Rockshock Road

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Rockshock Road connects the southern section of the Chuck Heinrick area to the midpoint of the foothills trails, providing a shortcut for runners who don't want to take on the longer route via Scenic Road.

The trail's eastern end begins at the midpoint of Trenchtown Road. As the latter crosses an arroyo, look for a fork leading northwest. Two wooden posts are alongside the path; the sign marking the beginning has been lost to theft or weather damage. After starting along an extension of the arroyo, Rockshock turns to a rocky singletrack. It will alternate most of its length with packed dirt segments. While far from smooth, the trail isn't very difficult and won't be a problem for experienced runners.

The path crosses Mad Cow near the quarter mile point near two more empty signposts. Take time from the easy, steady climb to appreciate the view of the approaching Franklin Mountains. Two more arroyo crossings follow. Stay left at the second one to keep on the trail. The final quarter mile features a marginally steeper ascent.

Just before the end, Rockshock passes the northern end of Blue Moon. It finishes at an intersection with Sotol Forest and Scenic Road. Signs marks all three routes at this scenic junction; the two connecting trails are among the best in West Texas.

Sotols, barrel cactus, new Mexico rainbow cactus. Acacias and sumac. Birds and lizards.