White Domes Loop Trail: A Valley of Fire Hike

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers.

The White Domes Loop Trail, located in Valley of Fire State Park, is one of the most popular trails in the entire park. Its trailhead is located at the terminus of Mouse’s Tank and White Domes Roads in the park’s north section.

This short, yet stunning Valley of Fire hike takes you through jaw-dropping scenery consisting of white sandstone formations which starkly contrast with the vibrant reds and pastels. Additionally, it’ll also take you through a narrow, but brief slot canyon.

Before heading out on this hike, there are a few things you should know first. In this post, I’ll discuss topics such as the trail’s seasonal closure, what to expect along the trail, some tips that’ll help ensure a smooth experience, and more. Let’s get into it.

Trail Stats

• Location: Valley of Fire State Park in southern Nevada

• Fee: $10 for Nevada license plates / $15 for non-residents to enter the park

• Open: Typically between early October and mid-May.

• Family Friendly: Yes

• Cell Service: Spotty (based on Verizon service)

• Restroom: Multiple in the trailhead parking lot (vault style)

• Parking: Large paved lot with multiple parking spots

• EV Stations: None

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Popularity: High

• Milage: 1.1 miles

• Elevation Gain: 177 foot gain

• Condition: Well maintained and easy to follow

• Features: White, red, and pastel colored sandstone formations and slot canyon

• Best Experienced: When open, in the morning

• Pets: Allowed, must be leashed

• Drone: Prohibited

• Hazards: Rocky/sandy decents, sun exposure, and possible wildlife encounters

• My Visit(s): 2023 and 2024

White Domes Trail Seasonal Closure

Valley of Fire is just an hour or so from the bright lights of Las Vegas but here, there are no air conditioned casinos to duck into when it gets too hot. Valley of Fire is pure desert. So when it gets hot, it gets really hot.

So much so that it isn’t unheard of for the heat to go well into triple digits in the summer months, making hiking a potentially dangerous, or downright life-threatening activity. In 2023, two women were found dead on the closed Prospect Trail, on a day where temperatures reached a scorching 118 degrees.

To prevent senseless loss of life, Valley of Fire officials enact seasonal closures of a handful of trails, White Domes being one of them. The exact dates change slightly year over year but generally, White Domes Trail is closed between mid-May and early October. You can monitor exact dates here.

You can still drive the highly scenic White Domes Road (which begins shortly after Rainbow Vista) and can access White Domes’ day-use area, but the trail itself is off limits during that period. Please respect the closure. If not, you risk fines, arrest, and death. No trail is worth that.

White Domes Trail Parking and Trailhead

To reach the parking lot and trailhead for White Domes Trail from either entrance of Valley of Fire, make your way to Mouse’s Tank Road, which is where the current visitor center is located. From the visitor center, it is roughly 15-minutes to the trailhead.

Drive along Mouse’s Tank Road for a few miles. When you pass Rainbow Vista on your right, the road will become White Domes Road. Continue for another couple miles until you reach the literal end of the road at the White Domes Trail parking lot.

The parking lot is large and paved, with spaces for many vehicles, including RVs. It isn’t unheard of to see tour busses parked here as well. At the trailhead are two restroom structures. In my experience, they’re not well maintained, so bringing your own biodegradable toilet seat covers and hand sanitizer would be wise (trust me on this).

Behind the restrooms, you’ll find a series of craggy, white sandstone towers with pastel stripes, a sneak peak into what awaits you on the trail. To the right of the restrooms are multiple covered picnic tables available for use. To the left are information boards. Between them and the restrooms is where the trail begins.

White Domes Loop Trail - What to Expect

Beyond the parking lot, you’ll start going slightly uphill on a trail consisting of fine, reddish-colored desert sand. There will be periods where the sand becomes a bit compact and moments where you’ll be traversing along solid, rocky ground but for the most part, you’ll be hiking through sand.

This is why I rated the trail as easy to moderate. Overall, this is an easy hike, but the fine sand takes the challenge level up a slight notch, particularly for those used to hiking on compact dirt. Soon into the trail, you’ll need to descend a series of rocky steps. Watch your step here.

The sandstone walls around you get higher and higher as you descend into the canyon. This is also where you’ll see a variety of unique sandstone formations that Valley of Fire is famous for, where no two formations are the same.

When you reach the bottom, the ground begins to soften again as you rejoin the sand-based trail. Up ahead, you’ll take notice of a man-made structure. This structure was part of a set piece for the 1965 movie, “The Professional”, which was partly filmed here. There’s a monument adjacent to the structure detailing Valley of Fire’s ideal location for filming westerns and the like.

Past the filming location, keep to the left to rejoin the trail. You’ll see a pile of rocks with a black trail marker guiding the way. When you descend further down the rock and back onto sand, you’ll turn right at the junction. Up ahead is another featured aspect of White Domes Trail - the slot canyon.

The entrance to the slot canyon is wide at the beginning, but quickly narrows as you progress, though not to the point where you’ll need to squeeze through it. The walls of the slot are a beautiful mixture of white and pastel waves, gliding through the sandstone. You would think it was painted on if you didn’t know any better.

The slot canyon is brief, taking mere minutes to get through. When you get to the other side, the trail continues to the right, up and over more rock. At this point, the ground becomes solid again, making for an easier trek.

This side is where the white domes aspect of the trail becomes more apparent. If you’re here early in the morning, you’ll see the pastel colors shine stunningly as the sun rises on the dome formations. Most of these are on the left side of the trail. On the right side, you’ll see mostly burnt-orange sandstone. The contrasts are truly a sight to behold.

Before long, you’ll reach the point in the trail where it again veers to the right, between two rock formations (pictured above). Past this point, the trail will briefly align with White Domes Road and lead you back to the parking lot, concluding your hike.

Accounting for some picture taking and additional exploring, hiking the White Domes Trail shouldn’t take longer than an hour or two, dependent on your level of fitness and experience, and how often you stop.

When is the Best Time to Hike White Domes Trail?

Obviously, the summer months are out due to the seasonal trail closure discussed above. That leaves early spring, mid-fall, and the entirety of winter. In case you’re wondering, yes, it does snow in Valley of Fire, but it’s rare and even when it does, it isn’t for long and melts away quickly.

My recommendation is to visit the park, and the White Domes Trail, in November. That’s when I came for my second visit and the weather was pleasant. The temperature maintained a comfortable 65 degrees throughout the day. The early morning was cold, though, so dress in layers.

My other recommendation is to start this trail early. White Domes isn’t nearly as sun exposed as nearby Fire Wave and Seven Wonders but in the middle of the day, it’ll definitely beat down on you. By starting your hike early in the morning, the canyon walls will provide shade for much of the hike.

Keep in mind that this will diminish the “pop” of the sandstone colors. If you’re here specifically for photography, that may not work for you. Conversely, if that doesn’t bother you, then you can’t beat morning. My Dad and I started shortly after sunrise and not only did we have plenty of shade, we had the trail all to ourselves until the very end.

PSALM 23:3-4

Incline Village: 5 Things To Do In Summer

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers.

Incline Village, an upscale area located on the north shore of Lake Tahoe, often gets overshadowed by the south shore of the lake. Many don’t realize that Lake Tahoe is actually located within two states, California and Nevada.

While the California side often gets the lion’s share of the attention, the Nevada side of Tahoe is more than worthy of your vacation time as well. Incline Village, which is on the Nevada side, has many popular activities to keep you busy. Some argue that it even rivals the California side.

So what are the top things to do in Incline Village during summer? There’s plenty of hiking trails, water activities, beaches, and local restaurants to choose from, but which ones are the top attractions? In this post, I’ll present to you five activities that I feel you would enjoy most.

Products I recommend for a visit to Incline Village

• INFLATABLE STAND UP PADDLE BOARD

• NORTH FACE DAY HIKE BACKPACK

• HYDRO FLASK WIDE MOUTH WATER BOOTLE

• CITRONELLA SPRAY (A deet-free way to keep the bugs off of you)

• SUN BUM MINERAL SPF 50 LOTION

• BLENDERS ECLIPSE POLARIZED SUNGLASSES

• SONY ALPHA MIRRORLESS CAMERA

1) Hit the Hiking Trails

If there’s one thing any shore of Lake Tahoe isn’t lacking, it’s hiking trails. Many regard Incline Village, and the north and east shore of Tahoe in general, as the “hikers sides” of the lake since they have a heavy concentration of trails.

A few of these include the historic Stateline Lookout, Folsom Camp Loop, and Mount Rose Peak (just a ten minute drive from Incline Village). The most popular hiking trail in Incline Village proper, though, has to be Monkey Rock.

Monkey Rock is a relatively short trail, clocking in at just 2.6 miles, out and back, that leads to a granite rock that strongly resembles that of a monkey. Additionally, the views of the north and east shores of the lake from there are outstanding.

The trail isn’t difficult but because of the incline segment of the final push, I would rate it as moderate for some, but easy for those who hike a lot. If you’ll be visiting Incline Village, hiking to Monkey Rock is a must as it’s one of the premiere hikes in the area.

READ ALSO: Hike to Monkey Rock for Incredible Views of Lake Tahoe

2) Enjoy a Tasty Meal at Several Local Restaurants

While not generally known as a culinary mecca, Incline Village does have its fair share of wonderful, locally-owned restaurants. Many of which are directly next to many hiking trails, beaches, and the like.

A few that receive high praise from visitors and locals alike include FUMO Cafe, Crosby’s Tavern, Inclined Burgers and Brews, Sage Leaf, and Tunnel Creek Cafe. The latter of which is a personal favorite of mine, due to its relaxed atmosphere, service, and tasty food.

It’s located next to two insanely popular trails in Incline Village, the above mentioned Monkey Rock and the soon-to-be-discussed Tahoe East Shore Trail. This alone makes it a super convenient spot to grab a pre or post-hike meal.

