Overview

Joe May Canyon is a 5,000 to 6,000-ft elevation valley that runs parallel to, and on the west side of, the Sheep Range. The valley floor is broad and flat (crosswise), but fairly steep (lengthwise), and several canyons come down from the crest of the Sheep Range and terminate here. There is no trail, but the main wash provides easy access up the valley, at least to the guzzler (a manmade water hole), which is about 1.6 miles out. Native peoples left their mark here, and desert bighorn sheep still use it.

Link to a map.

For general information on camping, regulations, other issues, and the natural history of the Wildlife Refuge, see the Desert National Wildlife Range -- Area Overview page.

Watch Out

Other than the standard warnings about hiking in the desert, ...this is a pretty safe hike. Hiking in loose gravel is tiring, more tiring than might be expected, so don't overestimate the speed at which you will be able to hike up the canyon. Depending on recent weather conditions, a 2-wheel-drive, high-clearance vehicle should make it to the trailhead, but call the refuge manager if you have questions.

While hiking, please respect the land and the other people out there, and try to Leave No Trace of your passage. Also, even though this hike is fairly short, it is remote, so be sure to bring the 10 Essentials.

This is a wildlife refuge, so pay extra attention to respecting the land. Please, don't bother the bighorn sheep. They have a hard enough time making a living in these desert lands; they don't need extra stress from people hanging around the water hole.

Trail Guide
Getting to the Trailhead

This hike is located on the Desert National Wildlife Range, about 1.5 hours north of town.

From town, drive out to the Desert National Wildlife Range. From Corn Creek Field Station (Table 1, Site 106), continue east to a T-intersection a few yards beyond the parking area (Site 731). Turn left onto Alamo Road and drive north for 3.1 miles to Joe May Road (Site 780). Turn right onto Joe May Road and drive east towards the mouth of Joe May Canyon.

As the road starts into the canyon, it passes gray limestone cliffs on the left (north), an old closed road on the left (which is the trail), and shortly an old corral and some stonework (Site 779). The corral is just before the road goes up a hill that looks a bit 4-wheel-drive-ish, about 4 miles from Alamo Road. Park here; this is as good as it gets for the trailhead.

When passing Corn Creek Field Station, be sure to stop and sign the visitor register. Use a false name if you worry about the government tracking your movements, but they need all the visitor-use statistics they can get to argue for more funding.

The Hike

From the trailhead (Table 2, Waypoint 1), the route runs north-northwest down and across the washes towards a cave at the base of limestone cliffs across the wash (Wpt. 2). From the trailhead, the cave looks deep and interesting; it is not, but getting to that point puts you in the main wash up Joe May Canyon.

The route runs up the wash for about 1.2 miles. The wash stays against the western edge of the valley, following along the base of the limestone cliffs and hills. Eventually, a side canyon to the west opens up (Wpt. 3). Turn west and hike up the side canyon. Shortly you will see the water collector above the guzzler (Wpt. 4).

While in this area, watch the hills for bighorn sheep and other wildlife, visit the guzzler briefly, and then back off a long ways (perhaps back to the edge of the main canyon). Find a comfortable spot for lunch, and watch for wildlife.