Experience dramatic transition in Sloan Canyon

The hike along Sloan Canyon is on a portion of the California Riding and Hiking Trail that offers views of Loveland Reservoir and surrounding mountains before descending into a rich riparian area along the Sweetwater River. The hike begins in an unshaded chaparral area with exposed large granitic slabs that gradually transforms into a shaded, riparian woodland at the canyon bottom. One can experience the difference that water can make for the surrounding habitat on this hike. The canyon’s sensitive habitat supports several rare or endangered plants and animals. It also has great views and provides a deep peacefulness that is a welcome change from the hustle of the city. The canyon itself was named for Hampton Sloane, a rancher who lived in the Dehesa area in the 1890s. Through time, the “e” was dropped from the name.

Start out with sturdy shoes, as the trail is steep and eroded in places once passing the houses on the way south for a distance of about a quarter of a mile, then follow the sign to the California Riding and Hiking Trail on the left. Before descending into Sloan Canyon, take a moment to view Sycuan Peak directly to the south with Lyons and Lawson peaks slightly southeast and a bit higher in elevation. Lyons Peak forest-fire lookout towers changed from looking like a telephone booth, then a square structure perched on a tall vertical rock, and now a 41-foot tower that is not currently in use. At just under 1.35 miles, the trail continues down into the canyon, passing a few scattered houses to the west.

On the hillsides you can see fine examples of exfoliated granite slabs. Exfoliation is the process in which rocks weather by peeling off in sheets rather than eroding grain by grain; it can happen in thin layers on individual boulders or it can take place in thick slabs as it does here in Sloan Canyon, as evidenced by the large, smooth granite pieces poking through the chaparral.

Along the way, keep your eyes out for flowers blooming among the laurel sumac, ceanothus, and chamise that line the road, which may include lilies and dodder. Dodder, or witch’s hair, is easy to recognize -— look for orangey-yellow spaghetti-like strands that twine around a host plant. Dodder is a parasitic plant that contains no chlorophyll and absorbs food and water from its host plant through haustoria, root-like organs that penetrate the cells of the host plant and may eventually kill it. The flowers are tiny and yellow-white bell-like lobbed clusters that are easily overlooked when they appear. Also look for small animals, such as the western fence lizard and birds that may be in the area, including the endangered least Bell’s vireo.

As you descend farther into the canyon, note that the vegetation changes from chaparral to riparian woodland. Riparian means relating to wetlands adjacent to rivers and/or streams. Descending, you will find the Sweetwater River that runs through the bottom of the canyon. The chaparral gives way to sycamore, oak, cottonwoods, and willow trees as you approach an old bridge crossing the river. Even in drought conditions when the river might be dry, the riparian growth will be healthy as it taps into underground sources of water. The trees still provide a nice shaded spot to rest and eat lunch or a snack before heading back up the hill to your vehicle.

The trip can be extended by continuing a ways up toward Dehesa Road before returning to your vehicle.