READ ALSO: Enjoy a Post-Hike Meal at Tunnel Creek Cafe

3) Take a Clear Kayak Tour of the East Shore

Kayaking has always been a popular activity in Lake Tahoe. In fact, I had my first experience doing so kayaking out to the Fannette Island Tea House in Emerald Bay. In recent years, what’s known as “clear kayaking” has grown in popularity, particularly on the lake’s east shore.

Clear kayaking enables you to fully enjoy the lake’s crystal clear waters by looking straight down through your kayak. A company called Clearly Tahoe conducts regular tours from Incline Village, leading kayakers through the popular east shore of the lake and out to famed Bonsai Rock. If you’re interested, you can contact them here.

4) Spend a Beach Day at Sand Harbor State Park

Just a five-mile drive from the center of Incline Village, Sand Harbor State Park is the crown jewel of the Nevada State Park system and is easily one of the top destinations in all of Lake Tahoe. So much so, that it’s often in contention with California’s Emerald Bay in terms of popularity.

You could carve out an entire day to spend at Sand Harbor since there’s so much to do there. Most people set up their beach tents or umbrellas and just relax, jumping in and out of the cobalt blue waters to cool off. There’s also an on-site restaurant, a nature trail, and boating opportunities.

Since Sand Harbor is mega-popular destination, the park will often close due to full capacity within a couple hours of opening, particularly during the summer months. Due to this, a new reservation policy was implemented in 2024 for weekends, with the full, daily requirement rolling out in 2025.

Given its popularity, reservations are going to be competitive. To avoid having to worry about it, simply take the East Shore Express shuttle, which picks up in Incline Village and drops off at Sand Harbor. If you go this route, you won’t have to worry about obtaining a reservation.

READ ALSO: Sand Harbor Beach Lake Tahoe Reservation Policy

5) Walk or Bike the Tahoe East Shore Trail

Just a few miles outside of Incline Village proper is the trailhead for the Tahoe East Shore Trail. It’s a three-mile long, paved trail that hovers above the gorgeous east shore stretch of Lake Tahoe, and terminates at Sand Harbor (though there is currently construction underway to expand the trail beyond Sand Harbor).

Visitors of the trail can walk or bike this path, and along the way to Sand Harbor are many offshoot trails leading to several coves and beaches that were once difficult to dangerous to access. Some of these include Hidden Beach, Granite Cove, Mountain Vista, and Sunset Cove.

In addition to the shuttle mentioned above, walking this path into Sand Harbor is another way to avoid the reservation policy. Though it is a three mile trek from the parking lot to Sand Harbor so to save time (and energy), you can purchase a bike rental at Flume Trail Bikes. They have regular pedal bikes in addition to e-bikes.

No visit to Incline Village would be complete without experiencing this gorgeous trail. Even if you don’t walk or bike the entire thing, it’s an experience all its own and it’s always one of my top recommendations for things to do in Incline Village, and Lake Tahoe in general.

READ ALSO: How to Hike the Tahoe East Shore Trail

PROVERBS 3:23

Hike To Monkey Rock For Incredible Views Of Lake Tahoe

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers.

In an area with many landmarks, Monkey Rock stands as one of Lake Tahoe’s most iconic and sought after. Its popularity has exploded over the last few years due to its status on social media sites such as TikTok and Instagram.

This short and sweet Lake Tahoe hiking trail takes hikers above Incline Village, the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, to a rock formation that, when observed at the right angle, looks an awful lot like a monkey sitting on the hillside taking in the views.

Many, however, would argue that Monkey Rock is only a bonus to this hike, as the real payoff is in the views of the lake you’ll get once you reach it. As much as I love odd and interesting rock formations, I’d be hard-pressed to disagree with that statement.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly hiking trail in Lake Tahoe, or you’re traveling to the lake and want to see as many of the highlights as possible, Monkey Rock is one trail you definitely do not want to pass up. There’s a few things you’ll need to know, though. Let’s get into it.

Trail Stats

• Location: Incline Village, NV (Lake Tahoe)

• Fee: Parking fees apply

• Permit: None

• Open: All year, but difficult to access in winter

• For: Hikers

• Cell Service: Good throughout most of the trail

• Restroom: In the parking lot

• Parking: Two large lots near Tunnel Creek Cafe

• EV Stations: None

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Popularity: High

• Mileage: 2.6 miles, out and back

• Time: Two hours or less

• Elevation Gain: 479 feet

• Condition: Well maintained and easy to follow

• Features: Rock formation in the shape of a monkey/epic views of the lake

• Pets: Allowed on leash

• Drones: No signage stating you can’t

• Hazards: None, other than usual wilderness hazards

• My Visit(s): May 2024

Monkey Rock Lake Tahoe Parking

The trailhead for Monkey Rock can be found in Incline Village, which is in the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. Parking for Monkey Rock is located at the Tunnel Creek and Deer Creek parking lots, which are both adjacent to the Tunnel Creek Cafe. They’re located just a few miles from the Sand Harbor turn off.

These parking lots are the only available parking for Monkey Rock and the adjoining Tahoe East Shore Trail. There is no legal parking at the trailhead proper. There’s a private residence up there and they make their disdain for those trying to illegally park perfectly clear.

You can refer to the above photo for current parking fees. They’re based on several elements, such as time of year, time of day, day of week, etc. For reference, I arrived on a Tuesday at 7:30am and paid for three hours. My total was $6.00. You’ll need to know your license plate number and it only accepts plastic for payment.

Due to this area’s popularity, you’ll want to arrive as early as possible. When I got there at 7:30am it was just me and a couple other vehicles. By the time I finished with the hike (about (9:30am) both lots were nearly full.

To make your way to the actual trailhead to Monkey Rock, make sure you’re walking in the direction away from Tunnel Creek Cafe if you parked in the Tunnel Creek lot. There’s a road that runs adjacent and above the cafe (Tunnel Creek road). Take this road up to the trailhead.

If you get turned around, there are many red signs in the area to point you in the correct direction. Just remember, if the road is going above Tunnel Creek Cafe, then you’re going in the correct direction. You’ll also pass a blue sign warning you of wildlife being present in the area.

When you get to the top of the road, you’ll see a private residence on your right and trail signage on your left. Up ahead will be the official trailhead for Monkey Rock. During my visit, there was construction happening shortly into the trail on the right.

The Monkey Rock (Tunnel Creek) Trail

Once you’re past Tunnel Creek road, the trail becomes sandy and remains that way throughout the entirety of the hike. If you’ve done any hiking in Tahoe, you would know how infamously rocky many of its hiking trails are. I’m happy to report that the Monkey Rock trail is probably the least rocky trail in Tahoe I have been on.

Initially, the trail is mostly flat with only a slight, barely noticeable incline. If you have started early, you’ll enjoy a lot of shade on this stretch of the trail from all the tall trees. Down below you, you’ll notice you are hiking parallel with and above the Tahoe East Shore Trail, which I define as more of an urban hike in a forrest setting.

About a third of a mile into the hike you will come to a green gate with a spur trail heading off to the right. Keep straight past the gate. The spur trail eventually connects you to the Tahoe East Shore Trail, which would be an excellent extension to your hike on the way out. This is also where you’ll start getting those epic Lake Tahoe views.

You’ll see other spur trails on both sides of the trail. Just continue straight on the wide sandy path. Shortly after the green gate you’ll come to two wooden pillars on each side of the trail with, you guessed it, another spur heading off to Hidden Beach.

After these wooden pillars is when the trail begins to climb and it will remain that way until just before you reach Monkey Rock. The incline is a slog, but it isn’t difficult. If needed, there are plenty of rocks to sit on and compose yourself. From here, you’re only a quarter mile or so away.

One thing to note is the side trail that spurs off to the left from the main trail (pictured above). You won’t be able to miss it. Shortly after those wooden pillars and across from a community water bowl for dogs is where it’s located.

This trail will take you to Monkey Rock, but it is much steeper than what lies ahead of you. Additionally, based on other reports I’ve read, it isn’t much shorter than the actual trail and thus, not worth the extra effort.

At right about the 1.3-mile mark of the hike, you’ll come across two more wooden pillars with a wooden board running across the ground between them on your left (pictured above). There’s an easily missed sign with an arrow on it. Take this trail to the left to continue to Monkey Rock.

Shortly after turning onto this section of trail and heading up a short and sweet incline, you’ll see a boulder pile in front of you (pictured above). To get to Monkey Rock, stay to the right of the boulder pile. Eventually, Monkey Rock will come into view just off the sandy path.

If you’re like me and you’re fascinated with interesting rock formations, Monkey Rock will surely leave you in awe, as it does resemble a monkey relatively closely. Do know, though, that while the rock has always looked like a monkey, it did receive a little help in attaining its current form.

Monkey Rock is easily viewed and photographed from the path. If you feel inclined, there’s another path that’ll take you down to it. Though if you have any kind of zoom on your camera, it’ll likely be unnecessary to do so.

On the other side of the boulder pile, there’s an excellent view of the lake awaiting you. From there, you can faintly see Sand Harbor State Park, sections of the Tahoe East Shore Trail, and parts of the east and north side of the lake.

When you’re done taking in the views and getting your photos of Monkey Rock, simply head back the same way you came in. Since it’s all downhill from here, you should be able to get back to your vehicle in about twenty minutes or so.

Keep in mind the spur trails you saw coming in that led to the Tahoe East Shore Trail. If you have time on your parking slip, it would be an excellent extension of your hike. Or simply head to Hidden Beach and cool off with a dip in the lake. You can read about the TEST here and Hidden Beach here.

Common Questions About Monkey Rock

Where does the Monkey Rock trail start?

Unofficially, it begins on Tunnel Creek road, just behind Tunnel Creek Cafe on the east side of Lake Tahoe. Officially, the actual trail begins at the end of Tunnel Creek road.

Is Monkey Rock a hard hike?

