Canyon View Loop

The Canyon View Loop Trail is one of three trails inside Kershaw Ryan State Park. While this trail tends to cover much of the same ground as the shorter Overlook Loop Trail, this path will take hikers a little bit further into the canyon and much higher to views overlooking the mouth of the canyon. From here hikers can gain a better perspective on the sheer-walled surrounding landscape. Beginning in the lush garden and spring area of the park's oasis, the Canyon View Loop Trail soon leaves the lush shade and heads out on a dry and exposed dirt path that feels like an uphill trek, though it mainly just follows of the gradual uphill contour of the wash. The trail climbs through several switchbacks until it plateaus on the flat mesa-like top of the canyon where there is a bench that offers a still spot to sit down and take in the dramatic landscape. Though park maps mark the return route as retracing the hike out, new trail construction has laid down a path at the lower bench. This path traces a different route down, dropping in on the north side of the wash, with one final bench sitting directly over the oasis. If the hike was warm, head back to the oasis and jump into the cool spring-fed pool! Hikers heading to the Canyon View Loop Trail are subject to park rules, including daily open hours of 8 a.m. to sunset and the $5 park entrance fee.