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 Reporter |
Summary: If you ride horses, or prefer more isolated areas to hike, you already know about Cold Creek. Instead of riding/hiking from the lower ponds (crowded on weekends), try Willow Springs, Wheeler Pass, Mud Springs, Buck Naked trail, or Bonanza Trail. Heavily frequented by wild horses, elk and deer; it is extremely important to respect these animals and their precious habitat. You must be a self-sufficient desert hiker, prepared for emergencies -- it could easily be days or weeks before you see another hiker. The hills up to Bonanza Peak are covered with either wildflowers or pine trees. There are supposedly 80 switchbacks on this trail, but I get distracted watching game and the incredible views and lose count. In my opinion, this climb is less strenuous than either the North or South Loop trails in Mt. Charleston; but it's not a beginner's hike. There is a log book to sign at the peak, which is off a "hidden path" from the main trail. Dry hike, take LOTS of H2O! Trailhead: I-95 N from Las Vegas, continue past SR 157 (Mt. Charleston-Kyle Canyon) and SR 156 (Lee Canyon), and head as if driving to Indian Springs. Look for small green sign on the freeway for Cold Creek (approx. 5 miles past Lee Canyon Ski Area turnoff), turn off freeway here and drive up the mountain past the prisons (State, Federal, work camps) toward the town of Cold Creek (approx. 15 miles). Continue driving (slowly -- look out for wild horses on & along road) until you reach the end of pavement on main road. Drive up the gravel 4WD road towards Camp Bonanza approx. 2 1/2 miles until it ends into the parking area. There is no gas, phones, or services of any type in the town of Cold Creek -- be sure you are prepared. Only pull your horse trailer part of the way to Camp Bonanza, pull off to the L on one of the dirt roads and park/unload horses there (limited pkg/turn around at trailhead). The walk-in campground is up the hill, AWAY from the trailhead in pkg area. (Lat:36.38201 Lon:-115.74064) Trail Guides for Bonanza Peak (via Cold Creek): Hiking Around Las Vegas by Jim Boone (Jim L. Boone) 120 Best Hikes in Southern Nevada and Beyond (CD) by Branch Whitney (Branch Whitney) USFS free trail guide handout for Spring Mtns (pickup at visitor center Kyle Canyon) by Spring Mountains Natl Rec Area (USFS and USFWS) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Horses, Ranger Contact: USFS - Humboldt-Toiyabe NF Spring Mtns NRA (702) 515-5400 emerg (702) 872-5306 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Kat Green, who has posted 86 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Yogagirl on 11/15/2009 Since I'm unable to edit my last review, it took 3 1/2 roundtrip to the Saddle. We went today and it took 5 hours roundtrip to the Saddle. There was snow all the way up so we just took our time and played it safe. We were prepared for the cold and had plenty of layers. GREAT DAY!
Reviewed by Yogagirl on 11/13/2009 I did this hike in Oct 2008, had sweatcicles on my cheeks, brr...I plan on going again Nov 2009. Will definitely wear more layers. I liked it so much it will be my yearly tradition. My friend and I did it in 3 1/2 hours. I'm going for 3hrs next time. (fast pace, of course)
Reviewed by Dino on 8/28/2009 Great all trail hike. Excellent for conditioning your hiking abilities. When you reach the burn area on the way up it gets easier. Careful not to pass the peak as the trail does not take you to it. 
Reviewed by ZUES on 9/9/2007 FIRST TIME IN A LONG TIME, KICKED MY BUTT
Reviewed by Todd on 1/21/2007 Didn't quite make it to the top. I went in January and the snow on the side of the mountain was about three feet deep. It was my first oppurtunity to wear snow shoes. It was also about 5 degrees or colder. Made it to about 8800 feet. I'll have to go again in a few weeks. I have some amazing pictures of the trail, the snow and the terrain. E-mail me if interested. tminvegas2003@yahoo.com. Say I want Photos in the subject box
Reviewed by Kat on 4/1/2006 As a follow up to Elijah's review dtd May 2005, you CANNOT ride your ATV legally anywhere you want to in Cold Creek. Please check with USFS or follow signs for approved off road trails -- this is critical, please don't abuse this area -- it has already suffered so much from overuse and carelessness the past decade or so. Remember, laws require you to camp, park, and stay back from the natural ponds and watersources. Very very limited fishing in the ponds, this is main water source for wild horses and other game and easily damaged and polluted. For real fishing use Lake Mead. Please check with USFS BEFORE you visit Cold Creek -- this is a very sensitive area and becoming more controversial all the time.
Reviewed by Jonathan on 10/31/2005 It's awesome to be able to view wild horses so close to a major metropolitan City. Had a great time and the dogs enjoyed this trail quite a bit. Next time would plan on taking more time to enjoy the scenic views and wildlife.
Reviewed by Elijah Shields on 5/11/2005 Im a Cold Creek resident and it is most pleasent canyon in the las vegas area so make plans to come up to hike ride atv's or fish,they stalk the ponds with trout and its great fishing,there's alot of trails to ride atv's on and there's no were you cant ride so plan to come up this summer ASP!!! Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Nevada Hiking, Nevada Trails, Nevada Hikes, Clark County Hiking, Clark County Trails, Clark County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||