This out-and-back hike is less than one and a quarter miles and takes you to a great spot to overlook Fire Canyon. You can make it in less than 30 minutes but give yourself a moment to appreciate the views. This hike is great for beginners because the trail is easy to navigate and well-maintained.
If you’d like a different perspective, combine this trek with a trip through Fire Canyon. Again, the best time to take this hike is around sunrise or sunset when the softer lighting accentuates the blend of colors. The trailhead is in Rainbow Vista’s parking lot which is roughly five minutes from the visitor center on Mouse’s Tank Road.
Yes, this is the sandy hiking trail for which the road is named. The Mouse’s Tank trail is under three quarts of a mile in length, and yet veteran visitors say it is “one of the most entertaining” activities to engage in here. While it is a brief trek, be sure to allow yourself time to check out some of the hundreds of petroglyphs here. It is especially interesting for hikers who also have an interest in ancient art or history.