That’s totally subjective, but I wouldn’t classify it as hard. Distance wise, it’s on the easy side, but the final push near the end could make it difficult to some. Overall, I’d rate it as easy for some and moderate for most.

Is Monkey Rock natural?

Yes and no. Yes in the sense that it’s an actual granite rock that highly resembles a monkey, but no in the sense that it did receive some help to give it more definition.

How long is the hike to Monkey Rock?

Based on the GPS on my apple watch, it’s 2.6-miles, all in.

How can I see Monkey Rock?

The only way to see Monkey Rock is by either hiking or biking up to it. It is not visible from the road.

What elevation is Monkey Rock?

Monkey Rock is roughly 500 feet above the Tunnel Creek parking lot.

Planning a trip to Lake Tahoe? To get information on camping and recreational activities, read my 2024 Emerald Bay State Park guide. Also, to read more about the Tahoe East Shore Trail, go here. If you’re into kayaking, read my Kayaking to Fannette Island post. Lastly, chase waterfalls in my 5 Best Lake Tahoe Waterfalls post.

PROVERBS 3:23

Hike the Calico Tanks Trail at Red Rock Canyon

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers.

If you live in the Las Vegas area or you’re planning to visit soon and you’re in search of local hiking trails, you can’t go wrong with one of the most popular in the area - the Calico Tanks Trail.

Located in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, right off the Scenic Drive, this trail takes hikers on a thrilling experience through red and white sandstone formations across rolling hills and inside the walls of a canyon, before ending at the famed Calico Tank and a jaw dropping view of the valley below.

While the trail length is moderate, coming in at only 2.4-miles, out and back, it’s far from your normal, everyday trail as there’s some mild scrambling required, increasing the time it’ll take to complete the hike.

Curious to see what the trail looks like? Want to know where the parking lot is and what, if any, fees are associated with this hike? I discuss all of that and more in the post below.

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Trail Stats

• Location: Red Rock Canyon National Recreation Area, Las Vegas, NV

• Fee: Up to $20 per vehicle

• Open: All year

• For: Hikers

• Cell Service: Spotty, at best

• Restroom: At the trailhead

• Parking: Large paved lot at the trailhead

• EV Stations: None

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Popularity: High

• Mileage: 2.4 miles, out and back

• Elevation Gain: 440 feet

• Condition: Trail is dotted with trail markers, but there isn’t much of a designated path for most of it. Bringing a map would be wise

• Features: Beautiful sandstone formations, the Calico Tank and a great view of Las Vegas at the end

• Accessible: Any time of year, but with the limited shade and the extreme heat, summer isn’t ideal

• Pets: Not allowed

• Drones: Not allowed

• Hazards: Little to no shade, sandy boulders and rattlesnakes

• My Visit(s): August 2023

Take a look at these products that I recommend for this hike…

• Salomon OUTPULSE Gore-Tex Hiking Boots

• Water Buffalo Hydration Backpack w/ 2L Water Bladder

• 50 UPF ANKOR Water and Sweat Resistant Hat

• La Roche-Posay SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen for Face

• Blenders Eclipse Sunglasses w/ 100% UV Protection (non-binary)

Red Rock Canyon Fees and Parking

While there aren’t any fees associated with the trail itself, the trail is located inside Red Rock Canyon, which does charge a fee to enter. Fees for 2024 are as follows:

• $20 per vehicle

• $10 per motorcycle

• $8 per bicyclist

• $5 per pedestrian

Furthermore, if you’re visiting between the months of November and May, a timed reservation will be required to access the park between the hours of 8am and 5pm. An additional $2 fee will be charged by Recreation.gov for these.

If you have any variation of the America the Beautiful pass, you can use it for entry here. You will still need a reservation during the months mentioned above, though. Conversely, you can purchase a Red Rock Canyon annual pass for $50.

The parking lot for the Calico Tanks Trail is easy to find, as it’s located just off Scenic Drive on the right. It’s fairly large, capable of holding several dozen vehicles or so, and is paved.

It’s the second parking lot you’ll encounter along Scenic Drive. The first one is for the Calico Hills and Basin, so don’t confuse the two (though this area is also worthy of exploring if you have the time).

Unfortunately, Red Rock Canyon experiences vehicle break ins and thefts at the most popular parking lots, Calico Tanks being amongst them. So don’t leave valuables in plain view.

Near the entrance, I pulled over to take a photo of the welcome sign and while doing so, I witnessed a black SUV pull over. A young man jumped out, looked into my car and the car parked in front of me, looked up and saw me, jumped back in his car and took off. So definitely heed the warnings.

The Trail

The trailhead is located at the northern end of the parking lot, next to the restrooms. There’s trail signage here advising visitors of potential hazards and/or trail conditions, so be sure to give them a quick read.

The trail begins in the shade of the large canyon wall and runs straight for about 30 yards, before pivoting right towards an area of gravel wash.

This area can be easy to lose at times as the trail appears to have been washed away by reoccurring flooding events. You’ll know you’ve went the right direction when you see two giant boulders on your left (pictured below).

Past these boulders, you’ll travel along a clear pathway for a short spell before coming across an even larger gravel wash field. Throughout this stretch, it would be advisable to have a map on hand as the trail is non-existent.

If you don’t have one, just keep an eye out for the trail markers and make your way to the next one the best you can, simply repeating the process until you’re back on the path.

After a short while, the trail will become obvious again and will narrow as it aligns with the canyon walls. It is here where your adventure truly begins.

If there’s been rainfall recently, you’ll likely encounter several large puddles of water and work your way through the canyon. None of them are deep or treacherous, though.

You can easily bypass many of them by utilizing the spur trails, but there is one in particular that forces you to either scramble over the sandstone or just accept the fact that your feet are going to get wet.

You’ll soon come upon the first of many large boulders you’ll need to negotiate in order to complete the trail. None of which are difficult.

There are no ropes or chains to hoist yourself up on, nor will you need any special equipment. Be sure to bring shoes or boots with good tread, though, as the sandstone is slick and sandy in some spots.

Much like at the beginning of the trail, there are several trail markers placed along this stretch indicating the best possible path, as there is no proper trail from this point forward.

You’re never out of eye-shot of one of these markers, so as soon as you make your way to one, simply look around to find the next and make your way there, watching your steps.

Depending on the time of day, you’ll have some shade on this section of the trail, but it’s mostly in the morning. As the sun gets higher, the amount of shade dissipates, leaving you more exposed to the Las Vegas heat.

It goes without saying, but you should bring as much water your shoulders can handle on this hike. It’s always better to bring too much than not enough.

You’ll know you’re nearing the end of the trail when you reach a series of sandstone steps, coupled with a dirt path leading you upward.

At the top of those sandstone steps, you’ll notice a notch in the distance. Just beyond that notch is where the Calico Tank lies.

The water level in the tank varies throughout the year. It can be anywhere from bone dry in the summer to full and frozen over in the winter.

Either way, it makes for a great spot to sit and enjoy a snack. There are numerous rocks to sit on along the trail on the south side of the tank. Additionally, if the water level is low enough, there’s a small area on the shore where you can sit.

Just beyond the tank is an outstanding view of Las Vegas and the valley. I did not go any further as I was feeling the effects of the day’s 108 degree heat and had to turn back.

From what I was told by others on the trail that day, you’ll need to do a little more boulder hopping past the tank to reach the overlook, but it’s only a few more minutes beyond the tank.

READ NEXT: “How to Spend a Few Hours at Valley of Fire in the Summer”

How to See Elephant Rock at Valley of Fire

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers.

Located on the east side of Valley of Fire State Park, just inside the entrance, sits a sandstone formation so unique that it has become one of the most popular in the park - Elephant Rock.

From nearly any angle, you can make out the shape of the trunk, head and body of an elephant. When using your imagination, you’ll start to notice the outline of legs in the rock. It’ll make you question if you’re actually looking at a formation, or an actual mammoth encased in rock.

Elephant Rock is a must-see when visiting Valley of Fire for the first time. It’s easily accessible and something the whole family can participate in.

So how do you get to Elephant Rock? What is the trail like? What’s the parking situation? I answer all of these questions and more below. Let’s get into it.

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Trail Stats

• Location: Valley of Fire State Park, Southern Nevada

• Fee: $15 per vehicle day use fee ($10 for Nevada plates)

• Permit: None

• Open: All year

• Cell Service: Spotty

• Restroom: At the trailhead

• Parking: Small, paved lot at the trailhead

• EV Stations: None

• Difficulty: Easy

• Popularity: High

• Mileage: 0.3 miles, RT

• Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour

• Elevation Gain: About 50 feet

• Condition: Maintained

• Features: Sandstone formation in the shape of an Elephanet

• Best Viewed: Early morning for low crowds, late afternoon for best light

• Pets: Not allowed

• Drones: Not allowed

• Hazards: Heat can be extreme and little-to-no shade

• Our Visit(s): August 2023

Parking at Elephant Rock & Getting There

The ease of getting to Elephant Rock highly depends on which entrance you’re entering the park through. Elephant Rock is just past the east gate, on the right. So if you’re driving in on this side, you’re already there.

If you’re entering through the west gate, though, you’ll need to drive for eleven miles on the Valley of Fire Scenic Byway to the east gate, passing other attractions along the way, such as; The Beehives, Atlatl Rock and Mouse’s Tank Road.

The parking lot for Elephant Rock is fairly small and paved, capable of holding a fair amount of vehicles. When the gate is unstaffed, this lot doubles as a place to park for visitors to pay their entry fees.

When I was here in August, my vehicle was the one of only two in the lot. Due to extreme heat, summer isn’t an ideal time to visit Valley of Fire, so visitation was low on this day.

If you come during the peak season, which is October through April, that’ll likely be different. On a particularly busy day, I can see this lot filling up early and quickly. So arrive as early as possible.

To find the trailhead, simply walk between the brick structure and the Valley of Fire photo opp sign on the right. You’ll find the trail behind the structure leading towards the sandstone ridge in the distance.

