Page 8 - winter 2018 the Rock

8 Friends oF red rock canyon

Photos and article by Norm Kresge

ocated in the Calico Basin area, climb. Once at the top of this section, the trail
Freeway and Donkey Way Trails form will head toward the main area of Red Rock
La loop of 2.9 miles. These trails were Canyon. The trail is always uphill but at a gentle
developed by mountain bikers and horseback grade. Take time to view the beautiful sandstone
riders and feature some spectacular views of the in Calico Basin.
sandstone cliffs in the Red Rock Canyon National
Conservation Area. The hike starts on the south There is an old road that comes in on your left
(left) side of Calico Basin Road. The trailhead but keep following the much-used trail that is
and parking are across Calico Basin Road from very evident. As you ascend the trail, you'll notice
Volunteers dedicated to the preservation of Red Rock Canyon
the popular area a large cairn on
where most people your right side.
go. Take this hike This marks where
as a less-traveled mountain bikers
route. It’s also a head down the
way to see Red ridge for a thrill
Rock Canyon with- ride. Forget that—
out having to pay we're hiking.
the entrance fee and Keep going up the
avoiding the entire ridge. In a short
Scenic Drive. while, you'll see
the fee station at
At the parking Red Rock Canyon
area, you will see a and when you
barbed-wire fence reach the crest of
with an opening for the hill, you'll see
hikers. This is the the Visitor Center.
entrance to the Freeway Trail. Once inside the In a little bit, the trail meets the Calico I (Grand
fence, turn left and follow the fence and a Circle Trail) as it comes from the fee station area.
use-trail through the desert heading toward SR
159. In a short distance, you cross a wash and the Almost immediately, the Donkey Way Trail
trail becomes more apparent on the other side. turns a sharp right and you'll be heading down-
The trail goes up a ridge but it's not a difficult hill. The map from Google Earth shows you how

the Rock - Volume 8 Issue 2