Calf Canyon | Northern Swell

Hiking Calf Canyon - Northern SwellRoadside Attraction Calf Canyon - Northern Swell Calf Canyon

Northern Swell

Overview | Getting There | Route | Photos | Maps | Comments

Overview

Sun A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 3pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny. High near 77, with temperatures falling to around 71 in the afternoon. South wind 2 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
77° | 57°
Mon A slight chance of rain showers before 9am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 9am and noon, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 73. Southeast wind 1 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
73° | 55°
Tue A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 75.
75° | 51°
Wed A chance of rain showers before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 77.
77° | 54°
Thu Sunny, with a high near 80.
80° | 55°
View Full Forecast
RATING: Moderate Hike or Rough 4x4 Road
SEASON: Spring, Fall, Winter
WATER: None
Sun A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 3pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny. High near 77, with temperatures falling to around 71 in the afternoon. South wind 2 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
77° | 57°
Mon A slight chance of rain showers before 9am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 9am and noon, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 73. Southeast wind 1 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
73° | 55°
Tue A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 75.
75° | 51°
Wed A chance of rain showers before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 77.
77° | 54°
Thu Sunny, with a high near 80.
80° | 55°
View Full Forecast
hikerock artfamily friendlybeginneraccess: 2wdaccess: 4x4
The alcoves at the end of the hike
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.
Looking down canyon during an early morning hike in Calf Canyon
Looking down canyon during an early morning hike in Calf Canyon

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