Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
360.00 ft (109.73 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
1.80 mi (2.90 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

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.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

Park entrance fee

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Excellent views. Gives the best perspective of the oasis.

Cons

No shade.

Trailhead Elevation

4,483.00 ft (1,366.42 m)

Highest point

4,785.00 ft (1,458.47 m)

Features

Family friendly
Flushing toilets
Potable water
Big vistas
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

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