Razorback Wash South Trail

Razorback Wash South is a 6.28-mile point-to-point traverse from Northshore Road Mile 22.6 to Mile 18.2, threading broad washes, the south side of Razorback Ridge, a rocky canyon and Cottonwood Wash. It’s a good choice if you want a real cross-country walk with striking geology, but it takes planning: leave one car at Mile 18.2, drive 4.4 road miles north to the start and allow about five hours on foot, plus the shuttle and stops.

From the pullout on the south side of Northshore Road, cross desert pavement to the broad, flat wash and follow it southwest, upstream. Around 1.75 miles in, at the toe of Razorback Ridge, stay to the right. The other wash heads south and belongs to a different line. An old road climbs from here to the route’s high saddle at 2,511 feet.

Look southwest from the saddle: Hamblin Mountain sits in the distance, with a red mountain lower in front. The route passes to the red mountain’s right, then drops into a narrow, winding, rocky canyon. The walls shift through red, purple, yellow and green as volcanic ash and mudstone show through. From this high point, the wash hides most long views, so the close-up layers and white gypsum crystals are the payoff.

At about 3.14 miles, the wash ends at a high pour-over. Backtrack a few steps and climb out on the west side over a low ridge, then drop into the next wash. Follow it around the yellow-capped red mountain; an intermittent, steep game trail climbs to Red Saddle. This is the route’s fussiest footing and the spot where the directions matter most.

From Red Saddle, descend into the more open East Fork of Cottonwood Wash. Cross the old Pinto Valley Road, join the West Fork at about 4.30 miles and continue past Cottonwood Spring at 5.23 miles. When the highway bridge comes into view, look for the use trail up the northeast bank to the Mile 18.2 pullout. The spring is a landmark, not a dependable drinking-water source.

This remote route has no cell service and follows natural washes rather than a continuous maintained trail. Use offline navigation, carry plenty of water—the park recommends at least a gallon per person—and don’t count on finding water at Cottonwood Spring. The National Park Service warns against daytime summer hikes because temperatures can reach 120°F in the shade. Dogs are allowed on park hiking trails on a leash no longer than six feet; bring water for them too. A Lake Mead recreation-use pass is required for park entry.