Overview

A number of nice use-trails have become established in the Red Rock Canyon Campground Area. The Campground Wash Loop (1.67 miles round trip) runs west from the public trailhead and drops into Red Rock Wash. The route runs up the wash below cliffs to a break in the cliffs, climbs above the cliffs on a use-trail, and loops back to the trailhead following old roads and use-trails. Except for getting into and out of the wash, this loop is flat and easy with broad expansive views. After hiking this loop, consider hiking one of the other short or long loops in the campground area.

This hike is nice because it is close to town and not on the Scenic Loop Drive. This makes it free, a quick little get away from town, and it minimizes time driving to and from the trailhead.

Link to map.

Watch Out

Other than the standard warnings about hiking in the desert, ...this hike is about as safe as hiking in the desert can be, but don't get too close to the edge of the cliffs because the edge is unstable.

While hiking, please respect the land and the other people out there, and please try to Leave No Trace of your passage. Also, even though this hike is short and close to civilization, be sure to bring what you need of the 10 Essentials.

Note that bicycles are not allowed in this area, dogs on leash are okay, and be sure to pick up your dog poop.

Getting to the Trailhead

This hike is located in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, about 30 minutes from town, but not on the Scenic Loop Road. For non-campers, drive out West Charleston Blvd to Moenkopi Road and turn left towards Moenkopi Road Trailhead (Moenkopi Road Recreation Site), which is located along the Campground Road. Park here; this is the trailhead.

For campers, continue into the campground, park at your campsite, then walk out into the desert and pick up the trails.

The Hike

From the public trailhead (Table 1, Wpt. 01), the use-trail runs west across a flat, sparsely vegetated area where the trail often appears braided and poorly defined. Hiking in that direction, however, hikers will shortly arrive at an old road (Wpt. 02) that (relative to the trails) cuts diagonally across the area. Following the road northwest, the road quickly arrives at a trail junction (Wpt. 03), which is the beginning of the loop.

The loop can be walked in either direction, but for now, follow the old road down over the edge of the cliffs and down into Red Rock Wash. The road starts across the wash, but then ends at a washout (Wpt. 04).

In Red Rock Wash, the route runs up the wash following along under cliffs on the edge of the wash. The larger trees in the wash are desert willow, not a true willow, but they get long narrow leaves similar to true willows. The more common shrubs are desert almond and black-banded rabbitbrush, and there are a few Mojave yucca and Joshua trees about.

At the end of the cliffs (Wpt. 05) on the left, a side wash comes in from the south. Just past the side wash, a use-trail cuts steeply up the west side of the bluffs. Following the use-trail, the route winds up the hillside, crosses back over the side wash, and runs up a hillside to a trail junction (Wpt. 06) at the top of the bluffs. The trail to the right runs south and up Fire Station Hill, but the Campground Wash Loop Trail turns left and runs north back towards Red Rock Wash.

Near the edge of the cliffs above Red Rock Wash, the trail bends to the right to run east. The trail quickly turns into an old two-track road, which is followed east toward the trailhead. The old road runs far enough from the edge of the cliffs to be quite safe, but spots along the edge (Red Rock Wash Overlook in particular) invites closer inspection and nice views. The edge is not entirely stable, so be careful near the edge.

Above the cliffs, the vegetation is typical Mojave Desert Scrub habitat type with lots of creosote bush and white bursage, plus Nevada ephedra, spiny menodora, and galleta grass. Also watch for beavertail cactus and cottontop cactus.

Continuing east past Red Rock Wash Overlook, the two-track road fades into a single-trail use-trail, and before long closes the loop when it intersects the diagonal road (Wpt. 03) passed earlier. Hikers will see that the trail to the left runs over the edge towards Red Rock Wash, while the right crosses the old road and continues to the east.

Before long, vehicles at the trailhead come into view as hikers return to the trailhead (Wpt. 01).