The Griffith Shadow Loop begins at the same trailhead as the Lovell Canyon Trail. To access this somewhat remote trailhead follow Lovell Canyon Road to nearly the end, then take a left on the gravel Lovell Summit Road for a short distance. This is an unmaintained road but access to the trailhead is easily doable in a low clearance sedan.

Begin by following the Lovell Canyon Trail as it ascends, enters the La Madre Mountain Wilderness and crosses a ridge revealing the first of many great views. At the first signed junction you come to turn left. The trail gains elevation and then comes to another junction where you’ll take another left.

The Griffith Shadow Loop gains elevation as it climbs out of the forested terrain and eventually crests a small knob with a great view. The next stretch of trail stays around 7,000’ elevation and skirts around the backside of some smaller hills. Griffith Peak stays out of view for a while, but fantastic views down to the valley below are to be had. The trail here can be a little hard to follow in areas, so be sure to pay close attention to where the trail leads.

After meandering around some hills, the trail comes to it’s high point. Great views of the wash area below are found here. After enjoying the views and perhaps taking a snack break, begin the descent down to the wash, which you’ll cross several times. Again the trail can be a bit hard to follow in this area, but some small cairns will help guide you through the wash crossings.

Finally the trail reconnects with the Lovell Canyon Trail and resumes traveling through more forested terrain. Follow the well traveled trail back to the trailhead where you began.