The Trail to Elephant Rock

The trail is short and sweet with very little elevation gain. You’ll be walking uphill nearly the entire way but it’s nothing difficult. In fact, until you get close to Elephant Rock, it’s barely noticeable.

There’s only one trail junction. You will find it at around the halfway mark. Going right will place you on the 1.2-mile Arrowhead Trail. To keep to Elephant Rock, continue left.

Shortly after the trail junction, you’ll notice the trail is leading you back towards the road. Once you are aligned with the road, you’ve reached the end of the trail. Elephant Rock will be to the right of the road, looking up.

Do keep in mind to stay off the road. Visibility of this area from the vehicle perspective isn’t very good, as they’ll be coming up a hill towards you.

Elephant Rock

Elephant Rock is easily viewed from below, with no real reason to force yourself to climb up to it. There are a number of paths leading the way if you choose to do so, though.

There is a sign stating there’s no climbing allowed. I asked a park ranger for clarification and she advised that it is ok to go up to Elephant Rock, but NOT to actually climb on it, as it could cause irreversible damage.

As stated above, there are several paths leading towards the formation, but the one I took (and appeared to be the easiest) was the one located just to the right of the sign pictured above.

It’s a quick jaunt to the top of Elephant Rock. Once you’re up there, you will have views of the mountains and valley in the distance.

Seeing Elephant Rock from this angle made the “Elephant” formation appear more clearly to me. So if you’re having a difficult time picturing it from below, try it from up here.

When you’re done, simply head back the same way you came in on the trail. Please do not walk along the road as park rangers will cite you if you’re caught.

From here, I recommend making your way to one of the most historic locations in the park, Atlatl Rock. You can read my post about it here.

Enjoy Relative Seclusion at Hidden Beach Near Incline Village

2 minute read | may contain affiliate links

Welcome to our ultimate guide on exploring a hidden treasure on Lake Tahoe's eastern shore - Hidden Beach!

Nestled amidst the captivating beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains, this secluded gem offers an enchanting escape for nature enthusiasts and beach-goers alike.

In this article, we'll take you on a virtual journey to this picturesque oasis, unveiling its breathtaking views, turquoise waters and the myriad of experiences it has to offer.

Get ready to embark on an unforgettable lakeside adventure that will leave you in awe. Let's dive in and discover the hidden paradise of Hidden Beach.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting us!

Getting To and Parking For Hidden Beach

Hidden Beach doesn’t get nearly as crowded as those nearby, like Sand Harbor and Crystal Bay. A big reason for that is you can’t drive up to it.

To access it, you’ll need to park at the Tunnel Creek or Bullwheel lots at the north end of highway 28 near the Tunnel Creek Cafe.

Parking fees are associated with these lots and are hourly (the rates for 2023 are pictured above). If the lots are full, you can get there with the East Shore Express Shuttle.

To reach Hidden Beach, you’ll need to hike for about a mile on the Tahoe East Shore Trail.

The trail is paved and the grade never exceeds 8%, making it easy to push a stroller or pull a wagon (to haul all of your lake day essentials with).

At first, the trail runs along the opposite side of the highway, but will eventually take you to the shore side via a tunnel.

Beautiful murals, each depicting different perspectives of Lake Tahoe, adorn the walls and ceiling of the tunnel.

When you get to the opposite end of the tunnel, you’ll want to bear left to get to Hidden Beach. Shortly thereafter, you’ll see the shore access sign on your right.

Hidden Beach

Hidden Beach is reached via the shoreline access trail (pictured above). The trail is short, taking less than a minute to reach the sand.

The beach is roughly 750 feet long and features rocky alcoves and an abundance of granite boulders dotting the shore.

As stated above, Hidden Beach doesn’t get all that crowded. People mostly pop-in and pop-out while hiking the Tahoe East Shore Trail.

Hidden Beach may not be as popular or even as scenic as nearly Sand Harbor, but the relative seclusion you’ll enjoy more than makes up for it.

If you have an inflatable SUP (paddle board) or kayak, you’re allowed to use them here. You can also bring your dogs as long as they’re leashed.

I hope you’ll consider spending a beach day at Hidden Beach. It’s one of the most tranquil Lake Tahoe beaches I’ve ever been to and I have no doubt you'd enjoy it too.

If you’re interested, check out a few more of my posts about nearby attractions:

• “Hike The Tahoe East Shore Trail to Sand Harbor”

• “How To Hike To Skunk Harbor in Lake Tahoe”

• “Cave Rock: A Short Hike To An Epic View of Lake Tahoe”

Also, if you’re considering a trip to Lake Tahoe (or any lake/beach for that matter) consider reading my list of 25 lake day essentials:

• “25 Beach and Lake Day Essentials for Your Summer Vacation”

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Thank you for reading.

How to Hike To Skunk Harbor In Lake Tahoe

2 minute read | contains affiliate links

Welcome to my comprehensive guide on visiting Skunk Harbor, a hidden(ish) gem nestled along the picturesque shoreline of Lake Tahoe.

Skunk Harbor offers a unique combination of breathtaking scenery and a tranquil hiking trail that’ll leave you in awe of its natural splendor.

Located on the eastern side of Lake Tahoe, Skunk Harbor is a welcomed break from the hectic, overly touristy southern portion of Tahoe.

As you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a sense of serenity, surrounded by towering pine trees, crystal-clear turquoise water and panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

In this guide, I’ll cover many topics such as parking, the hiking trail, the cove itself and what to expect along the way. Let’s get into it!

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Trail Stats

• Location: Lake Tahoe (east shore)

• Fee: None

• Permit: None

• Open: All year, but difficult to access in winter

• For: Hikers

• Restroom: None

• Parking: Two small pull-out style lots along the highway

• EV Stations: None

• Difficulty: Easy going in, moderate going out

• Popularity: Medium to high

• Mileage: 2.8-miles, RT

• Time: 2-3 hours

• Elevation Gain: 567 feet

• Condition: Maintained, easy to follow

• Features: A cove with clear waters and a historic cabin

• Pets: Allowed, but must be leashed

• Drones: Allowed, per the B4UFLY App

• Hazards: Hike out is steep and sun exposed

• Our Visit(s): 2016, 2017, 2019 and July 2023

Skunk Harbor Parking

Lake Tahoe in general is notorious for its parking issues, but the eastern shoreline along Highway 28 is in a league all its own.

There are two small, pull-out style lots along the side of Highway 28 specifically for Skunk Harbor. However, they’re difficult to spot as they’re not signed.

Your best bet is to utilize a GPS device to locate them. That way you’ll know when they’re coming up.

If you’re coming from Carson City or the south shore, keep an eye out for the gate pictured above. Just past that gate is the first lot with a second, slightly larger one further up.

If you’re coming from Incline Village, you’ll know you’ve gone too far if you’ve reached Spooner Lake. Turn around a try again.

There is no parking fee (yet) but as of June 2023 and for the foreseeable future, construction on Highway 28 could damper, or even block your ability to park here.

There is ongoing efforts to improve the parking situation along this stretch of the lake. I’d wager that once they're done, there will be parking fees implemented.

The Trail To Skunk Harbor

If you parked in the lot near the gate, the trail begins past the gate along a forest service road. If you parked in the second one, the trail is a semi-steep descent on a dirt path that’ll soon intersect with the main trail.

For a short time the trail is gravel but soon turns to dirt. It’s much wider than your standard hiking trail, though. So it’s perfect for groups and pets.

Before the trail descends towards Skunk Harbor, you’ll be presented with a fork in the trail. Take a slight left to continue on the trail proper (don’t take the sharp left down the forest road).

Shortly after this fork, you’ll walk between a couple of boulder stacks. Here, you’ll get a commanding view of Lake Tahoe and the mountains. Past here, you’ll begin your descent.

You’ll hit a few switchbacks before reaching the bottom. The initial half loop to the first switchback is steep, but they become more level after that.

As you approach the cove, you’ll see a stone stairwell with a trail marker indicating the correct path. You’ll know you’re in the right spot if you see a small wooden bridge ahead of you.

Skunk Harbor

If you get an early start, you’ll likely have Skunk Harbor largely to yourself. If you come later in the day, though, the cove and its beach will likely be inundated with anchored boats and beach goers.

Early in the season, there won’t be much a beach but as snowmelt eases, it’ll become more exposed. The boulders near the mouth will be accessible as well.

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To the right of where you came in is a old stone cabin that was built in the early 1920’s by a wealthy family who purchased Skunk Harbor.

The interior of the cabin isn’t accessible but can be viewed through the grating in the window. You can explore all angles of the exterior, though.

Behind the cabin is a dirt path that’ll lead you to an overlook of Skunk Harbor. There are a lot of downed trees and boulders here, so you’ll need to navigate those.

From here, you’re able to better see the remains of the cabin’s boating dock submerged in the water.

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I hope you’ll consider hiking to (or boating into) Skunk Harbor during your visit to Lake Tahoe. Get there early and you’re guaranteed to spend a serene morning in nature.

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Hike the Tahoe East Shore Trail to Sand Harbor

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Nestled amidst the picturesque Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lake Tahoe is a natural gem that beckons adventurers with its awe-inspiring beauty. Known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning alpine landscapes, this iconic destination offers an abundance of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts.

Among the many trails that wind their way through this pristine wilderness, the Tahoe East Shore Trail stands out as an enchanting path that leads hikers on a captivating journey to Sand Harbor State Park.

Stretching along the eastern shoreline of Lake Tahoe, the East Shore Trail is a remarkable testament to the region's commitment to preserving its natural wonders.

Spanning approximately three miles, this meticulously crafted trail offers an unparalleled immersiveness into the splendor of the surrounding environment.

The pinnacle of this remarkable journey lies at the destination—Sand Harbor State Park. This iconic gem is renowned for its pristine sandy beaches, hidden coves, and dramatic rock formations that emerge from the lake's depths.

