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Enjoy lovely views of multicolored boulders and rock cliffs along this loop.


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Map Key

11.8

Miles

19.0

KM

92%

Runnable

4,847' 1,477 m

High

3,740' 1,140 m

Low

1,578' 481 m

Up

1,576' 481 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

23%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views

There's a $15 entry fee, and the gates open at 6 a.m. Reservations to park at the visitors' center are required, make sure to book in advance.

Overview

This loop starts and ends at the Visitor Center, but not from inside unless you want to hop the small fence! The guide says this trail is “strenuous,” which is perhaps only because of its length—this area's fairly flat terrain certainly isn’t tough compared to a mountain run.

Along the way, expect loose rocks and short steep sections. It is signed counterclockwise and finishes with several miles of gentle downhill. The best views are in the first half of the loop—keep your eyes on the rock walls to see climbers in their element.

Runner Notes

This loop finishes with an awesome downhill for about 3 miles!

Description

Starting from the Visitor Center, jump on the Moenkopi Loop heading east to reach a junction with Calico Hills. From here, head northwest on Calico Hills as it skirts the base of beautiful red, white, and tan cliffs.

Once you've passed a few parking areas on the road above, you'll reach a junction with the Grand Circle Loop: White Rock - Sandstone Quarry Connector. Head west here, soon crossing Scenic Drive twice to reach a dirt road heading north from the paved Scenic Drive. Head up the dirt road and hook a left onto White Rock - Willow Spring Trail (part of the White Rock Loop Featured Run).

Once you reach the upcoming junction with the Grand Circle Loop: Visitor Center - White Rock Connector, head left to make a gentle descent back to the Visitor Center and the end of the loop.

Flora & Fauna

Various cacti grow here.

Contacts

Shared By:

Dawn Westrum with improvements by Eric Sambell

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 18 votes

#714

Overall
  4.6 from 18 votes
5 Star
61%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
6%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#12

in Nevada

#714

Overall
64 Views Last Month
5,490 Since Apr 10, 2018
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
6%
88%
0%
6%
0%

Photos

Spring in the desert sure is beautiful.
Apr 19, 2017 near Summerl…, NV
Start of the Turtlepeak Mountain trail from parking lot.
Dec 3, 2017 near Summerl…, NV
Navigating the wash.
Apr 23, 2017 near Summerl…, NV
The striations are breathtaking, they also make you hungry for bacon.
Dec 5, 2018 near Summerl…, NV
Red Desert Rocks
Apr 8, 2020 near Summerl…, NV
Skirting the Red Rocks on the Grand Circle Loop.
Apr 23, 2017 near Summerl…, NV
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

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Check-Ins

Apr 13, 2024
Lauren MacLeod
Mar 2, 2022
Matt Hoover
Dec 9, 2019
Kath Thom
Some rocky and slick rock sections in first half. 11.8mi — 2h 56m
Dec 1, 2019
Garrett Blondell
Mar 23, 2019
Chris Miller
This trail was a bit tough as it was not well marked on the north end. If I did not have the app with me, I would have been lost in a few cases. — 3h 00m
Feb 15, 2019
Matt Stoub
11.8mi
Jan 21, 2019
Jeff Wang
Watch out for the cacti! Super windy that day and started snowing a bit. Super pretty 11.2mi — 1h 37m
Dec 2, 2018
Whitney R
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