Continued from the previous page.

SCENIC ASCENT THROUGH RED ROCK CANYON

At about 1.5 miles going eastbound from the lower trailhead toward the upper trailhead the Grandview Trail continues south and the Thunder Mountain Trail turns left (east).

The scenes in this section begin with the approach to the spectacular red rock formations in the aptly-named Red Rock Canyon and continue up multiple switchbacks. Some photos show the trail in the opposite direction:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looking back down at the trail along the wash

Near top of first ridge

At about two miles from the lower trailhead you come to a ridge where you can see more of the canyons and the top of a large amphitheater in the distance to the east:

 

 

I'm always on the lookout for arches and windows; this one is below the trail.

Just past this overlook you come to the first of two spines where the narrow trail traverses ridges with steep drop-offs on one or both sides.

These have a high "pucker factor" for many cyclists and equestrians -- and probably a few hikers:

About halfway over the first spine going uphill

Above and below:  view of first spine in the downhill direction

 

Above and below:  looking down at the first spine from farther up the trail

 

Above and below:  views from the ridge between the two spines

 

View of second spine in the uphill direction

View of second spine going downhill

The two "spine" sections cause me no fear when hiking but I wouldn't want to ride a bike or horse across them because I wouldn't feel as much in control. The trail is very narrow in both places.

Continued on the next page:  hoodoos, Inspiration Trail spur, and up to the highest ridge

Happy trails,

Sue
"Runtrails & Company" - Sue Norwood, Jim O'Neil, Cody the ultra Lab, and Casey-pup

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© 2015 Sue Norwood and Jim O'Neil