Spanish Canyon

Spanish Canyon is a leisurely drive through the desert, made more interesting when entering the canyon itself with its colorful geologic features. Several dramatic rock or mineral inclusions in the canyon wall resemble snow and invite a short hike off the trail to explore.

The trail is an up-and-back traveling through the eastern slope of Alvord Mountain. Along the way, several intersecting trails entice exploration, adding to the adventure.

The trail was originally part of the Old Spanish Trail used by New Mexican caravans that passed through the canyon as early as 1844 and was later used by the Mormons and Forty-niners.

Drivers will find numerous dispersed camping spots just off the trail with existing rock fire rings or other flat suitable dispersed camping sites. 

Spanish Canyon is an easy trail being flat and sandy, suitable for a two-wheel drive raised vehicle, and would be enjoyed by a novice off-roader. A ground collapse across the road has ended the trail 0.3 miles from the mapped end and created a shear unprotected twenty-foot drop-off requiring slow caution if driving to the trail's documented end.