Upper Petroglyph Trail (BLM 100) continues up Sloan Wash (view W) |
In about 0.3 miles past the main petroglyph gallery, hikers encounter a trail sign in the middle of the wash. At this point, the Petroglyph Trail (BLM 100) ends. The Hidden Valley Trail (BLM 300) continues southwest and up the main wash, and the Cowboy Trail (BLM 200) makes a hard right turn, exits the wash, and starts up across the hillside angling back down the canyon.
It is important to pay attention here because this trail junction has been the source of confusion for several hiking parties, some of whom barely made it out alive.
When hiking up Sloan Canyon, if you intend to hike back on the Cowboy Trail, DO NOT PASS THE TRAIL SIGN. Instead, from the trail sign, immediately turn right and climb out of the wash heading northeast. The trail is plainly visible when looking in this direction.
For details of the Cowboy Trail, see the description of the hike heading southbound, but for hikers returning over this trail, see the photos and brief description of hiking northbound back towards the trailhead. Heading back, the next Waypoint is #12, which sits atop a saddle to the north of the trail junction. |