Creosote

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Views · Wildflowers

The starting point of Creosote can be difficult to locate, due to bulldozing and housing development near the Lost Dog trails. As of the time of this description in mid-2015, from Northern Pass Drive, climb the short dirt berm just west of the neighborhood on the northern side of the street. The trail will be indistinct, so GPS can be helpful in locating where the path begins to become more clearly defined. This initial portion, stretching a little over a half mile, is flat and relatively easy.

Once Creosote crosses Lost Dog Trail, it will climb a hill and parallel Lechugilla Trail, sometimes visible to the south for the remainder. Some sections have been eroded by storms, so use caution. As this is a rarely-used trail segment, it is less of a maintenance priority and requires more eyes-down time to avoid the numerous rocks and plants which have grown up on the path.

Creosote ends at the Lost Dog Water Tank Access Road. Connections here to Lechugilla Trail and Ocotillo continue the gradual ascent towards the Franklin Mountains.

The Franklins are filled with desert wildlife and you'll have the chance to see all sorts of plants and animals on trail. Vegetation is best during the rainy months around summer when the desert blooms and the plants turn green. Jackrabbits, lizards and roadrunners are common, occasionally snakes will be on or near the trail. Watch for rattlers and give them a wild berth. If you get caught out past sundown, you may hear a few coyotes. Their howls are unnerving, but they generally leave people alone.