A Trail (T119)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Views · Wildlife

Named for the giant "A" on the cliff created with painted boulders and rocks.

The lower trailhead is not easy to find for the untrained hiker or runner that is unfamiliar with the area. Parking just south of the arroyo on Paiute Trail, the large "A" on the side of the foothills will be visible. There is a blank brown trail marker at the trailhead in the arroyo. This section will wind up toward the foothills and a steel gate to the base of the "A."

The real climbing starts pretty early with a section of rocky slab to the top of the "A". Views from the top of this section are instantaneous and pretty incredible at sunset. Continuing to climb up steep, rocky and sometimes washed out trail; there is another steel gate to go through about 0.5 mi above the top of the "A".

Through the gate you'll continue to climb until you hit mile 3, where you'll find a cattle tank and corral on the south side of the trail. Beyond the tank, the trail begins to turn into narrow gravel and cinder forest road. This section rolls a little smoother and provides some respite from the climb.

The upper TH is signed and is located at a confluence with Dry Canyon (T5574) and Warnock Mine Trail. If you stick to the widest track heading uphill there is another 0.2 mi to the upper parking area at Westside Road, you'll see the Dry Canyon (T5574) trailhead sign near the developed and maintained forest road.

Cacti, yucca, ocotillo etc. with pinon and juniper as you climb. Rabbits, quail, road runner, owls, coyote, mule deer and elk have all been spotted from this trail.