Arrow Canyon

We have wanted to hike Arrow Canyon ever since Kent first learned of this narrow ravine while exploring Road Trip Ryan's website.  According to Ryan, the canyon's name originated from two warring tribes that met unexpectedly in the ravine.  Instead of battling, they agreed to a truce by shooting their arrows up a side canyon.

With a warm, sunny winter day in the forecast, we invited John and Mary to join us.  We enjoyed our time exploring the narrow canyon and searching for petroglyph panels as we made our way westward toward the old CCC dam that was constructed in the 1930s.

The road to the parking area requires a high clearance vehicle (preferably a 4WD) . . .
There is a lower parking area, but it will add an additional 3-miles (r/t) of walking

Immediately after leaving the parking area we were greeted by interesting slabs of limestone . . .
What we found most intriguing was how these barrel cactus were able to survive on these ledges

Here's another example of the interesting layers of limestone we saw . . .
On first examination, those dark round circles appear to be small caves, but were actually
different colored concretions embedded in the limestone

Soon the old road gave way to a streambed as we entered the narrower parts of the canyon . . .
The contortions required to get these slabs vertical were impressive

What a beautiful day for a hike!

After about a mile, we came across this rock formation that looked like it was made for petroglyphs . .
And, as you can see, there were many panels at its base 

It was hard to tell, on some of the panels, if they were truly ancient petroglyphs,
or more modern inscriptions created by "graffiti" artists . . .
This one appears to be an original!

After leaving the panels the canyon walls began to close and we entered the narrowest
part of the canyon . . . a place were the sun rarely shines!

Wow!  Look at these cliffs!

At one point it is purported that the width between these walls is only 18 ft

Looking back from where we have come

As we moved through the canyon we were treated to more impressive striations in the walls

The walls of the canyon constantly begged us to look up, but we had to be careful
to watch our step as we negotiated the rocks in the streambed

Mary & John at one of several panels inside the canyon narrows

After about two-miles a side canyon entered from the south . . .
Of course, we had to spend 20 minutes exploring it . . .
It took us out of the canyon and gave us a glimpse of the Arrow Canyon mountain range

It was strange to find these flowers in bloom . . .
I guess it just reinforces how warm this winter has been

After returning to the main canyon, we were faced with a muddy decision . . .
How were we going to get around this mess without sinking to our knees?

If there's any question as to what we were up against, this walking stick should dispel any doubts!

Thankfully, we were able to ease around the edge of the mud pocket and continue on. . .
Once past the mud obstacle, we entered more of a riparian zone . . .
Much more lush and wet than in the lower sections of the canyon

Oh, oh!  Looks like a hiker got stuck in one of the occasional mud pockets and had to use their hands to get out

After picking our way through the undergrowth for about half a mile, we arrived at the dam . . .
We were impressed with the craftsmanship that went into the dams construction . . .
It was truly amazing and has seemed to stand the test of time very nicely

If you wanted to continue on, someone has placed a fixed rope to assist with scrambling up the dam . . .
Needless to say, we decided to pass on this opportunity, especially since the mud appeared to be quite deep
(Yeah, you're right . . . we were never going to do it!)

The explorers!

After taking a half hour lunch break, in a sunny spot just below the dam, we headed back . . .
The only downside to this hike was the constant battle with the Catclaw Acacia bushes . . .
They constantly snagged our clothing and scraped our skin . . . be prepared to do battle with them!

On the return, near Swamp Cave, we met some rock climbers who had come in behind us

Can you locate the climber on the cliff?  He was up there quite a ways!

We had to pass around the big mudhole one more time . . . then it was back to river rock
(In the center of the picture you can see the side canyon we explored, coming in from the right . . . the main canyon continues on by going to the left)

We're coming out of the narrows and only have about a mile to go to get back to our vehicles . . .
It's been a great hike, with great friends!

Have you ever wondered what you might find if you took the Moapa exit while traveling on I-15?  Now you know that just 12 miles northwest of that exit lies a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

At roughly six miles round-trip with less than 300 feet of elevation gain, this hike is suitable for almost anyone in relatively good shape.  For more information, including directions and a map, please check our Road Trip Ryan's post on Arrow Canyon.

We highly recommend visiting the Warm Springs Natural Area & the Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge on your way out, as we did.  They are both located on Warm Springs Road and are right across the street from each other.

