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.
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| What a beautiful day for a hike! |
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| 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 |
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| 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! |
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| Soon 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! |
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| Wow! Look at these cliffs! |
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| At one point it is purported that the width between these walls is only 18 ft |
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| Looking back from where we have come |
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| As we moved through the canyon we were treated to more impressive striations in the walls |
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| 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 |
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| Mary & John at one of several panels inside the canyon narrows |
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| 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 |
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| It was strange to find these flowers in bloom . . . I guess it just reinforces how warm this winter has been |
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| 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? |
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| If there's any question as to what we were up against, this walking stick should dispel any doubts! |
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| 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 |
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| Oh, oh! Looks like a hiker got stuck in one of the occasional mud pockets and had to use their hands to get out |
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| 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 |
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| 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!) |
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| The explorers! |
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| 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! |
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| On the return, near Swamp Cave, we met some rock climbers who had come in behind us |
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| Can you locate the climber on the cliff? He was up there quite a ways! |
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| 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) |
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| 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! |
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.
