Echo Canyon

Start from the Echo Canyon Parking area. Take the Echo Canyon Trail down toward the right. When it branches, follow signs for the Echo Canyon Trail to the right. You'll pass a variety of interesting balanced rocks and pinnacle. About 1/2 mile down, on your righthand side, are the Grottoes. These tunnel-like formations are fun to explore. Look for a small sign, because you could walk right past!

If you feel energetic you can continue to the switchbacks just another 1/4 mile, around the entire loop (3.3 miles) or turn around. Notice how different the rocks look on your way back!

This trail has loose rock and includes about 200 feet of elevation decline. The trail is generally suitable for children as well as adults. A hiking stick may be helpful for those with uneven footing and during the winter.

Echo Canyon, Hailstone, and Ed Riggs Trails form a triangular loop through some of the best rocks in the park. We recommend hiking counterclockwise (go right) for great views and because of elevation. The hike is a moderate 3.4 miles with some steep drop offs and loose, rocky, and uneven surfaces.

Echo Canyon trail descends 400 feet through spectacular rock formations. It is a wonder of engineering constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Hailstone Trail is almost level with sweeping views of the Wonderland of Rocks. Look for unusual stones that resemble hail. Desert yucca, agave, and cactus are abundant on Hailstone's sunny southern exposure.

Ed Riggs Trail climbs back up 400 feet to Echo Canyon parking or a bit further if you started from Massai Point.

Moderately difficult. Uneven terrain throughout. 1-25% grade with cross-slope up to 50%. Tripping hazards include rocks, boulders, roots, and run off channels. Total elevation: 560 feet.

This hike can be done in 2 hours, but most people prefer to give it 3 or 4 hours.

This moderate, 4.2 mile / 6.8 kilometer trail begins at Echo Canyon trailhead and consists of Echo Canyon, Upper Rhyolite Canyon, and Lower Rhyolite Canyon trails ending at the Visitor Center. It goes downhill through spectacular rock formations in Echo Canyon. One stream crossing on the Upper Rhyolite segment can be hazardous if runoff is significant. The last half of the hike is in shaded oak woodlands. Make sure you have transportation back to your vehicle or ride the seasonal hikers' shuttle at 9:00 am.

NOTE: Additional 0.5 mi / 0.8 to campground OR 1.5 mi / 2.4 km to Faraway Ranch parking lot when riding the shuttle.

For folks wanting to do everything, this strenuous, 9.5 mile route consists of the Echo Canyon, Upper Rhyolite Canyon, Sarah Deming, Heart of Rocks, Big Balanced Rock, Inspiration Point, Mushroom Rock, and Ed Riggs trails. It features our balanced rocks. The trail begins from the Echo Canyon trailhead.