Whether you're a solo adventurer or a family looking to create memories, hiking the Tahoe East Shore Trail to Sand Harbor State Park promises an escape from the day-to-day normalities.

In this guide, I’ll cover many must-know topics such as where to find parking, the length of the trail, which offshoot trails are the best and more!

Trail Stats

• Location: Incline Village, NV

• Fee: None for the trail, but there are variable parking fees and entry fees to Sand Harbor

• Permit: None

• Open: All year, but can be icy in winter

• Restroom: At the Tunnel Creek parking lot, multiple throughout the trail and multiple at Sand Habor

• Parking: Large(ish) paved lot at the Tunnel Creek parking lot and a huge lot at Sand Harbor

• EV Stations: None

• Difficulty: Easy

• Popularity: High

• Mileage: 2.5 miles (one-way) but can add more with the many offshoot trails

• Time: 2-3 hours

• Condition: Meticulously maintained

• Features: The eastern shoreline, many coves/beaches and Sand Harbor State Park

• Pets: Dog friendly, but must be leashed

• Drones: No signs stating you can’t. The Nevada side of the lake is fairly drone friendly. No drone use allowed in Sand Harbor, though

• Our Visit(s): June 2023

Trailhead, Parking & Fees

Construction on the Tahoe East Shore Trail took decades to complete, but officials knew right away how popular it would become. So ample parking was a major focus of the project.

On the north end of the trail are the Tunnel Creek and Bullwheel parking lots. They’re right off highway 28 and are adjacent to the Tunnel Creek Cafe and Monkey Rock trailhead.

In peak season, these lots tend to fill quickly. I arrived at 9:30 am and found only a few open spaces. So plan for an early arrival.

If the lots are full, you can drive to and park at the old Incline Elementary School and take the East Shore Express shuttle in. Fares are $3 per person (half that for seniors and those with disabilities).

Also during peak season, you’ll need to pay to park. Fees are charged per hour and depend on timeframe, day, month, etc. For reference, the photo below shows the fees as of June 2023.

You can pay via one of the digital pay stations or by texting the phone number in the picture below. If you intend to use the pay station, these are the steps:

• Enter your license plate number

• Insert your card (you’ll be charged an initial one-hour fee)

• Select the amount of hours you want (go with more than what you’ll think you’ll need)

• You’ll be charged upfront for the amount of hours selected and be given a receipt

If you’re not feeling up to hiking the trail, there’s a vendor called Flume Trail Bikes located adjacent to the parking lot where you can rent bicycles from. Additionally, if you’re feeling hungry, the Tunnel Creek Cafe is also right next to the parking lot.

Also at the trailhead is your first opportunity at using a restroom. It’s a port-o-potty set up and wasn’t maintained all that well, so come prepared.

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You’ll find the official start of the trail just past the informational display. I highly suggest giving it a read before heading out. It details the history of the trail, its construction and future plans.

The Tahoe East Shore Trail

You’ll start out on the opposite side of highway 28 (or the, “Mountain Side”). This section of the trail is the only one where there’s some elevation change.

When you get up the hill, you’ll be treated to epic views of the north side of the lake. This section is still wheelchair and stroller friendly as the grade never exceedes 8%.

This section is only a half mile or so, but the views are outstanding. It’s also the only section that has some shade provided by the tall pine trees.

As you reach the peak, you can look out ahead of you and get a glimpse of Sand Harbor State Park in the distance. From here, you’ll dip down and realign with the highway.

The second half of the trail continues along the shoreline on the other side. You won’t need to cross the highway, though, as the trail was built to go underneath.

The interior walls of the tunnel are covered in beautiful murals, each side depicting Lake Tahoe and its surrounding mountains.

Coming out of the tunnel you’ll arrive to a clearing where there’s more informational signage, views of the lake and another restroom.

If you’ll be taking the above mentioned shuttle to the trail, this is where they’ll drop you off. So you’ll effectively save yourself a half mile by doing so.

From the tunnel, you’re about 1.5 miles from Sand Harbor. To continue along the trail, go left coming out of the tunnel. This is also where you’ll come across your first offshoot trail.

There are many offshoots leading to a variety of beaches and coves that were once not as easily accessible as they are now. Each one only takes a minute or less to reach.

The first of which is the ever popular Hidden Beach. It’s small in comparison at just 750 feet, but it sees far less people than nearby Sand Harbor.

It’s also dog friendly and aside from parking, there are no fees associated with it. I highly recommend spending some time here.

Continue further down the trail and arrive to the next offshoot; Balancing Rock. There are two entry/exit points here so there’s no need to go back up the same way you came in.

The main feature here is the flat(ish) granite boulder balancing on a smaller pile of granite boulders beneath it in the water. It’s nothing spectacular but still worth a look.

Past Balancing Rock, the next few offshoots I either skipped or simply viewed from the trail (there was a storm coming in that afternoon and I wanted to beat it). Those offshoots include:

• Granite Cove

• Artist’s Point

• Mountain Vista

• Dipper Point

At Artist’s Point is another opportunity at using a restroom. This one is shared between trail users and people traveling on highway 28. From Artist’s Point, you’re about a half mile from Sand Harbor.

There are two more offshoots before you arrive to Sand Harbor, both of which I highly recommend visiting as I feel they both rival Sand Harbor in terms of beauty. They are Sunset Cove and Emerald Cove. Both are similar in that they’re dotted with granite boulder shorelines, have crystal clear turquoise water and require a hike down a quick trail.

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If you must choose, I recommend Sunset Cove as it’s much easier to access and has an actual beach, whereas Emerald Cove was lined with boulders.

From here, continue down the trail for another 2/10’s of a mile before getting your first glimpse of the mega popular and beautiful Sand Harbor State Park. As you approach the entrance to Sand Harbor, you’ll start seeing signs stating as such and the fees associated with entering.

To walk or bike into Sand Harbor you’ll need to pay the $2 per person fee. You can pay cash or utilize the digital pay station near the ranger shack. If you’re paying with a card, be sure to select “other” rather than the “day-use” option to avoid over paying. The ranger helped me to avoid that mistake.

Once in the park, you can stay for as long as you like. Your ticket is good until one hour past sunset. There are many beaches and coves to explore.

Sand Harbor has many restrooms available and an on-site restaurant. The larger beach is located at the far end of the park from where you’ll enter.

From here, simply head back in the same way you came. If you like, you can utilize the above mentioned shuttle to take you most of the way back. You’ll still need to walk the final half mile, though.

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Your Thoughts…

Since this trail is popular and follows highway 28, this isn’t a peaceful hike through the woods. On the flip side, this shoreline is perhaps the most beautiful in all of Tahoe and is a must-see for any visitor.

Up until Sand Harbor, the entire trail is wheelchair accessible and is pet, stroller, bicycle and family friendly.

Does this sound like something you and your family would enjoy? Are you planning a trip to Tahoe soon? Let us know in the comments and in the meantime, check out our other Tahoe related posts below!

• “Cave Rock: A Short Hike To An Epic View Of Lake Tahoe”

• “How To Hike To Skunk Harbor In Lake Tahoe”

• “Glen Alpine Falls: A Beautiful Lake Tahoe Waterfall”

• “Base Camp Pizza: An Excellent Option For Pizza In Tahoe”

• “Emerald Bay State Park: Hiking, Camping, Vikingsholm, Kayaking & More”

• “How To Kayak To The Fannette Island Tea House In Emerald Bay”

Cave Rock Trail: A Short Hike To An Epic View Of Lake Tahoe

3 minute read | contains affiliate links

Located on the Nevada side of the lake, the Cave Rock trail may seem uneventful at first, but the mind-blowing view at the end will prove that assumption wrong.

This trail is great for hikers, families and everyone in between. If you happen to be driving through on a trip, it’s an excellent way to stretch your legs for an hour or so.

Note that this post is about the actual trail to the top of Cave Rock and not the state park on the other side of the highway. Those are two different things.

In this post, we’ll cover topics such as parking, how to find the trailhead, what to expect along the trail and more. Let’s get into it!

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Quick Stats

• Location: Stateline, NV (Tahoe)

• Fee: None

• Permit: None

• Open: Year round

• For: Everyone

• Restroom: None

• Parking: Tiny lot with enough room for 4-5 vehicles

• EV Stations: None

• Difficulty: Easy (though there’s some scrambling involved)

• Popularity: Medium to high

• Mileage: Less than a mile, roundtrip

• Time: One hour

• Elevation Gain: 137-feet

• Condition: Maintained (not signed)

• Features: Cave Rock & view of Lake Tahoe

• Pets: Allowed on leash

• Drones*: Allowed on the trail and Cave Rock itself (not within the state park boundaries, though)

• Hazards: You’ll need to scramble up Cave Rock to get to the top. It’s nothing too difficult, though.

• Our Visit(s): 2016 & 2022

*We refer to the app, “B4UFLY”, to help determine if we’re legally allowed to launch our drone from a particular location. We suggest you do the same to ensure you’re flying responsibly.

Cave Rock Trailhead & Parking

When looking for the parking lot and trailhead for the Cave Rock trail, many people mistakingly go to Cave Rock State Park along the shore of the lake.

Unfortunately, there is no access to the trail from there. That area is for swimming, kayaking and other types of recreating.

For the trail to the top of Cave Rock, you’ll need to drive up Cave Rock road, just off the highway. You’ll see a, “Cave Rock Estates”, sign indicating the correct road.

About a quarter-of-a-mile up the road (as it elbows), you’ll see a tiny, pull-out style lot on the left side of the road. This is the parking lot for the trail (pictured above).

As you can see, there isn’t a whole lot of room. It’s a stretch to even call it a parking lot. There’s room for maybe four or five vehicles.

On top of that, there’s no parking allowed along the street (you could get towed). If there’s no space, you may have to circle around a couple times.

Due to this, we recommend getting here early. We arrived at around 8am and there was just one other couple at the rock.