 

Weavers Caves

Looking for a half-day hike, before heading back home, we decided to visit Weavers Caves.  These shallow alcoves sit just below the rim of a Phipps Wash side canyon, quite close to the highway.  While searching for the access point to the ledge that leads to the “caves,” we could look across the wash and see Phipps Arch, where we had been just yesterday.  For such a short hike this outing provided some unique rock formations, deep canyons, and scenic views . . . oh, and some highly unusual petroglyphs, the likes of which we've never seen before!

Just like yesterday's hike, to Phipps Arch, we started off walking in a dry wash

Looks like we're not the only ones using this route

After about a mile, the wash comes to a fairly steep dryfall . . .
At this point a decision needs to be made:  Take the shorter route by continuing down the wash (requires navigating a deep pothole in a tiny slot) or climb a small ridge to access an easier shelf route to the caves
(This picture is looking down into the slot canyon) 

We had plenty of time, so we chose to make this hike a loop by beginning with the ridge route

We are making our way across the top of the ridge
(Can you find Kent?)

At top of the ridge the views were outstanding . . .
Now, we had to descend the ridge to the small saddle that is just above Kent's hat . . .
At the saddle we had three choices to make . . .

Turn left and follow the ledge (in the shadows) towards Weavers Caves (pictured in the sun) or . . .

Turn right and enjoy the views of Phipps Arch and Phipps Wash or . . .

Continue straight, following the narrow ridge, to where it meets Phipps Wash

We chose the narrow ridge . . .
These large rocks marked the end of the route for us . . . 
There's a gap in the rocks (just to the right of Kent's hat) that allowed us to look down into the canyon that holds Maverick Bridge, although we couldn't see it

Allison in the gap . . . while Kent stays far away from the 500 ft cliff that she is facing

Looking through the gap across to some interesting sandstone striations on the opposite rim 

Making our way back along the ridge to the small saddle

Taking one more look back at the rock formations at the end of the ridge walk . . .
Can you see the "Chief's face" engraved in the desert varnish?

Back at the saddle and continuing on to Weavers Caves

This picture is out of order, but we wanted to give a visual of what the ledge route entails . . .
Looking slightly right of Kent's hat is the small saddle . . . the ledge that is traversed can be seen to the right,
in the shadows . . . and the ridge that was taken is above the ledge

We have arrived at Weavers Caves

Each of the caves (alcoves) had many delicate pictoglyphs

Some were vibrant, but many were faded or had peeled off over the years . . .
Do you see the drawings that appear to be needles?  Or the threads trailing from a Weaver's loom?

Only a few held panels with animals

Looking out of one of the alcoves

Here's an example of some of the faded paintings

We're not positive, but these look like finger prints . . . we've seen handprints before, but not fingerprints!

Oh, the stories this guy could tell!

Here's a picture of a few spiral designs that could be found . . .
These seem to be prominent in many rock art panels throughout the southwest

Looking southeast down a side canyon of Phipps Wash towards the Escalante River . . .
This canyon holds Maverick Bridge . . .
Also, note the prominent rock, on the skyline, at the center of the picture . . . that's the "Chief's face" boulder from earlier when we walked to the end of the ridge

One last look at Weavers Caves before we start back

Remember the pothole in a narrow slot we mentioned earlier?

Kent is looking to see if we can make it across . . .

While it doesn't look difficult from this angle, trust us it's deep (water was above our heads) and slick . . . 
While we thought we might be able to make it to the logs, we doubted that we could make it up the slick ramp on the other side (certainly would have been easier coming from the opposite way) . . . If these logs weren't here, and you slipped, it's questionable if you'd be able to get out of the pothole on your own!

So, we reversed course and headed back for the saddle

One last look at Phipps Arch as we make our way back up the ridge
(Click on the picture for an enlarged view)

Coming off the ridge and working towards the social trail by Kent's right shoulder . . .
This will lead us back to the wash and take us towards the white sandstone formations where our truck is parked

This was an enjoyable half-day hike!  Our route was about 4-miles (r/t) and we spent about three and a half hours exploring the area and caves.  If this looks like an adventure you might be interested in doing you can find more information at Road Trip Ryan's website.  He does a great job and provides detailed directions and a topo map all for free!