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

Sat A chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny. High near 73, with temperatures falling to around 68 in the afternoon. South wind 6 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 39 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
73° | 55°
Sun Showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 65. South southeast wind 13 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 44 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
65° | 52°
Mon A chance of rain showers before noon, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 63.
63° | 49°
Tue Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 57.
57° | 44°
Wed A chance of rain showers before noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 57.
57° | 39°
View Full Forecast
RATING: Moderate Hike or Rough 4x4 Road
SEASON: Spring, Fall, Winter
WATER: None
Sat A chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny. High near 73, with temperatures falling to around 68 in the afternoon. South wind 6 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 39 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
73° | 55°
Sun Showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 65. South southeast wind 13 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 44 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
65° | 52°
Mon A chance of rain showers before noon, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 63.
63° | 49°
Tue Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 57.
57° | 44°
Wed A chance of rain showers before noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 57.
57° | 39°
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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