Hiking Calf Canyon - Northern Swell

Overview

Thu

79° | 50°

Fri

87° | 51°

Sat

87° | 56°

Sun

85° | 56°

Mon

84° | 54°

( Rated 3.0 / 1 Ratings )

0 Todo Lists / 0 Ticks

RATING: Moderate Hike or Rough 4x4 Road

LENGTH: 2-3 hours to hike (from Buckhorn Wash 5.8 miles)

SEASON: Spring, Fall, Winter

WATER: None

Thu

79° | 50°

Fri

87° | 51°

Sat

87° | 56°

Sun

85° | 56°

Mon

84° | 54°

The alcoves at the end of the hike

Calf Canyon is the largest side canyon of Buckhorn Wash. It additionally has two side canyons as well, Pine Canyon and Cow Canyon. Over the years, I had climbed in Pine Canyon a few times but never taken the time to visit Calf Canyon. It turned out to be a beautiful canyon!

Near the confluence of Calf and Cow Canyons are two alcoves with some rock art in them. The rock art, by itself, is not a particularly striking panel, and I wouldn't recommend visiting for the rock art on its own. The rest of Calf Canyon is beautiful. Given the relatively easy access, I would recommend this, but only after having visited the sites in Buckhorn Wash proper first.

Visitation Note: The route follows a 4x4 road that goes up to the alcoves at the confluence of Cow and Calf Canyons. The lower portion near Buckhorn Wash has seen more use in recent years and is in fairly decent shape. There are a handful of primitive campsites in the lower section as well that see a lot of use. On my visit, I parked a little over a mile up from Buckhorn Wash and walked the rest. Just past where I parked was a particularly rocky and rough spot. For most, I would recommend either walking from Buckhorn or stopping about a mile up. Those on ATVs should have no problem going to the road's end. It is easy and pleasant walking.