On May 11, 2004, We decided to do Red Rock Canyon's Grand Circle. The Grand Circle is an interesting 11.4 mile loop that combines all or parts of several other trails before entering a 4 mile return. This proved to be our most challenging and most interesting hike so far. The hike is rated difficult - probably more for the 11.4 mile length than the elevation change. There are plenty of challenging climbs and a lot of the ups were separated by downs, so total elevation is hard to calculate. Twice, the trail required carefully descending the rocks with less than good footing.
We began this hike from the Red Rock Visitor Center at 6:15am using the marked Moenkopi Trailhead. The desert was very green on this Spring day and there were flowers all along the Grand Circle. The Moenkopi Trail crosses the scenic loop drive where we followed the Calico I and Calico II trails into and up on the most colorful rock. The rising sun produced striking colors. We stopped many times for pictures knowing that the cameras would never capture the wonder and detail of the rock. The views from the higher climbs were spectacular. It was a bit chilly with a constant 15 mph breeze which we would appreciate a few hours later.
Leaving the colorful Calico, the trail continues on to the Sandstone Quarry, an area of light tan rocks which is also the trailhead to Turtlehead Peak. Having now hiked 17 of Red Rock's 20 trails, we know we must soon get to Turtlehead Peak - a difficult 1700 ft. climb. The trail turns to the White Rock parking area and follows the White Rock trail for a couple miles. Having recently trekked this section, we were familiar with this trail. In fact, we are getting very adept in looking for markers and following the trails. At a posted junction, we turned left to begin the 4 mile return to the visitor center. This part was rather flat, but provided us with a good perspective of all the areas we have hiked. We began to question the posted distance, but finally reached the visitor center. I suspect straight hiking through less interesting terrain makes the distance seem greater than it really is. There is little shade on the Grand Circle. I would not want to do this in August.
Following are pictures with some comments.
Leaving the visitor center on the Moenkopi Trail.
The desert is very green despite the drought.
Approaching Calico I Trail
Looking down toward the scenic loop drive..
This is just a good place to be.
In full glory!
Plants find their way - even into the rocks!
It's nice at the "top".
Ken looks for good footing.
The sandstone quarry has softer tones.
Turtlehead Peak beckons . . .
They actually want to build houses up on this closed mine site.
You can see the Luxor hotel 20 miles away.