Cave Rock Trail

The trail is a well maintained, compacted dirt path that’s less than a mile, out and back. You will be walking at an incline but it’s barely noticeable.

Along the way, you’ll be treated to periodic views of Cave Rock and the lake itself. There’s a few spots to get creative with your camera by using the trees to frame the rock.

As you get further up the trail, you’ll see a large set of boulders on the right side of the trail (pictured below).

Shortly after these boulders, you’ll come to an unsigned junction. Keep left (in the direction of Cave Rock) to remain on the trail.

Almost immediately after bearing left, the base of Cave Rock will come into view.

If you or someone in your group isn’t up for scrambling up the rock, you can get a similar view as the one up top.

For an even better view, though, you’ll want to get to the top. To begin, make your way around the rock-wall to begin your climb.

Scrambling Up Cave Rock

There’s no actual trail or path to the top. Take a minute to scan the boulders around you, use common sense and scramble your way up.

If we had to rate it, we’d both say it’s an easy, beginner level scramble. Or the lower end of moderate, at worst. It only took us about five minutes.

The views from the top are simply jaw-dropping, no matter which direction you look. Being up here for sunrise or sunset would be even more amazing.

There isn’t a lot of room up here. So if you’re here on a particular busy day, expect it to be a bit cramped. In our experiences, though, its never been an issue.

When you’re done taking in the views, safely scramble back down the rock and head back to your car. If you’re up for more adventures, see our posts below for a few other Lake Tahoe hikes.

“Hike To Eagle Falls and Eagle Lake In Lake Tahoe”

“Hiking To Cascade Falls Near Emerald Bay”

“How To Kayak To Fannette Island Tea House In Emerald Bay”

“How To Visit Vikingsholm Castle In Emerald Bay State Park”

“How To Hike To Skunk Harbor In Lake Tahoe”

Your Thoughts…

Does this sound like a trail you and your family would enjoy doing? Have you been to the top of Cave Rock? Let us know in the comments below. We love hearing from our readers!

Please support our website by sharing it with your family and friends.

Thank you for reading.

Hunter Creek Falls: An Epic Hike Just Outside Of Reno

5 minute read | Contains affiliate links

Until fairly recently, people would generally associate Reno solely with gambling, bars, and being the (much) smaller sibling to Las Vegas.

In recent years though, Reno has been earning a reputation for being more than that. You may not realize it, but Reno is an outdoor recreational haven.

Activities like skiing, hiking, white water rafting, and camping can all be done in Reno. This article, however, will focus on Reno’s most popular hiking trail; Hunter Creek Falls.

This trail is spectacular! It parallels Hunter Creek the entire way through rocky terrain, before taking you through crisp-smelling pine trees and terminating at the namesake thirty-foot waterfall.

Despite living near Reno, I’ve only just recently hiked this gem. If you haven't, there’s a few things you should know before hitting the trail. Let’s get into it!

Quick Stats

• Location: Reno, Nevada

• Fees/Permit: None

• Open: April through October

• For: Hikers, Mountain Bikers, & Equestrians

• Parking: Large, paved lot.

• Restroom: At the trailhead

• EV Stations: None

• Drone Use: No signage stating you can't

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Time: Three to four hours for most

• Mileage: 6.4 miles, RT

• Popularity: Heavily trafficked

• Elevation Gain: 1,023 ft

• Trail Condition: Maintained and easy to follow

• Main Feature(s): 30-foot waterfall

• Campground: None nearby

• Pets: Allowed on leash

• Special Notes/Hazards: 1) Sun exposed throughout the majority of the trail. Bring lots of water and sunscreen. 2) Several heavily rocky sections that pets and small children may have a hard time navigating without assistance. 3) A good portion of the trail is narrow along a steep ravine.

• Our Visit: June 2022

*Please practice leave no trace principles and keep to the trail*

Trailhead and Parking

Getting to the trailhead for this spectacular hike is easy and straight-forward. It’s just 20-minutes from the downtown area and midtown at the end of a beautiful housing development called, “Jupiter Ridge”.

*Tip: Simply punch “Hunter Creek Falls trailhead” into any GPS system for easy directions

You’ll arrive at a well maintained parking lot large enough to hold a few dozen vehicles. GPS directions will try to take you to a dirt pull-out but this isn’t it. Go a little further up the road and take the first right out of the roundabout. The lot will be right there.

In it, you’ll find trail/area information signage, a picnic table, trash cans, and a well-kept restroom. If you must, utilize before you head down the trail as there are no other restrooms beyond this point.

The Trail

Facing the restroom, you’ll find the start of the trail on your left (pictured above). On it, you’ll descend a short distance to Hunter Creek before coming up on a wooden bridge.

Note: If you’re an Equestrian, there’s signage asking you to cross through the creek (there’s an opening to the right) instead of crossing the bridge.

After crossing the bridge, you’ll see a split. To continue to Hunter Creek Falls, go left. You’ll be hiking parallel to the creek along this short stretch.

There are many spur trails leading you to the waterline. Throughout the entirety of the trail the creek is covered by trees, providing a plethora of shade.

Soon, you’ll begin to ascend above the creek and tree line. Here, the trail narrows, gets rockier, and is completely sun exposed. It maintains all three of these elements (for the most part) until you get closer to the waterfall.

At the top of your first ascent, look to your left for a rocky ledge and take in the view ahead. You’ll get a glimpse of Downtown Reno in the distance.

From this point, the trail gets VERY rocky. There’s more than a few sections of trail that are nothing but loose rock (pictured below). This is where pets and kids may have a hard time navigating.

On the plus side, here is where the scenery around the trail moves into a proper wilderness setting as you put the view of Reno behind you.

If you’re here at the right time in the season you’ll see lots of flora and fauna, along with pine trees and mountains that still have snow on them.

As stated at the beginning of this post, the trail is very narrow. If you’re hiking in a group, you’ll need to hike single file throughout the majority of it.

On the way up and back, there were a few instances where finding a safe spot to stand as another hiker passed was quite the challenge.

It’s not impossible or inherently dangerous by any means, but it’s something to be mindful of. How hikers get around Equestrians on this trail is beyond me.

Pictured above, you’ll see the beginning of the most intense part of the trail. Up until now, it has ascended fairly evenly. Here, it’s a semi-sharp ascent. This is about two miles into the hike.

Personally, I wouldn’t rate it as difficult. It will, however, take the breath out of most people (it did to me). Take your time, catch your breath when needed, and you’ll get up there just fine.

Hunter Creek Falls

You’ll know you’re getting closer to the waterfall when you enter a thick section of pine trees and re-align with Hunter Creek. There are two final spots on this trail I felt should be pointed out as it isn’t entirely clear which direction to go.

Every other blog post or review I read of this trail stated it was well-signed. This is emphatically false. Past the bridge at the beginning, I didn’t see a single sign. So I’ll do my best to help you avoid going in the wrong/least convenient direction.

The first one you’ll come to (pictured above) seemingly continues forward. When you come up on this, those two boulders in the picture will be on your right. Straight ahead, you’ll both see and hear the creek.

DO NOT continue straight. Instead, turn right, in between the boulders. The one going straight isn’t the official trail. After turning right, the trail becomes obvious again.

*Tip: Essentially, if you come right up on the creek, you went too far.

The second one (pictured above) presents itself about a quarter-mile after the right turn you made. Here, you have two options:

• Option #1: Continue straight and arrive at the waterfall shortly. However, on this side of the falls, there’s nowhere to sit, you won’t have a good view and you’ll need to cross a log to get to the other side.

• Option #2: Go left and cross the creek via the make-shift bridge made from sketchy tree branches people randomly found. Shortly after making it to the other side, you’ll arrive at the falls in an area with a plethora of seating, shade, and space.

I recommend taking the second option. Worst case, you could cut straight through the creek. I estimate this part of the creek was about half shin deep when I hiked it (early June).

*Note: There used to be a solid bridge here for people to cross but it was destroyed a few years ago by heavy water flow and debris.

Regardless of which direction you take, you’ll soon arrive at the beautiful Hunter Creek Falls. If you take my recommendation and go left, you’ll come to a large area with lots of seating and shade.

When I was here, there was a tree branch that collapsed and was partially blocking the view of the first section of the waterfall. Still an awesome view, regardless.

Stay as long as you like. Get all the pictures you can. When you’re ready, simply turn around and head back in the same direction you came.

Have you hiked Hunter Creek Falls before? If so, did you find the trail pretty easy or more towards the moderate/difficult side? If not, do you have plans to hike it now or have any further questions? Shoot us a note in the comment section below!

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How To Visit The Historic Lovelock Cave

Nestled within the Humbolt Mountain range and located 20 miles outside the small Nevada town of Lovelock, the Lovelock Cave is a small, but significally historic landmark. It’s an easy, straight-forward drive along the Backcountry Byway and once there, it’s a quick hike to the cave entrance from the parking lot.

As stated above, it is small. This is not the kind of cave where you’ll be able to go from room to room deep into the earth. It’s a small entrance leading to a viewing deck inside an area barely bigger than a modern day studio apartment. Don’t let this stop you, though. The historical significance of the cave more than makes up for its lack of size.

Some 22,000 years ago, Lake Lahontan covered this entire area. As water levels began to recede, wave action started to interact with the limestone, resulting in little pocket caves like this one. Lovelock Cave is just one of many in the area that came to be because of Lahontan. Hidden Cave near Fallon is another example.

In later years, Northern Paiute Indians would utilize this cave for storage and shelter between the timeframe of 2,000 B.C and 1,000 A.D and it would go undiscovered until 1912 when bat guano miners found it and began operations. Shortly after, archeological digs would commence and regularly occur for around 60 years, resulting in the discovery of thousands of artifacts and human remains.

Read on below as we give you a detailed summary on how you can make your way out here and see it for yourself. In the second half of the article, we will briefly cover the legend of the cannibalistic giants that lived here as well as the discovery of the oldest known duck decoys in the world. Enjoy!

