Overview

The Mid Hills Loop provides a 3.4-mile hike through high-elevation desert near Mid Hills Campground. The trail uses the Mid Hills to Hole-in-the-Wall (MH-HITW) Trail to climb over a ridge with grand views over the surrounding landscape. After descending the other side, the hike loops back to the trailhead. This page describes one choice for the return: hiking back on the official trail.

For late or tired hikers, the road is easier and easier to follow, although it does require climbing over a gate. For these hikers, I recommend returning via the dirt road, which is described elsewhere.

Link to map.

Returning via the Trail. Beyond the trough (see Mid Hills Loop), the official trail angles northeast, but initially the trail markers are sparse and hard to follow. Looking far to the north, locate the first carsonite marker before leaving the watering trough. Be aware of cow trails in this area that confuse the route finding.

Eventually the trail markers become easier to follow, but the trail is always faint, the markers always are sparse, and cow trails always are confusing. The faint trail eventually crosses a wash and climbs onto a low ridge from where hikers can look left and see the trailhead. Continuing north and passing right of a pair of rocky outcrops, the trail eventually arrives back at the main MH-HITW Trail at a 4x4 post with trail signs (but nothing indicating this trail).

Turning left and continuing downhill, the trail passes through a gate and quickly arrives back at the trailhead (Wpt. 01).