9.6 Miles Roundtrip With Inspiration Point Included

Amazing hike through the towering Chiricahua rocks, including the Balanced Rock, with spectacular views.

The Heart of Rocks Loop is one of my top favorite hikes of all time. Although challenging with elevation changes and exposure to that strong southern Arizona sun, it is worth it and then some. But the hike isn’t just one loop hike but rather an amalgamation of multiple hikes starting at the Massai Point or Echo Canyon that totals around 9.6 miles if you include Inspiration Point, which you must.

From the Massai Point Trailhead go about 1/3 a mile towards Echo Canyon until you reach the Ed Riggs Trail. From Echo Canyon, go 1/5 a mile south towards Ed Riggs. From Ed Riggs go south .8 miles until you reach the intersection of Hailstone Trail and Mushroom Rock Trail. Take the left Mushroom Rock trail for 1.2 miles. Now you’ve climbed down and up again and you’re at the Inspiration Point Spur which you’ve got to do! It’s phenomenal with its view of the rock formations and Cochise Head which is that giant exposed peak to the north..

After that gorgeous viewpoint head back to the main trail which has now turned into the Big Balanced Rock Trail. Take that for a mile at which point you’ll be at the Big Balanced Rock!

From here, the Heart of Rocks Loop begins where you’ll see Duck on a Rock, Kissing Rocks, Pinnacle Balanced Rock, and a ton more exciting formations as you weave up and around them like little slot canyons complete with overlooks. It’s a fun and exciting playground to adventure in.