Lovell Canyon Trail in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Humboldt-Toynbee National Forest
Heading east from Death Valley, we decided to stop near where Route 160 crests, following signs to Lovell Canyon in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. We began driving in low desert, but steadily climbed to above 5,000 feet in elevation within 10 miles, transitioning from Joshua trees to pinyon and juniper. Less than 12 miles from Route 160 then road dead-ended at Sky Mountain Ranch, next to which was the trialhead for the canyon.
Desert, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Humboldt-Toynbee National Forest, Nevada
The Joshua Tree, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Humboldt-Toynbee National Forest, Nevada
Coming across a target shooting range in the desert, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Humboldt-Toynbee National Forest, Nevada
The trail was one of the best designed trails I’ve ever hiked, with gentle gradients and scenic turns through the trees hugging the sides of the canyon. We began by climbing the gentle switchbacks that led to the saddle, from which we had fantastic views into the bowl of Lovell Canyon, which lays 4 or 5 miles ahead. We descended a couple hundred feet from the high point of the saddle and continued winding our way across the slope, alternating descending and ascending to cross the major drainages. After a couple miles we split off on the Handy Peak Loop to the left, skirting the mountain before rejoining the Lovell Canyon Trail near the main wash. It was a delightfully refreshing few hours, hiking in the cooler air and amongst the trees; we were definitely buoyed by the tall pinyon and arid grassland which were a dramatic change from the stark, inhospitable desert of Death Valley.
Gently graded switchbacks up to the saddle, Lovell Canyon Trail, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Humboldt-Toynbee National Forest, Nevada
View from the top of the saddle (with the privately-owned Sky Mountain Ranch below), Lovell Canyon Trail, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Humboldt-Toynbee National Forest, Nevada
Tom hiking ahead of me on the Lovell Canyon Trail, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Humboldt-Toynbee National Forest, Nevada
Zoom shot of Lovell Canyon ahead, Lovell Canyon Trail, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Humboldt-Toynbee National Forest, Nevada
Lovell Canyon Trail, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Humboldt-Toynbee National Forest, Nevada
Patches of snow in the shade on the Lovell Canyon Trail, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Humboldt-Toynbee National Forest, Nevada
So happy to be amongst the trees after 5 days in the desert, Lovell Canyon Trail, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Humboldt-Toynbee National Forest, Nevada
Lovell Canyon Trail, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Humboldt-Toynbee National Forest, Nevada
Lovell Canyon Trail, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Humboldt-Toynbee National Forest, Nevada
Handy Peak Loop, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Humboldt-Toynbee National Forest, Nevada
Trail, Handy Peak Loop, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Humboldt-Toynbee National Forest, Nevada
Handy Peak Loop, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Humboldt-Toynbee National Forest, Nevada
Interesting plant, Lovell Canyon Trail, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Humboldt-Toynbee National Forest, Nevada
Late afternoon winter sun, Lovell Canyon Trail, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Humboldt-Toynbee National Forest, Nevada
Beautiful pictures as always! such an incredible scenery. Like your blog. Makes me want to visit all those places. Looks like I will be able to, at least some of them. We are planning to drive to California this summer to visit my brother. Unfortunately, we won’t have much time. So I was wondering which parks do you think are the must-see places in Utah, California and Arizona area? Grand Canyon is on our list, but where else should we stop?
Thank you, Oleksandra! With limited time I would say your must-sees (besides the Grand Canyon) would be Zion National Park (in SW Utah, about 5 hours from north rim of Grand Canyon) and I’ve heard Yosemite (haven’t been yet – western California). If you have more time, I’d add Bryce Canyon National Park (south-central Utah). From Ontario you could get to I-70, then down 24 to 12 to 89 (to Zion). Even if you skip Bryce (which is on 12) this is one of the most stunning, mind-blowing drives you will ever do in your life. No exaggeration!! Feel free to ask any questions or whatever. I’d love to help. I hope you have a wonderful trip!
Thank you, Meghan! I am sure I’ll have more questions as I get down to actual planning.