Ash Spring Trail

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Ash Spring

Starting near Kraft Mountain, ascend northwest along a rolling, twisting path that weaves through gentle inclines and sculpted sandstone terrain. This route serves as an ideal connector trail—linking seamlessly with Girl Scout and Calico Overlook. Despite being surrounded by rugged formations, the trail itself is relatively mellow, letting hikers settle into the scenery without immediate strenuous elevation. As you continue, the terrain softens into a corridor that guides you toward Ash Spring, where a seasonal creek introduces an entirely different micro-environment filled with trees, shade, and—if the name is any indication—occasional Ash trees.

Ash Spring & Ash Canyon

Though often confused, Ash Spring and Ash Canyon are two distinct locations separated by both their geology and the experience they offer. Their names likely originate from the pockets of Ash trees scattered throughout the drainage areas, hinting at the rare presence of riparian vegetation in this otherwise desert landscape.

Ash Canyon is a dramatically different undertaking. It is a rugged, boulder-filled chute that demands constant climbing, scrambling, and route-finding. There is no “official” path—just the canyon itself, carved by water over thousands of years and littered with massive sandstone blocks. Navigating upward is strenuous and slow; descending can be even more hazardous. I discovered this the hard way after missing my return turn toward the Kraft Mountain lot. What followed was an accidental and harrowing detour through Ash Canyon—clambering over, under, and between huge boulders while staying alert for rattlesnakes, black widows, tarantulas, or the possibility of disturbing a hidden scorpion nest. It's the kind of terrain where you can easily imagine all of these creatures taking shelter.

Ash Spring, by contrast, is a far more defined and inviting trail. The seasonal water flow supports pockets of shade, small pools, and clusters of trees—an uncommon sight in Red Rock Canyon’s sandstone expanse. It’s a peaceful place to rest or explore, with gentle terrain that makes the hike both accessible and rewarding. Where Ash Canyon challenges, Ash Spring refreshes.