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Directions

Your journey to the cave begins and ends in Lovelock, NV. Thankfully, it’s easy to get there as your journey begins almost as soon as you exit the freeway. Whether you’re coming from the direction of Winnemucca or Reno, these are the easiest directions to follow:

• You’ll take exit #106 towards Downtown.

• As you’re taking the exit, you’ll notice a McDonalds.

• If you’re coming from Winnemucca, you’ll turn right on Main then left on Amherst (just before McDonalds). If you’re coming from Reno, you’ll turn left on Main, go under the overpass, and left on Amherst.

• This road will eventually turn into S. Meridian and becomes a well maintained dirt road as you pass through a beautiful agricultural area.

• You’ll stay on this road until you reach Derby road at a two-way intersection. You will go left here.

• You’ll cross over the Humbolt River and shortly after, come to a point where the road splits in three directions (as pictured below). You’ll want to continue to the right.

• Continue going straight until the road terminates at the parking lot.

Even though it is fairly straight forward, you may feel a little lost at times (we did). Just keep an eye out for those “Lovelock Cave Byway” signs. They’re dotted along the entire stretch of this drive. If you haven’t seen one in a while, you may want to turn around.

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Pictured above is a beautiful section of the Humbolt River we ran into along the byway. This view was on our left shortly after turning on Derby. Pictured below is where the road splits into three directions shortly after the river crossing. You’ll turn right to continue towards the cave (though we were curious as to what the other roads led to. If you happen to know, please let us know in the comments).

Between here and the cave, you’ll get amazing views of the Humbolt Mountains on your left and the Humboldt State Wildlife Management Area on your right. We observed many species of birds in this area and even spotted a Rattlesnake sun-bathing in the middle of the road. If you’re into birding, you would do well here.

The road you’ll be on is well maintained with only a few parts that get a bit rough for those driving a compact vehicle. For clarity, our Chevy Cruze made it just fine (though there were a few times we had to slow down due to rough bumps in the road). If you have a truck or jeep, you’ll have no issues.

The road will start to go left and up towards the cave and soon, you’ll see the entrance sign and the parking lot ahead of you. The lot is a decent size that could easily accommodate a few dozen or so creatively parked vehicles. There is also a covered picnic table and one restroom. Fair warning, the restroom isn’t very well maintained (better than nothing, though).

The Nature Trail

At the trailhead, you’ll find an informative board describing the history of the cave and the area as a whole. You’ll find the start of the trail just behind here. If you wanted to complete the trail proper (and you should) you’ll start by heading upwards. If you just want to get to the cave, head left.

The nature trail is short, coming in a just over half a mile for the whole loop. In the beginning there is a bit of an uphill climb but it’s on gentle switchbacks and doesn’t require a whole lot of effort. If you took a brochure along with you (at the trailhead), it’ll describe the mountains, plants, and other features as you go.

If you’re on the trail proper, it’ll take you up, over, and around the cave before dropping you off at the entrance. Just before this, you’ll come to another informative board with an expansive view of what was once ancient Lake Lahontan (now Humbolt Sink). The board details the plant, animal, and fish life that once called this area home.

From here, you’ll continue left on the trail until you reach the entrance to the cave. You’ll go down a little bit before working your way back up. This section of the trail does have sheer drop offs on your right, so be sure to watch your footing. Once you get to the entrance, you will see a few spur trails. There’s no right or wrong here. Just pick one and go up.

When you arrive at the entrance, you’ll see what we mean by how small it is. In fact, it used to be MUCH wider, but an earthquake caused a large rock to collapse into the mouth of the cave, leaving the tiny entrance we have today. You can still see how large it was by looking to the far right of the entrance.

Lovelock Cave

From here, simply head into the cave. Watch your footing as you descend as it’s a rocky and uneven surface. In front of you, you’ll see a wooden deck. This is where you can enjoy the cave from. This deck was installed around 10 years ago to help maintain the integrity of the cave. The BLM does ask that you stay on the deck as archeological digs do still occur here from time to time.

In the photo below, you will see a brightly lit photo of the viewing deck. I used my camera’s flash to attain this photo. It is NOT this bright inside. It isn’t pitch black or anything as you are able to see where you’re going, but it is much darker than what this photo shows.

All around you, you’ll see burn marks at both the entrance of the cave as well as nearly the entire interior. It is believed that this was due to fires being set by Native Americans for warmth, cooking food, etc. There’s also the legend of Natives setting fire to the entrance of the cave to “smoke out” cannibalistic giants that once lived in this area (more on that later).

There’s a lower portion of the deck to the right that takes you slightly further into the cave. It’s much darker on this side as it’s further from the entrance. Seeing a bat or two is a possibility. The brochure we had stated bats were rare in this cave these days but during our visit, we saw two flying around.

From either side of the deck, you can see the areas where both bat guano miners and archeologists dug through. Guano mining took place in the early 1900’s while archeology digs began later and still occur from time to time. Many historical items were discovered here including multiple bones, mummified remains (unconfirmed), weapons, tools, duck decoys (oldest known in the world), clothing, and other artifacts.

Per my research, a total of 10,000 human remains and cultural artifacts have been discovered in this small cave. Prior to the mining and digging, the floor of the cave was much higher than it is today, specifically the left side (which was where most of the digging took place).

Once you’re done enjoying the cave, simply exit and head to the left back on the loop trail to complete your journey. On this section of the trail, you’ll get more expansive views of the Humbolt Sink and see up close the amazing limestone rock formations that make up the exterior. If you’re a rock nerd (like me) you’ll enjoy it.

From here, you just keep going straight until the trail spits you back out to the parking lot. You’re total milage on the trail will be around 6/10’s of a mile and with time exploring the interior of the cave, it shouldn’t take you more than an hour or two to complete.

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READ ALSO: Take An Easy Hike To King’s Canyon Falls in Carson City

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Legend of the Giants

Now that we’ve gotten the “how to” part of this article out of the way, lets move on to some history. We have heard the legends and rumors surrounding what was and wasn’t found inside this cave. One of those legends pertains to the red-haired, cannibalistic giants that allegedly lived here while ancient Lake Lahontan was still present.

Native Paiutes described these giants (called, “Si-Te-Cah” and translates to, “tule eaters”) as upwards of 12-feet tall with reddish-brown hair all over their bodies and faces (think modern-day Bigfoot descriptions). They would sail across the sink to tribe villages, kidnap native women and children, and would take them back to this cave (and others) to be eaten.

Sick of their people being kidnapped and eaten (understandably), multiple tribes banded together with the purpose of killing these giants once and for all. So they chased them into the cave and after refusing to come out and fight, they set fire to the entrance of the cave. Some of the giants stayed inside, falling victim to burns and smoke inhalation. Others ran out and died after being hit with a hail of arrows.

It is said that many bones were discovered in the cave, some being split down the middle with the bone marrow extracted (which is probably something a giant cannibal would do). Furthermore, legend has it that mummified remains of these giants were found here. I was unable to find anything conclusive that confirmed the existence of these remains, so take it for what it’s worth.

The Duck Decoys

Among the confirmed artifacts unearthed here, the most known has to be the duck decoys. These decoys date back to between 400 B.C - 100 A.D. They’re made of bundled Tule (a desert plant which grows in marshy wetlands), are painted, and have actual Duck feathers still attached. In all, 11 were found with 8 being complete and 3 being unfinished.

These decoys have the distinction of being the oldest known in the world. They went undiscovered and untouched inside the cave for over 2,000 years. It’s truly amazing. Fittingly, they’re currently on display at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.

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Conclusion

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Take An Easy Hike To King’s Canyon Falls in Carson City

Located in Carson City at the end of King’s Canyon road, this 25-foot cascading waterfall offers families and solo hikers alike easy access to an oasis away from the hustle and bustle of downtown.

We have been here numerous times and have almost always had the falls to ourselves at least part of the time. It is known mostly to locals, so your chances of not having to deal with hoards of tourists are decent.

If you’re planning a trip to Carson City or Reno, we highly recommend adding this place to your list of must-do activities. Below, you’ll find the information you’ll need for your visit.

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The Trailhead

Kings Canyon Falls trailhead.

Getting to the trailhead from the downtown area is straightforward and simple. From the capital, you’ll do the following:

• Turn onto East Musser street

• Turn left onto N. Division street

• Turn right onto W. King street

• Continue on King’s Canyon road for about two miles

• Keep left to stay on King’s Canyon road for about a third of a mile until you hit the dead end.

At the dead end, you’ll see a small dirt lot ahead of you with informative signage on both sides. This is the lot you’ll use. It can comfortably hold around 6-8 vehicles but if it’s full, you can simply park on the side of the road.

Kings Canyon Falls trailhead.

After you park, you’ll see a dirt road heading off to the left and a set of stairs leading up to some signage on your right. You’ll want to take the latter as that’s the most direct route to the falls.

Firefighter memorial. Kings Canyon Falls.

You’ll also want to take note that this trail is for hikers only. Equestrians and biking are not permitted. If you’re looking for a trail that can accommodate one or both of those activities, check here.

Be sure to stop at the sign and read about the fire that took place in this area in 1976 and the resulting deaths of three Firefighters who bravely fought it. There’s a memorial plaque on the left of the trailhead listing the names of those of perished.

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READ ALSO: Hiking Wilson Canyon: A Hidden Gem In The Nevada Desert

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The Trail

As stated in the title, this would be considered an easy trail just based on length alone. From the trailhead to the falls, it’s just about a quarter mile over just two quick sets of switchbacks.

Don’t be fooled, though, because it is deceptively steep in some sections. It isn’t hard, but if you’re not in decent shape or you’re not used to the elevation, you’ll definitely feel it.

Trail to King’s Canyon Falls.

Kings Canyon Falls trail.

Along the trail you’ll see sporadic signs asking you to remain on the trail and not cut through. It may be tempting in some spots but please obey the signs and stay on the trail. There’s been a lot of effort in recent years to restore the area.

