Lower Deer Creek Canyon Loop - Burro Trail 2 - 10/31/20

Lower Deer Creek Canyon (Mummy Mountain in Background)

Mama and Baby on Burro Hill

Morning Light on Mummy Mountain

Joshua Tree fallen into Wash

Two of us went out Saturday for an exploration of Burro Trail 2, a hike that culminates in an overlook of Lower Deer Creek Canyon then drops through a small rocky forked wash. The hike turned out to be yet another fun find in the lower elevations of the Spring Mountains complete with a sighting of seven or eight burros. The adult burros are really special this year. A few are colored a bright silver and we wondered if they were sired by the white burro that we have observed in the past as somewhat of a loner. As we found out the week before, the white burro is no longer a loner but a protector of his ladies, children, and grandchildren! But, how beautiful his genes have made the earth!! (See the second photo!) By the way, the white male is the burro that was snorting at us repeatedly last week.

Following Wash down to Burro Trail (Apache Plume in Distance)

We parked at the Fleabane Road Trailhead found 8.8 miles up Lee Canyon Road from SR-95. This is almost up to MM 8 on the right side of the road where a trailing rocky ridge comes down to the pavement.

Rock Overlook

The elevation 6000 sign is also found just past the trailhead. From there, we crossed the pavement and dropped into the wash on the other side. We considered going through the culvert but there is a drop of about 5 feet on the other side.

Rita watches burros on Burro Hill

Burro Hill Profile

As we hiked down the wash, we saw that there were several joshua trees that had been uprooted by the last big rainstorm in July 2020. (The only big rainstorm in the summer of 2020.) These trees still had roots on them and we hoped that there were a couple of roots in the ground. The first sign of hiker/ equestrian life was a cairn set on the right side of the wash past some cliffs. This sort of threw us off since we were expecting a clear burro trail. We went ahead and climbed the hill to only later find the burro trail that we had wanted was a little further down. We'll know next time. Anyway, there is a good burro trail that leaves the wash on the right side as the hill above starts to lower itself down.

Following Burro Trail down into Burro Valley

At the top of the first climb, there is a stone outcrop serving as an overlook of Burro Hill. And, sure enough, two burros snorted at us from this vantage point. On the outcrop, there are a couple of buckets in the stone that probably catch and hold water for the wildlife.

Burros in Burro Valley

Now, on the burro trail, we dropped down near the canyon wash below and followed the burros which were pretty far away and had come down from the hill. They kept an eye on us!

Burro Valley to Burro Hill to Desert NWR

View down Deer Creek Canyon

We had to continuously watch our GPS track to make sure that we were staying on the best trail when it would fork here and there. We crossed a wide shallow wash then went up and over a berm to another valley. Before, we dropped into the valley, we saw that there were four burros coming straight toward us on our trail in the distance. As far as we could tell, they did not know we were there so we stepped off the trail and gave them plenty of room should they keep coming. They turned out to have made a detour to their right and began grazing on bushes. When we knew that we would not disturb them, we continued down the trail and crossed what we would call Burro Valley. Up the other side of the valley and over one more ridge, we came to Deer Creek Canyon.

Burro Trail leading into Deer Creek Canyon

There is a trail that runs along the southeastern rim of Deer Creek Canyon. We turned right onto this burro trail and started hiking along the canyon amazed by the awesomeness of this simple large canyon.

Deer Creek Canyon from Break Spot

There is a dirt road that runs along the bottom of the canyon up until the canyon narrows into brush. A few precarious burro trails suggest ways the animals proceeded into the canyon to find water.

Rita enjoys the Break - Trail into Canyon to Right

Trail leading to Jackrabbit Junction Wash

But, when we got to the right turn junction that we sought, there was the best trail leading down to the end of the road below. This trail traversed the side of the canyon for some length before it reached the bottom and it would be possible for hikers to use this as a grand stairway. We stopped here for a break with a view. Afterwards, we turned an about face and started out a burro trail that headed into some rolly polly hills. It was difficult to follow the trail and we accidentally ended up heading into the first rocky canyon on the right. We retraced our steps and found our way over to the second rocky canyon from the wash below Jackrabbit Junction. This canyon met the first canyon in a fork below. They were both beautiful, fun and recently super washed out! This is where we found the only other cairn of the morning.

Dropping into Canyon Fork Area

We hiked through the canyon taking a look-see at the other canyon as we passed. Then, we followed the wash out to another burro trail that led to the left. Again, we lost our main trail and found it later with the help of the GPS track.

