Lake Mead National Recreation Area · Arizona, Nevada

Owl Canyon

1.1 mi of trail, end to end · Hike the Owl Canyon Trail: 2.2 mi round trip in the Service's write-up · about 200 ft of climbing · 1,203 ft–1,411 ft · native surface · trail class Minimally Developed · hiking

Picnic areas

1,234 ft 1,411 ft · 1.0 mi high 1,411 ft

Along the way Three Island Overlook Picnic Area

Trailhead White Owl Canyon Trailhead 1,244 ft Drive there

Hike the Owl Canyon Trail 2.2 mi round trip · the Park Service's write-up

1-4 Hours · dogs allowed · entrance fee applies · season Remember heat kills, be summer-smart and opt to hike when temperatures are cooler. If you do choose to hike during the summer, rangers recommend starting early in the morning or later in the evening when the weather is slightly cooler. Remember to pack enough water for your entire trip.

A trail cuts through a winding canyon.
A photographer's favorite, don't forget to pack your camera for some dramatic shots. Photo: NPS/A. Cattoir

Once entirely submerged beneath Lake Mead, Owl Canyon was exposed as water levels dropped. From the trailhead down into the wash the trail is steep and made up of loose rocks and dirt that can cause hikers to slide or slip and fall. As you follow the wash, the trail narrows and deepens into a slot canyon with 100-foot vertical walls in the most confined section. You will be walking on sand and loose rocks in the canyon. The hues and colors of sculptural rock walls change through the day with the play of light and shadows, making this spot a favorite for photographers. Owls have also been seen in the area, making it an excellent destination for birdwatchers.

Trail Information

Trailhead: DIRECTIONS

Parking: Parking lot located off the first road on the left at 33 Hole Canyon Road.

Distance: 2.2 miles roundtrip

Elevation Gain: 300 ft. elevation change

Difficulty: Moderate

THIS TRAIL IS NOT MAINTAINED.

AVOID DURING MONSOON RAINSTORMS DUE TO FLASH FLOOD RISK.

Services: Picnic Shelter, accessible pit toilets at the trailhead, trash/litter receptacles, scenic view/photo spot

Accessibility The first 50 yards of the trail is very steep and made of unstable rocks and sand. It presents a risk of slipping and falling for any hiker. A hiking pole is recommended. The rest of the trail into Owl Canyon is made up of loose uneven rocks and sand.

This hike on nps.gov

On the parks map

All 19 trails in Lake Mead National Recreation AreaFind a trailOn the parks mapPark on nps.gov

About this trail's facts

The lines are the National Park Service's public trails layer, the trailheads and the waterfalls, views, peaks and historic places along them the Service's public points of interest, read 2026-10-16 and simplified for the map; the length is the line's, end to end. The write-ups are the Service's own "things to do" text, unedited. Heights come from USGS 3DEP through Terrain Tiles on AWS (Mapzen/Tilezen), read along each line and rounded; a short trail on steep ground can be off by a few tens of feet. Closures change: check the park's own site before you go.