View of Carson Valley from the trail.

As you near the top of the trail you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of Carson Valley below. This view is also an indication that you’re close to the falls and that the “hard” part of the trail is over with.

Also around this part of the trail is where you’ll see the junction (on your left) that leads to the 1.8-mile North Kings Loop. This trail goes over and around the falls, not to it. So you’ll want to continue straight on the trail.

The Falls

Kings Canyon Falls.

Kings Canyon Falls.

As you turn the corner into the canyon, you will run right into the falls. In fact, like most waterfalls, you’ll hear it before you see it. As you arrive, you’ll notice boulders off to the left that make for the perfect spot to get off your feet.

The falls flow year round, but spring time is when it’s at its best while getting reduced greatly in the fall. Winter is the one season we haven’t been up here but from what I hear, there is water flowing and the trail, while snow covered and icy in some spots, is still accessible.

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READ ALSO: Your Complete Guide To Visiting Burney Falls

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Kings Canyon Falls.

Kings Canyon Falls.

If you’re here during a particularly heavy flow, the pool at the base of the falls will be around ankle deep, at best. Prior visitors have set up rocks to step on to get across to the other side so you can avoid stepping into the water.

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, there are boulders off to the right of the falls that you could use to scramble up to the top. From what I hear, there are small cascades you could check out up there. We have yet to do this so I can’t vouch for it, unfortunately.

Kings Canyon Falls.

Kings Canyon Falls.

Take as long as you like to hang out. People will come and go but if you’re patient, chances are good you’ll have it to yourself at some point. When you’re ready, simply turn around and head back in the same direction you came.

On the way back, you’ll again be presented with the opportunity to extend your hike via the North Kings Loop. This will add 1.8 miles to the overall hike. This is something I plan to do on my next visit so I’ll be sure to update this post when that happens.

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Conclusion

Kings Canyon Falls.

We hope you’ve found this article useful for planning out your adventures. If you enjoyed it, please support us by sharing this article with your friends and family on Facebook, Pinterest, or your favorite social media site.

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Safe travels.

Hiking Wilson Canyon: A Hidden Gem in The Nevada Desert

Situated between the small town of Yerington and the even smaller community of Smith Valley, Wilson Canyon is a recreational paradise with something for everyone. Hiking, horse riding, river tubing, camping, motor sports, fishing, etc. You name it, you can do it.

Even though there are plenty of activities to take part in, this article is going to focus on the 3.5 mile interpretive loop trail on the west side of the canyon. If you want to use your dirt bike, quad, etc, you can do so on the opposite side of the highway at the dunes.

The trail is considered moderate in difficulty. The very beginning and end (where you climb in and back out) are short but steep sections. The rest is mostly flat with the occasional gradual ascent/descent that’ll ultimately lead you to an epic payoff at the viewpoint.

At the end of the article I’ve included a screenshot of the route we took that was recorded by my watch. That combined with the included images will give you a pretty good idea of what you’ll be dealing with.

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Where to Find It

Wilson Canyon picnic area.

The interpretive loop trail begins and ends in the small parking lot located at the west end of the canyon. The decently maintained dirt lot can hold a couple dozen vehicles and features two shaded picnic tables. The trail begins just behind these.

If you’re coming from Yerington, the lot will be at the end of the canyon on your left. If you’re coming from Gardnerville or Topaz, the lot will be on your immediate right as you’re coming into the canyon (shortly after passing the rest stop).

The Trail

Wilson Canyon trailhead.

This first section of the trail leading up to the ridge of the canyon is the second steepest of the whole thing (the first being the opposite side coming back out, but more on that later). It isn’t difficult by any means, but if you’re not used to hiking at higher elevations, you may have a slow go at it.

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READ ALSO: Exploring Fort Churchill: An Abandoned Army Post in Nevada

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Wilson Canyon trail with Mount Siegel and the Pine Nut Mountain range in the background.

When you get to the top of the ridge, be sure to turn around and take in the views. In a single frame of view you’ll see a portion of the west fork of Walker River with Mount Siegel and the Pine Nut Mountain Range providing the backdrop.

From here, you have two choices. You can go further up the ridge to the left and check out the vertigo inducing views of the river below or, once you’ve gotten your fill of the views, you can continue down the trail proper leading into the canyon.

Wilson Canyon trail.

Going down this section of the trail will mean you’re going to lose all the elevation you just gained. It’s frustrating, I know, but it’s the only way in. On your way down, you’ll get a vast view of the desert valley below that was once an ancient lake.

If you look closely to the upper left of the image above you’ll faintly see a sign along the trail just before it veers to the right. This sign indicates that you would be under water at that point had the lake still been there.

Wilson Canyon trail.

At the bottom of the trail you’ll reach a dry river bed that cuts through the trail you’re on. You’ll also see two pointed signs with one directing you to the left and another directing you forward. This is where the actual loop begins.

You could go in either direction and end up at the same spot. Going left will take you along the river before turning into and up the canyon. After reaching the viewpoint above, you’ll descend back into the canyon and here is where it’ll ultimately spit you out at. In our opinion, this is the better way to go.

Walker River.

Walker River.

After turning left at the juncture, you’ll follow the dry river bed for a short time before before running into Walker River. At the right time of year, this section of the river doesn’t move very fast. So if you brought your swimsuit, this would be a great spot to take a dip or maybe partake in some fishing.

Hiking along the Walker River.

The trail continues to the right and follows the river for about a quarter mile before finally cutting back into the canyon. When we did this hike it was still early spring, so the trees that dot the river weren’t yet blooming, unfortunately. When they do, it’s a sight to behold (especially in the fall).

Shortly after turning right into the canyon (roughly one mile into the hike), you’ll come across your first of only two opportunities for shade during this stretch of the trail. The next one is 3/4’s of a mile further. So if you’re feeling the need to rest for a bit, do it here.

Wilson Canyon trail.

This stretch of the trail starts from the time you leave the river to the time where you reach the viewpoint at the top and is almost exactly one mile in length. It is very exposed and as stated above, has only two opportunities for shaded rest breaks.

At first glance, you might think there isn’t much to look at here, but you’d be wrong. Thanks to the volunteers that maintain this trail, small informative signs dot the trail pointing out the several examples of desert flora, rock formations, and petrified wood.

Taking a break at one of the few shaded parts of the Wilson Canyon trail.

Not long after the second shaded area of the trail, you’ll begin your ascent to the viewpoint. This ascent, while still requiring a fair amount of effort, is nowhere near as steep as the one you took to get into the canyon at the beginning.

Wilson Canyon viewpoint.

At the top of the viewpoint, you’ll see a large informative sign detailing the history of the area and what you’re looking at. On your far right, you’ll see Mount Wilson, Singatse Range, and Shamarak Hill. Toward the middle and left you’ll see Ancient Lake Wellington, the Pine Nut Mountain Range, and Mount Siegel.

Pine Nut Mountains and Mount Siegel.

Once you’ve gotten your fill of the views and took your pictures, you’ll continue down the trail as you descend back into the canyon. This section of the trail is my personal favorite as you go from sweeping mountain views to feeling like you’ve stepped into a scene out of Star Wars.

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READ ALSO: Visit Dayton State Park and Rock Point Mill

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Descending back into Wilson Canyon.

If you’ve ever seen the tufa’s at Mono Lake in California, the canyon walls that surround you will look similar to that environment. After all, all of what you see here was formed over millions of years of volcanic activity and water movement.

Towards the end, you’ll see examples of what are called, “Hoodoos”. Hoodoos are rock formations that were once solid pieces of land that were carved out by rain, snow melt, and wind leaving the pieces you see today. One of them, as pictured below, resembles a dragon.

A few examples of Hoodoos in Wilson Canyon.

As you make your way through the canyon walls and Hoodoos, you’ll come out into an opening signaling the near the end of the hike. You’ll eventually reach a sign (similar to the one at the beginning) stating that you would be under water had the ancient lake still been here. At this point in the hike, you’re at the 3-mile mark.

Near the end of the Wilson Canyon trail.

The climb out of Wilson Canyon.

From here, simply continue on the trail until it spits you out at that same junction you came to at the beginning. Now that you've completed the loop, you can either head back towards to the river to recreate in there or you can go straight up and over the ridge back to your vehicle. Remember the very beginning of this article when I stated the hardest part of the whole hike is the climb out? Well, there it is pictured above. Prepare yourself.

Things to Know

This is an all season trail. Rain and/or snow can make this trail incredibly muddy and hard or even dangerous to traverse. However, this area doesn’t receive a lot of either one so it is accessible anytime of year. We do recommend checking the weather before heading out, though.

Wildlife hazards are present. As with any venture into the wilderness, potential conflicts with wildlife are possible. While I have never seen anything more menacing than deer out here, others have spotted both Cougars and Rattlesnakes. As with anything, use common sense, be prepared, pay attention to your surroundings, and know what to do in case you cross paths with one of them.

The majority of the trail is rocky. The volunteers who maintain this trail do a great job, but they can only do so much. At certain points at both ends of the trail it does get rather rocky and the potential of rolling an ankle is ever present. Watch your step, keep to steady surfaces as much as possible, and you’ll be fine.

The trail is very sun exposed. The descent back into the canyon from the viewpoint has more shade than the way up does. It’s a 3.5-mile trail and for the first two or so, you’re only going to have a couple opportunities for shade. If you’re doing this trail in the summer, we highly recommend getting an early AM start and as always, bring plenty of water and salty snacks with you.

We would rate this hike as family friendly. While it does have steep sections, the trail is mostly flat with occasional gradual inclines/declines. It is our opinion that everyone from adults to children can do this hike. If your kid has never hiked before, it would be a great way to introduce them to it.

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Conclusion

We hope you’ve enjoyed this article and that it is helpful to you. If you have any further questions or comments about this hike, please feel free to ask them in the comments section below.

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You can further show your support by staying on and reading one or more of the related articles above. Thank you for reading!