Lovell Canyon is a lollipop loop trail that begins at the end of Lovell Canyon Road. The long drive out to the trailhead ensures that you likely won’t have much company on this hike. To get to the trailhead exit Nevada State Road 160 onto Lovell Canyon Road, then drive all the way to what is almost the end of the road, before turning left onto Lovell Summit Road - an unmaintained gravel road, but easily passible to the trailhead in a sedan.

The hike itself begins by climbing steadily into the La Madre Mountain Wilderness. Half a mile in you’ll crest a ridge and be rewarded with your first of many great views. Torino Ranch (private) is visible below and to the west.

Continuing onward the trail begins a gentle descent through forested terrain. At around the 1.5 mile mark you’ll arrive at a signed junction. This is the beginning of the loop portion of the trail. If you head clockwise the trail will climb up to a viewpoint. As you near the viewpoint the terrain changes quite drastically from forest to desert. Prickly Pear Cacti are scattered around the area.

The trail then comes to another junction. Take a right unless hiking the longer Griffith Shadow Loop. The trail cuts across the backside of a knob until it comes to yet another junction in a wash area. Continue straight and then right along the Lovell Canyon Trail.

The trail then heads south and back into more forested terrain. You’ll notice signs advising users to stay on trail, and that the land to the left is private property. Soon you’ll arrive back at the original junction and follow familiar tread back to the trailhead.