Oct 5-6, 2024 October 2020 was the start of Rides with Friends. The idea that we would have a trip every October was born. I figured it had to represent the “Best Of”, or as I termed it the “Crown Jewel”. So we now have a crown of crown jewels, 5 routes, 393 miles, with significant overlap, and 11,900’ of climbing. The simple outline of hot springs, micro-playas, Fly and High Rock Canyons is 162 miles with 6,000’ of climbing, with lots of possibilities to add destinations such as Massacre Ranch and Little High Rock Canyon.

This year I wanted to include both the Fly Canyon Potholes and High Rock Canyon. That would include some of the greatest geology and cultural history in the National Conservation Area. I also collaborated with the stewardship projects for the year and included a clean-up at the Little High Rock Hilton, a shack at the bottom of the canyon. I knew this was a high impact spot and it would be in need of a clean-up.

I pre-rode the route to make sure there were no surprises. Things were as I remembered but I was glad to have a refresher since I hadn’t been through High Rock Canyon since 2020. And the end-point was new to me, a cherry-stem road out of the top of the canyon that ended at the top of Pole Canyon. The road sees very little traffic and would be a great stepping off point for wilderness backpacking or horseback riding.

When it came time for the ride I had one taker, Corby C. I was a little surprised not to have a few more participants, High Rock Canyon is such a draw. The Potholes are a unique geological feature. But people are busy and always have multiple commitments on a given weekend. Not to worry, even if no one shows up for an event I go and have a great time.

Corby and I met off Co Rd 34 on BLM Road 2053 to High Rock Canyon Rd. It is hunting season and there were other users out as well. We shared the pullout with a group of UTV users. It is great seeing our public lands being enjoyed.

Corby and I made our way past a major private inholding in the NCA. There are a handful of these private parcels that pose a threat to the nature of the area, they get developed, understandably (though allegedly illegal, I am not a legal expert but get to hear about such things) improve or alter the primitive roadways, and could block established access. The hope of Friends of Black Rock High Rock is they can be purchased and deeded back to the BLM for conservation and recreation.

Beyond Little High Rock Canyon I pointed out Box Canyon, the mouth at the south end of High Rock Lake (dry). I think it would make for an amazing backpacking trip (crosscountry, totally wild) to go east to west through Box and Little High Rock Canyons. Then we turned east to Fly Canyon and the Potholes.

This was my third visit. Corby and I hiked around above the potholes and had some excellent views. Then we were off to High Rock Canyon.

Fly and High Rock Canyons are part of the California Emigrant Trail, the Applegate Trail, dated 1846. The Applegate brothers developed this southern diversion of the Oregon Trail, crossing the Great Basin, and entering the Modoc Plateau through the Warner Mountains west of Vya. The namesake and purpose of the Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area is to conserve the integrity and viewscape of the 120 miles of this intact historic route.

We played leapfrog with a caravan of Land Rovers (I made the mistake of referring to them as jeeps) between Post Office Cave and The Garage. But then we continued on to our turn off to our campsite on a cherry stem road in the East Fork High Rock Canyon Wilderness. We were above a spot called Bernards Corrals on the USGS maps, but the structures are gone. This is the confluence of Wall Canyon Creek, Cottonwood Creek, and Pole Canyon. We had a great campsite and got to mess around with some night photography. Corby is a much better photographer than I. Check out his work!

The night chilled down cooler than anticipated but we were fine. We got on the trail early to meet the Stewardship Crew from Friends of Black Rock High Rock. Although we were riding an out and back route the views in the opposite direction with early morning light were spectacular. The water crossings were smoother and we weren’t held back by a caravan of Land Rovers.

We arrived a little early at the Little High Rock Hilton. At first the area seemed in pretty good shape. But once we started the clean-up it was amazing how much trash we collected. There was a large but scattered fire ring. It is always a debate, break down all fire rings or leave one intact and improved so new ones aren’t created. We landed on the latter and it looked fantastic. Corby ran the magnetic rake and the clink-clink-clink of nails and other metal bits was non-stop. The question of trash vs historic trash always comes up. Pull top aluminum cans date back to the 60’s and 70’s (plenty of timelines online to reference, here is a bit on historic trash). We have a few more years to pick them up before we are charged with a federal crime.

After a couple of hours of clean-up and lunch and snacks Corby and I had to get back on the road. We had about 10 miles and a 1000’ of climbing to go. The day was hot. October was not cooling off. The Stewardship Crew passed us at the top of the climb. We waved and continued to our vehicles. We made a quick detour to the Lund Petrified Forest before we enjoyed a post trip meal at Bruno’s Country Club.

By the numbers, the route is 66 miles with 2400’ of climbing. The route is about the same level of commitment as the original High Rock/Steven’s Camp Loop(67 miles, 3400’ of climbing). But I like the inclusion of the potholes and the out-and-back views through High Rock Canyon are totally worth it. 2X High Rock Canyon is 2X the adventure! This is a trip worth repeating or combining with Little High Rock Canyon Wilderness Loop. Let me know, we will go!