Middle Oak Creek to Oak Creek Canyon Trail Map & GPX Download

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Common Questions

Distance:: 3.4 miles
Class:: Class 1
Dogs:: Ok
Type:: Loop
Difficulty:: Easy
Parking:: Off of the highway.
Restrooms:: No
Reception:: No
Access:: Via SR-159/ Red Rock Canyon Rd.
Good to Know:: I've seen large groups of 5-10 250+ lbs deer and burros suddenly appear near Middle Creek. This desert region is not flat and will therefore allow these animals and others to suddenly appear, and disappear.
Why:: A lesser traveled trail(s) with vast desert views that drastically change throughout the seasons.
Wildlife Probability:: High potential.
Trailhead coordinates:: 36.11114, -115.44991 — Map

This loop begins at the Scenic Loop exit parking lot and drops into the open desert leading toward the Spring Mountains. You’re entering the broad Oak Creek trail system—a mix of washes, informal paths, and scenic corridors that connect to South Oak Creek, Middle Oak Creek, Knoll, and the western escarpment beneath the Wilson Cliffs. There’s no single defined loop here; the terrain invites exploration and countless route variations.

Oak Creek is also one of Red Rock Canyon’s best wildlife areas. The open basin, seasonal water, and quiet surroundings attract mule deer, especially at dawn and dusk, while burros frequently roam the washes and desert flats. Their presence adds a distinctive character to this part of the Conservation Area.

From the Scenic Loop exit, the route naturally joins Middle Oak Creek. From there you can head deeper into the canyon, branch south toward South Oak Creek, climb Knoll, or loop back across the desert for an easy circuit. With its big views, flexible routing, and frequent wildlife encounters, Oak Creek remains one of the most rewarding areas to explore in Red Rock Canyon.

Oak Creek — Red Rock Canyon

The Oak Creek region is one of the most open and versatile areas in Red Rock Canyon. Stretching across a broad desert plain beneath the Wilson Cliffs, it offers a network of washes and paths that let hikers choose their distance and difficulty. South Oak Creek and Middle Oak Creek are fed by seasonal runoff from the Spring Mountains, creating pockets of riparian vegetation that draw deer, burros, and other wildlife.

Whether starting from the Scenic Loop exit, the official Oak Creek Trailhead, or a Middle Creek connector, hikers can create loops of nearly any length. Short circuits stay in the wide desert basin; longer ones approach the cliffs for dramatic views of Rainbow Wall, Mt. Wilson, and the towering sandstone escarpment. With so many branching options, Oak Creek is one of the most adaptable and scenic hiking areas in the Conservation Area.