Around, Up & Over - 4/6/26

Landmine Loop (Black Velvet Canyon in Distance)

Climbing up from Landmine Loop to Hurl (Mt. Potosi in Distance)

Hurl Trail (Sandstone Bluffs in Distance)

Two burros going through fence to Oliver Ranch

Here's an oldie but goodie from my own repertoire. We began from the Wheeler Camp Springs Trailhead and hiked through the opening in the back of the parking lot. Passing the cottonwood growth and springs to the left, we turned through another opening to the right. Immediately to the left, there is a rocky hill to climb to reach the Landmine Loop trail connector. Turn right and continue up and on around to the right. Always watch for bikers. This trail is a favorite for them. Today, we turned to the left and went up and over to the other side of the little ridge opposite to the fenced in Oliver Ranch property but you can also stay on the Landmine Loop until you see the Dave's Driveway sign. Here, you would turn left and start a beautiful hike along the base of the ridge to your left. There are a lot of big boulders that once were part of the Keystone Thrust escarpment across Cottonwood Valley to the right. The views of the escarpment, valley and Calico Hills in the distance, are what Red Rock Canyon NCA boasts on a daily basis.

Blooming Desert Sage (Mt. Wilson in Distance)

Dave's Driveway view Back

Large Keystone Thrust boulders near Dave's Driveway

Three Lady Hikers

Dave's Driveway continues around to the left and when we reached the intersection with a trail that heads left up the hill to the ridge, we were momentarily confused. After a little exploration, we learned that Dave's Driveway continues if you turn to the left here, then turn to the right just a little ways up. Dave's Driveway becomes less worn here but is still interesting and fun to hike. There are a few roly poly hills but the bikers love those! And, eventually, we intersected with the Landmine Loop again. Turning left on this well-worn trail took us around the hills to our left and into a small canyon. We took a break on some rocks and then found the small trail that turns to the left on the left side of the wash. We had to search because the trail seems to have been obliterated in the beginning ... but it IS there. The trail crosses the wash and begins a vague switchy path up the hillside to the right. There are choices here but, at the top, we ended up junctioning with the Hurl Trail and turned left. Not far from here, we topped out just before the Hurl Backdoor Trail and the sandstone outcrop where we take breaks sometimes.

Dave's Driveway

Hiking Dave's Driveway

Joining Landmine Loop

Breakpoint 

Again, the views! Wow! So, just after passing the sandstone outcrop on the left, we started crossing a saddle of sorts. Look hard and find a vague animal trail that will connect you to a trail that leads straight down the steep ridge on the left. There are two or three vague trails that will take you to the ridge descent. Now, we had to deal with a steep and slippery trail down the ridge. Entirely doable. Just go slow. So, slowly the three of us made our way down the ridge trying not to slip and fall. It was a long process but, finally at the bottom, we hiked down the wash and passed the two rusted wrecked cars. The second car was the famed "Flower Power" car. Following the trail on the embankment on the left, we were soon on the Landmine Loop once again. This time, we had completed our loop and finished the hike back to the cars at the trailhead. This is a very nice, beautiful, and somewhat challenging hike. We all agreed that we should do it again soon!

P.S. Even though the description might sound complicated, the maps should help you understand more clearly.

Stats: 6 miles; 925' gain; 4.25 hours

Ascent "Trail" from Landmine Loop to Hurl

Long descent ridge from Hurl to Landmine Loop

Old abandoned Cars (Flower Power Car in the Back)