Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
968.00 ft (295.05 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
5.20 mi (8.37 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

This loop starts from the Red Canyon visitor center.  Cross route 12 onto a paved bike path.  This loop can be hiked in either direction.  This trip is done clockwise.  Turn left on the bike path and follow into the Red Canyon campground.  Follow the road in the campground to the top level until you reach the trailhead for Buckhorn trail.  There is good signage through the campground.  The hike up Buckhorn trail is steep however, there is planty of switchbacks to make it a little easier.  After nearly two miles from the visitor center the trail reaches a junction with the Golden Wall trail.

Continue straight on the Buckhorn trail. It is a narrow trail and difficult to pass people so if you see other hikers returning from the end of Buckhorn, it is a good idea to wait.  At the end of the Buckhorn trail is a good view point with an interesting rock formation. Return to the trail junction to access the Golden Wall trail.  The Golden Wall trail decends from the Buckhorn ridge and winds its way through nice rock formations and view points.

After 2.5 miles, the trail reaches the Castle Bridge trail.  You can descend either way as the Castle Bridge trail exits back onto the Golden Wall trail.  From here it is another 1.5 miles to the end of the Golden Wall trail and the paved bike path.  Turn right on the bike path for a short walk back to the visitor center.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Great views. Easy access from visitor center.

Cons

Narrow trail.

Trailhead Elevation

7,211.00 ft (2,197.91 m)

Highest point

7,909.00 ft (2,410.66 m)

Features

Family friendly
Flushing toilets
Potable water
Geologically significant
Big vistas

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

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