Front Yard

Dogs Unknown

Front Yard is the rallying point of choice for many hikers, as it begins at the most popular parking area for this trail complex. This trail provides access to the center of the trail system and offers you plenty of options for a variety of hikes; long or short, challenging or not so demanding. It is the last or first part of Bill's Loop, depending on which direction you take the loop. Head north down the canal road to take it clockwise like Bill often does.

A note about the first 1000 yards of this trail; the process of formal recognition of this trailhead by BLM and Bureau of Reclamation is in process and has the support of the BLM land manager. In the meantime, the first few hundred yards of the trail sees regular damage from county workers in big machines. A new re-route exists, but it is a bit off-putting. You must get past that before you see the true character of the trail, which changes dramatically for the better when you have passed the tire disposal area.

Once you drop down into the first wash, you'll have left civilization behind. A sweet descent with a couple of tight corners and a short climb out of the wash bring you to your first bit of flat, desert pavement.

Continue across the doubletrack and then you'll hit your first bit of exposure on a section of narrow trail with a drop on the outside. It's nothing too dramatic, but a mild introduction to what is in store deeper into the trail complex. After another short climb, you'll find yourself with a choice; continue on Bill's Loop by heading left down Backyard, then to Ryan's Trail and back to the trail-head, or heading east on Birdpole, and off to more adventurous hiking deeper into the complex.