La Espina Ledge

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Short but scenic, La Espina Ledge is one of the highlight hillside routes in central Lost Dog. The path begins from the Mayberry - Baby Head intersection, climbing partially up the northeast slope of La Espina Hill and heading south. After a switchback, the trail narrows to rugged singletrack, with a cliff face on one side and a rock wall on the other.

The challenging La Espina main trail splits off from the Ledge section after a tenth of a mile. Shortly thereafter, La Espina Ledge crosses the summit of the hill and a turnoff to Granola Bowl. It then continues almost due south and meets Mayberry again at its end.

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.