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This loop starts at Little Lusk Campground horse camp and takes you to Jose, top and bottom of Harts Bluff, Blanchards Crossing, Secret Canyon, Salt Peter Cave and Bargers Lake back to camp. It is 15-16 miles and takes about 6 hours if you are enjoying yourself, have a trail dog, and not rushing to get it over with. Many side sights to see like Eye of the needle and cave at secret canyon and more.
Pack water and lunch and let horses rest at each sight and you will finish with a dry, unlathered, relaxed horse.
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Not much elevation gain or loss. Meandering. No water crossings; no water (early October, 2022). The “point” is more of the same ……..gorgeous, gigantic, gargoylish, rock formations overlooking valley farmland for miles below and beyond. Extremely handy that the forest service has 20 $10 [$5 with “America the Beautiful” pass] within a quarter-mile of the Indian Point Trailhead. Trail wasn’t marked well & signage was confusing.
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If you go counterclockwise you hit all the observation points first. The back half is a lot more rocky but also a lot of places to climb and scramble if you want to. There were 4 trees over the back half of the trail but they weren’t too big or hard to climb over.
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One of my absolute favorites! I think our horses love this one too! We didn’t go up to tee pee because we had a horse a little out of shape so we circled back and took the same trail back to river river!
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We saw beautiful rock formations, colorful leaves, and enjoyed trails in good shape. It was fun watching the rock climbers do their thing.
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We doubled back to 493, short ride if stay on 497 to 496 to petticoat juncty
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Little Grand Canyon Trail is a fun and somewhat challenging trail. No Flip Flops here only sturdy shoes with a good sole. You’re going to need good traction as you climb down or up the rocks at the waterfalls. Little Grand Canyon is a loop trail where you decide whether you’re going to go clockwise or counterclockwise. The trailheads are located on different sides of the parking lot. The clockwise trailhead is located at near the pit toilets. Both directions have there advantages and disadvantages. If this is your first time here I would recommend the clockwise directions. Be aware no mater which direction you chose you’re going have to descend or ascend the sandstone rocks next to a waterfall. If there is water running these can be slippery. Some of the rock faces have steps cut into them and these can be slippery to. Going clockwise the descent down the waterfall is shorter. When you’re near the end of the hike you will be ascending the longer waterfall. The trade off here is the last half mile of the clockwise direction is all up hill. Enjoy your hike, but be careful.
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Moderately easy, some rugged climbing. Parts are treacherous when wet.
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The short trails off the camping plateau are delightful. ‘Midwest’ moderate but craggy outcrops, pocket caves and waterfalls after recent rains
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We went in mid summer. It was wicked hot but still a great hike. The only tricky part is the descent/ascent into the canyon that runs through a draw. The draw is exposed sandstone bedrock that can be slick at times.
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