The canyon features a two-year old burned area and jagged rock cliffs. A long, rough access road to the trailhead and a 2,800-feet elevation gain combine to keep the number of hikers low and provide a secluded atmosphere. Road 57 veers to the left and is poorly marked. Continue on Road 57 for approximately 7.5 miles to the Pancho Canyon Trailhead sign on the right. The first 6 miles on Road 57 are over an improved dirt road suitable for any vehicle.
Large rocks protruding out of the road are the primary obstacles.
The Pancho Canyon Trailhead is actually located 1 mile north of the sign on Road 57 at the end of USFS Road 536. It is easiest to park just off of Road 57 and walk up Road 536 to the official trailhead. Road 536 is an extremely rough, primitive road requiring 4-wheel drive that can be probably be hiked faster than it can be driven. A sign marks the location of the Pancho Canyon Trailhead at the end of Road 536. The trail climbs gently through pinyon pines and junipers along the slope just east of the dry, Pancho Canyon stream bed for about 1 mile.