The Muffins / Skull Canyon Loop - 11/18/24

AtBF taking the trail out to the Muffins (above R)

Trail above Skull Canyon

Colorful horses in the Corral

Desert approach to the Muffins Trail

Eleven club hikers came out for a nice 5 mile loop hike from the Cowboy Trails Trailhead. It was a chilly morning but was soon to be good cool hiking weather. We hiked past the horse corral noticing that there were a lot of colorful horses and mules this year waiting to be ridden. We took the trail that headed straight over the desert to the Blue Diamond Hill ridge that held "The Muffins." These are large rock outcrops made from conglomerate that sit "stacked" on the end of the northernmost ridge. The 1.5 mile hike up to the rocks is a popular hike among many locals, as well. The desert trail took us over to the mouth of Skull Canyon and started up the hill. Soon, we took a turn left to continue.

Doug climbs the Muffins Trail

Sunrise on Calico Basin as seen from Trail

The Muffins sit atop Blue Diamond Hill

Sue and Susan reach the Muffins

The Muffins Trail starts climbing at this point with intermittent straight flat sections. It also traverses the contours of the ridge cliffs to the right. The group stayed mostly together but a few hikers separated to get the hike they came for. Near the top, the trail reaches the end of the ridge and balances the ridge the rest of the way to the Muffins. As we reached the Muffins Overlook, we took our rest and waited for everyone to do the same. Before too long, we started hiking further up along the ridge. On this hike, we took a trail to the right. This trail circled around the high point of the ridge and ended at a saddle. Instead of turning left and hiking up to the Old Las Vegas Overlook as seen on the maps below, we turned right and hiked down to the top of Skull Canyon for our break.

Red Cactus Barrels sit among the Muffins

Doug admires the Muffins and the surrounding Views

Kay admires the Las Vegas View (albeit hazy)

Red Rock Campground below the Muffins

The trail down Skull Canyon is pretty but it is very slippery at times. Hikers have to be careful on the short descents. Sometimes, hikers choose to scramble down the wash in the center of the canyon just to avoid some of the more precarious sections. On this hike, we stayed on the trail and went as slow as necessary. It appeared everyone was just fine with that choice. John W. was a very patient leader and took care that everyone stayed safe.

Wilson and Rainbow Peaks from the Muffins

Continuing the Muffins Trail around to a saddle above Skull Canyon

Diving into Skull Canyon

Skull Canyon Trail upper Portion

At the bottom of the canyon, the walls grew tall and the wash grew deep. The trail circled around the side. We passed the junction with the Muffins Trail and continued down a couple of switchbacks. Finally, we were on the desert trail again. Passing the horses, we returned to the cars. Very nice hike.

Stats: 5 miles; 1200' gain; 3.5 hours

Sponge fossils in limestone of Skull Canyon Wash

Skull Canyon Trail along Skull Canyon Wash

Returning to the Muffins Trail Junction