Deadman's Loop

Begin by reaching a junction about a hundred yards from the trailhead. This is the loop terminus and one can choose to travel in either direction. Staying left will take you to the BLM boundary fence - the southern trail heading west. Continue through a short, bouldery area opening up and climbing steadily up some rock steps to a nice vista. Continue along a wide scenic section of the canyon up to a trail junction at 1.1 miles. Stay right and at 1.8 miles you will reach the highest point of the hike (8,707') along a meadowy saddle before dropping steeply to another trail junction. Stay right heading back northeast up Deadmans Cave Gulch (I've never found the cave, if there is one). The single track trail becomes more prominent since it is only open to foot, bike, and horse travel. At 3.25 miles the trail begins to drop sharply into a wonderful shallow canyon environment which opens up at around 3.8 miles to a grand display of magnificent cliffs to the left. Hike though the BLM boundary fence and follow the road/trail back south to the loop terminus and the parking area.