A small picnic area is located on the eastern terminus of Indian Cove Road East, at the mouth of Rattlesnake Canyon. 5 tables are scattered throughout the rocks along with a pit toilet, garbage, and recycling. Rattlesnake Canyon is a really cool way to explore the northern edge of the Wonderland of Rocks. There are no maintained trails through this area, but multiple social routes are obvious at the entrance to the canyon. The farther you travel up canyon, the greater the difficulties. While it is possible to link up with Willow Hole from here, most people enjoy the private setting and fun scrambling nearby. If you are camping at Indian Cove, this is a great spot to check out.
A small day use area is located at the terminus of Indian Cove Road West. This parking area is used by rock climbers but also acts as the trailhead for a short interpretive trail (1). While the trail is only a 0.65 mile loop, it does provide an interesting look into the flora, fauna, and history of this area (2). The route dips down into a large wash (3) and discusses (via interpretive signs) how diverse this desert region actually is (4). If you can time your trip during the spring bloom, you'll be greeted with tiny colorful blossoms along the way (5). This is a great morning or evening hike to do if you are staying in Indian Cove campground. A social trail also starts from the end of the group campground road to access this hike (6).
Indian Cove campground is a big place; there are 101 individual site, 13 group sites, a picnic area, an interpretive trail, and TONS of rock climbing routes all throughout this area. The park did a really nice job laying out this campground. The group portion is set off on its own, while the individual campsites are nestled into private nooks in the rock.
Group sites can be reserved up to 12 months ahead of time. These sites get booked out pretty far in advance, especially on weekends and peak spring and autumn months. Make sure to get your reservations ASAP once you know when you're going. Sites #1 - #6 are a little larger and set back farther from the road. Pit toilets along with garbage and recycling bins are located along the road.
Individual sites can be reserved up to 6 months ahead of time. The campsites at Indian Cove are a little hit and miss. Some are really nicely located among cool rock formations that provide privacy, while others are placed really close to each other. Site #23 - #29, and #91 - #101 are some of the most secluded, with sites #98 - #101 requiring a short walk to reach. One thing to be aware of is that the base for many popular rock climbing routes start in some campsites. Climbers should ask permission before using these routes if you are there. If you want avoid climbers being in your campsite, don't stay in sites #1 - #12, and #40 - #44. Pit toilets along with garbage and recycling bins are located throughout the campground. Dogs are permitting at this campground, but are not allowed on any of the trails in the park.
