Sloan Canyon 03-22-2015

Today we hiked Sloan Canyon in hopes of finding some spring wildflowers. Things have changed since the last time I was here.

BLM has blocked off the last part of the road and moved the parking area about a half mile back from the old trailhead.   So to get to the start of trail 100 you need to walk down the old road.  

Once at the trail head, we chose to make a clockwise loop using the marked trails 100 and 200. The trail starts in a wide wash with great volcanic geology ( BLM   page on Sloan Canyon geology - sloan canyon geology ). Moving through the wash there is a series of dry falls. Most are simple to climb up and require minimal skill.

Immediately after the last dry fall you will enter into the Petroglyph Gallery. Everywhere you look you will find petroglyphs on rocks. It is an amazing and special area.

I fear  the large amount of development encroaching on this canyon will gradually deteriorate the quality of this pristine canyon. After the amount of petroglyphs start to slow, trail 100 will wind around and meet up with trail 200.

As soon as you see the marker for 200 look immediately to your right and take the trail that heads up the hill. This trail will guide you up, great views of Henderson, and over the hill and Eventually the trail will  meet back up with trail 100 near the Sloan Canyon trailhead. 

Unfortunately we were a bit too early for the wildflowers. Many buds are showing so maybe a week or two more.  In years past, this canyon has been filled with amazing color. So we will try to get back soon to check on the wildflower status. Even without the stunning wildflowers, this is a must do hike to see the great geology and the massive amount of rock art.