This is a hike we recently missed two opportunities to join a group for, so we got a track from Paul and set out on our own. It was the last day before the area closes until July for raptor breeding and it will be much too hot for hiking then. Nightmare Gulch is a popular area in Red Rock Canyon State Park - a land of beautiful eroded sedimentary and basaltic cliffs and mesas.
We set out across the sandy floodplain and into the canyon proper. Almost immediately we saw the attraction of this area as the red and brown cliffs started to close in. In flooding rains the various rock and soil types erode at differing rates and create amazing shapes and colors.
Farther up the canyon we entered a maze of close-in slots and gullies. Travel became more interesting and fun as we continued. In some spots I had to remove my pack to fit through the limited space.
At the top of the loop route we entered an area Paul's route noted as Magic City. The incredible formations made it easy to see how well this name applies! More interesting formations continued all the way back to the car. Definitely a hike we will do again!
Always wanted to do this hike during wildflower season.
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