Mescal In-Out Hike

Hello hikers,

Monday's hike, October 6, 2025, will be an easy to moderate in-out hike on the Mescal Trail. I plan to hike from the trailhead to a point about 0.3 mile beyond the intersection of the Canyon of Fools Trail (to a point about half way between WP {6} and WP {7} on the map) and return. This will make it about a 4 mile in-out hike. Cumulative ascent will be about 400 feet. I prefer the in-out hike because I believe it has better views than the loop hike described below.

For those who wish to hike further, you can make a loop hike by continuing on Mescal to Deadman Pass to Long Canyon to a connector trail back to the Mescal Trail parking area. This loop is about 5 miles in length with a cumulative ascent of about 500 feet.

The trailhead parking area is located out Dry Creek Road. From the "Y" roundabout, drive west toward Cottonwood on SR 89A about 3 miles. Turn right onto Dry Creek Road. Stay on Dry Creek Road to a stop sign (about 3 miles) then turn right onto Long Canyon Road. Proceed 0.3 mile to the Mescal Day Use Trailhead parking area on the left (WP {1}) or on the right (WP {2}). There are toilets and picnic tables here. These parking areas also serve the Devil’s Bridge and Chuck Wagon trails. The Mescal Trail begins near the signboard in parking area (WP {1}) owhich is across the road from parking area (WP {2}). We'll meet at the signboard on Monday morning.

A Red Rock Pass or equivalent is required for parking. You are responsible for your safety on the hike.