due to the fact that it is much less brushy than anywhere around it. After taking a short cut through the left side, we dropped down into the canyon wash below. The road continues up the wash until it is clear that it begins to climb the hill on the south side of the wash. This hill turned out to be the steepest and longest hill of the day. Along the way to the high point, we crossed the bike trail.

Climbing out of Canyon on Powerline Road

Interesting Trail Stuff

Mike's Canyon to Hollow Rock Peak

Saddle Turnaround Pinnacle

When we crested the top, the road leveled out and we turned right onto another abandoned road we were very familiar with from our hikes to Hollow Rock Peak. Very soon, we came to a very clear turn to the right to reconnect with the bike trail. From here on, the bike trail led us clearly along the side of the canyon. We took a break where it appeared wild burros had bedded down at one point. The trail is beautifully made along the cliffs and out to the end of the bench. From there, it zigzags in bike trail style all the way down to the narrows portion of the canyon where we were before we turned up on the powerline road. Following the same trail, we returned to the original wash and decided to keep going to see where the trail ended up.

Bike Trail above South Canyon

Taking a Break at the Burro Bed

Bike Trail

Bike Trail nears end of Bench

Just after we crossed the wash on the bike trail, we passed by an old car that was covered with sand and gravel many years ago. Someone had placed the required plastic skeleton on the drivers' seat. The trail seemed to be heading in a good direction for most of the way but took a slight turn to the north. Turning east again, the trail followed a long low ridge or berm alongside the washes. Again, we seemed to be going in the correct direction to find our car. Finally, we spied the car not far to the east southeast. A short bushwhack took us down off the berm and back to the car. This was a great hike at just the right distance. Again, kudos to whoever built this beautiful trail!

Starting down to Narrows from Bench

Outstanding Trail Work in Narrows

Canyon Narrows

One Big Red Rock!

If you wish to do the entire bike trail, you would need to start at Mountain Springs Trailhead and do a point to point hike down to the Late Night Trailhead. Either way, we enjoyed our day very much.

Note: RRCNCA has named this trail Angel's Landing akin to the one in Zion NP. From now on, I will use this name.

Stats: 6 miles; 1150' gain; 4 hours

Re-Entering Cottonwood Valley

Possibly a 1958 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser

View from Bike Trail to Calico Hills through Cottonwood Valley