This is a very steep and treacherous trail. You climb 1,788 feet from the bottom on a dirt road littered by large gravel. You have to watch every step you take, and it is very easy to slide. Take a hiking stick to help keep your balance. The trail head is 6.6 miles from the park entrance on Lake Mead Blvd or 2.1 miles from Hollywood Blvd. The views are spectacular. You can see all of Las Vegas and Henderson if you go out on the far summit.
This is not actually on the Frenchman Trail, but is a wash not far from the trail.
To find the wash drive 2 miles north of Lake Mead NRA entrance on Lake Mead Blvd. Turn left onto Rainbow Gardens and drive 4.4 miles on Lava Butte Road. There are two road signs on opposite sides of the road. Turn left onto the dirt path and park next to the road. Hike down the wash about a mile until you come to a drop off in the wash.
Oak Creek Canyon Trail is the last trail on the loop road of Red Rock Canyon. Drive the short dirt road to the trail head. The trail goes towards the canyon for about a mile, then you have to make your way up the canyon through large boulders. Some of the trail is marked, but most you just try to find the easiest way around and over the boulders.
White Owl Canyon Trail is a short but spectacular hike to an interesting slot canyon where you can find much evidence of owls and other birds of prey. The canyon walls have many coves or indents where the birds hang out. Check out the ground below and you will find tiny skulls and bones from small animals.
The trail is less than a mile and takes you into a short but steep-walled canyon with overhangs. You can also hike in the opposite direction to the Lake.
To get to White Owl Canyon turn onto the 33 Hole parking area off of Lake Shore Drive and make the first left to the parking area. The trail starts at the back of the parking area. Follow the trail that drops down into the wash and over to the next wash, turn left back towards Lake Shore Drive and hike up towards Lake Shore drive to White Owl Canyon. (You can continue the hike by walking through a tunnel that goes under Lake Shore Drive.)
Raven flying over White Owl Canyon
White Owl Canyon, Lake Mead NRA
Overhang in White Owl Canyon
Watch a video of White Owl Canyon Trail in Lake Mead NRA