Canyon Fork Area

Once we were back on the correct trail, it took us back over toward Lee Canyon past Burro Hill at a higher elevation. We saw a few more juniper trees at this elevation to add to the joshua trees and blackbush.

Canyon Fork Area

Hiking down Canyon

I was constantly checking the GPS track to make sure I was where I wanted to be so if anyone wants to explore this part of the desert, make sure that you do some research and use a GPS. This last burro trail led us straight back to the Lee Canyon wash where we had begun. We climbed back up to the pavement on the other side of the culverts this time. It is always fun to see new stuff and experience new trails. Always study the maps before trying a new hike. Then be prepared for beautiful views and lots of burros! 

Stats: 5 miles; 825' gain; 3.75 hours

Burro Hill from Mouth of Canyon Wash

Desert Fall Colors on Return

Burro Trail leading back to Cars

Traction Benchmark Overlook - Burro Trail 1 - 10/24/20

Burro Skeleton (Skull at Kay's Feet)

There are a lot of clearly worn burro trails in the lower elevations of Lee Canyon. The burros travel to and from the Cold Creek area over to Lee and Kyle Canyon. These trails can usually be easily followed but, beware, as any game trails, they tend to criss cross. The most used burro trails in this area will take the hiker for a mile or so before possibly disappearing into another trail or canyon wash.

The first burro trail we explored, Traction Benchmark Overlook, goes at least 3 miles before confusing the hiker. It is, also, one of the main thoroughfares for the burros between Cold Creek and Lee Canyon. Three of us went for that stroll in the desert and really enjoyed the early morning light rising on the mountains and rolling desert terrain.

During the hike, we saw seven burros. The white burro snorted and snorted. Then we saw 3 pairs of Mama and babies. We tried not to startle any of them but they were in no mood to stick around for very long. 

We also passed by a few old shooting targets. Then we came upon a recently deceased burro that was already skeletonized. (Good for Halloween season!) Although we stopped and took our break on the Overlook Ledge, the trail continues down and up to another small ridge that overlooks Traction Benchmark Peak a little closer. Out and back to the close-up overlook is just over 6 miles. It was a beautiful and relaxing hike.

On the way back to the cars, we stopped to clean up Fleabane Road and the trailhead. This area is used for camping and the trash has been discarded without care. Hopefully, we made a dent in its appearance for the better!

Old Shooting Target - Traction Benchmark in Background

Ash Canyon / Gateway Canyon - 10/27/20

Down Ash Canyon from an Intermediate High Point

Turtlehead Peak rises behind Ash Canyon

Eye Candy from inside Gateway Canyon

Sunrise on Dragon & Turtlehead Peaks

Meanwhile, back at Red Rock! Winter weather lowered its boom on us the day before! So, back on the coveted sandstone, we dressed in our winter best to brave the cold windchill temperatures. We started at the Red Spring Picnic Area parking lot early (7:30am) but there were still plenty of parking spaces; probably due to the cold temps. Nevertheless, we were "clothing prepared" and started up the base of the Calico Hills in the direction of Ash Canyon which was still about 1.3 miles away. As we hiked, we noticed that a lot of maintenance has been done on these trails, including a newly rock-lined trail below Angel Pass that they have named Girl Scout Trail. We left this trail in Ash Meadows but it appeared that the Girl Scout Trail leads over toward the 5 Stop Hill area.

Making our way over to Ash Canyon at base of Calico Hills

The sun was rising on the colorful sandstone but the northeast wind gusts were cold. It would still be a couple of hours before the sun's heat would cut through the wind and begin to warm us up.

Red Springs / Angel Pass at Left

After passing through Ash Meadows (with all the ash trees and small creek) we turned up into Ash Canyon on its right side. It wasn't long before we crossed the wash at the bottom of the canyon and climbed onto the sandstone on the left (southwest) side of the canyon.

Girl Scout Trail

Discussion at Entrance to Ash Canyon

There are, at least, three different ways to climb Ash Canyon. The right (northeast) side, the middle and the left (southwest) side. All routes require quite a bit of scrambling. Our chosen route was the left side. This route included a little bit more exposure but, also, provided more slab to use. (As opposed to the boulder hopping in the other two routes.) ... Pick your poison! ... There are a couple of cairns to get you started but as you climb, there are only one or two ways to get through or around the obstacles. Luckily, I knew a couple of the go-arounds while the others were happily risking life and limb! Okay, I know it's not that bad. Anyway, we worked our way up to an intermediate high point and took a rest. From there, we dropped down into the wash below.

