5 Slots loop

This hike was a joint hike with ATbF and the Sierra club. That is why we had so many people. We started from P2 and went NE over striated sandstone toward The Fire Wave. When we got to the wave there was no one else there at first. That was the first time that had happened.

This is a nice example of lace rock. Not much of it 

is found in Valley of Fire

Red Rock high route

From sandstone quarry toward calico tanks except up on the ridge top on right, and around to ridge top on left near Red Cap.

This was a new arch to me and is near the trailhead up a draw to the right.

The air was very clear today.

Layered rocks.

Past the arch we continued upward.

On top of the ridge looking toward the road.

Looking off the end of the ridge, Kraft mt is the pinkish rock.

We had to go down some so we could continue upward some more.

The ridge top is far from flat.

A view of turtle mtn and red cap. We dropped into the main calico tank wash to go up the other side toward Red Cap.

I stopped here without going all the way to Red Cap.

Some of the group coming back to where I stopped to continue the hike.

It was only about 4 miles but seemed like 14 miles.

China Ranch date farm

China ranch is near Tecopa CA and on the way we cross the Old Spanish Trail, monument pictured.

On the ridge there were a different kind of cactus.

Starting down the trail from the ranch store following the river trail south.

You soon pass this ruin

View to the left is very much like Death Valley.

Quail bush

Slot canyon is across the river where the trail turns to the west and follows an old railroad bed.

Tamarisk blooming

The far side of the river.

Surprised to find a waterfall in the desert.

Found this rock and  thought is was a fossil, but it is dendritic markings instead.

Looping back toward the cars.

Our path was an out and back of about 6 miles.