Red Spring Fault Geology and Archaeology Hike in Red Rock Canyon

This is a slow-paced moderately strenuous (strenuous for me) geology and archaeology hike in Red Rock Canyon. It is a loop hike of about three miles with less than 400 ft of elevation gain. It starts at the Sandstone Quarry and follows the trail towards Turtlehead Peak, then we turn east along the Red Spring Thrust Fault, part of the Keystone Thrust Fault System. There is some scrambling down and up rocks in order to see the petroglyphs. The cowboy petroglyph suggests that the petroglyph was carved between 1829 and 1848, during the time of the Old Spanish Trail, when the Native Americans saw cowboys for the first time. The "Falling Man" petroglyph is controversial. Do you think it is a falling man? There is also some scrambling through the scenic sandstone terrain, including a slot canyon. It is one of my favorite hikes in Red Rock Canyon. We should be back to the cars before noon. Please bring water, lunch or a snack, and your hiking gear. According to BLM rules 17 people are allowed on the hike including the two leaders. we already have 5 signed up privately.

We will be meeting at the Sandstone Quarry parking lot in Red Rock at 0800 (see photo). So get there early, no later than 7:45 AM at the fee booth. You will have to have a reservation if you get there after 0800 and we will probably be gone by the time you get to the meeting place. If you have an America the Beautiful Pass there is no fee. If not, I think the fee is $25 per vehicle. Other than admission to the park, the hike itself is free, and you do not have to be a Sierra Club member to join us (although we certainly encourage you to join!) You can contact me with questions: Nick Saines, greatunc@aol.com.