Ash Canyon Awaits

Instead of crossing the wash and joining the easier trail on the right side of the canyon, we stayed on the left side trail. This trail is a little more difficult.

Lots of Dicey Spots

The most difficult spots were either a boulder hop near the wash or a slippery climb up and around a huge boulder obstacle. Rita and I took the climb up and over near the wall. From there, the trail was much easier as we followed the base of the wall.

A Particularly Dicey Spot

Looking at a Rock Climbing Route

Finally, we all converged near the overlook at the top of Ash Canyon where we proceeded to dismantle a fire ring and take our break. Here, there was some discussion on whether to turn left and climb Red Cap or to turn right and complete the loop through Gateway Canyon. We turned right and followed Rattlesnake Trail down through the wash that runs between Turtlehead and Dragon Peaks. The northeast wind was still in our faces all the way down to the Upper Gateway Canyon turn to the right. Rattlesnake Trail continues down much of the limestone portion of Gateway until the trail turns out of the canyon on the right side. There is usually a large cairn indicating this turn but not today. Why?

Following Mike

We turned right into Upper Gateway and dealt with the first few obstacles. The limestone gets very slick in this area and a lot of care must be taken.

Into the Wash after the First High Point

If you are careful, this section of Gateway Canyon is beautiful with a lot of different colors; especially as you hike into the sandstone from the limestone.

Following the Southwest Side Trail

Breaking at Overlook

We dropped down the sliding board and came to the new drop that was created a couple of years ago. (This canyon changes often.) In this new drop, there was evidence that, perhaps, a burro had become stuck. Hopefully, he turned around and headed back from whence he came before he was injured. Next, we passed Gray Fox Canyon and the Candy Cane Drop without even noticing. Then, we were enveloped by red and white sandstone. A photo at every turn! As was noticed in a previous hike this summer, the gravel level is relatively high this year. Therefore, several of the obstacles are easily negotiated whereas, in earlier years, the obstacles required a bit more effort. Down, we went, hiking through the obstacles by memory!

Joining Rattlesnake Trail with view of Gray Cap Peak

The obstacle that remains the same is the first big drop. Before you reach it, you are faced with a decision to right or left. Trust me. The left is a huge drop that is only viable when the gravel is really high at its bottom. Not today.

Rattlesnake Trail at Upper Gateway Junction

After taking a look, we all went to the right at the fork and did the drop as usual in three or four parts. No change here.

Looks Slick!

Upper Gateway Slick Limestone

After this drop, the scrambling went back to an easy flow with Pickle Rock being the most difficult ... not. The last drop that was considered the "other big drop," has been filled with gravel and the drop is only, perhaps, three feet in height. If you want a thrill, the rabbit hole in this location remains the same. From here, there are a few more easy scrambles before you finally reach the Kraft Mountain Loop Trail that leaves the wash on the right side. This part of the loop follows a trail that circles around the south end of Kraft Mountain. It passes several boulders that are used for rock climbing practice, or in some cases, rock climbing afternoon parties! The loop is marked in the sand leading back around and over to the Kraft Mountain Trailhead parking found at the end of Sandstone Drive in Calico Basin.

Heading into Colorful Sandstone

We didn't park here, so we bypassed this trailhead and hiked a short distance down the same gravel road and turned left onto a trail just past the Ash Creek wash.

Following Gateway's Gravel Wash

Since we have been using the Kraft Mountain Trailhead a lot more lately, we have not used the creek trail much since Chris used to take us this way.

Big Drop

Colorful Scramble

Between Mike and I, we found our way easily on this surprisingly straight forward trail that runs along the creek wash, past a house, across another gravel road and up a hill that rises behind the Red Springs parking lot. Not many hikers use this trail but it is still there. Finally, the trail brings you down into the parking lot where we had started. There are a couple of small corrections that I made on the maps below from our hike today but they are inconsequential ... just better choices. By the time we returned to the cars, we were very warm in our winter clothes! 

Woohoo! Back at Red Rock!

Stats: 6.5 miles; 1200' gain; 4 hours

Joining the Kraft Mountain Loop Trail

Circling the South end of Kraft Mountain

Last Leg back to the Cars