LocalHikes - Knoll Trail (point to point from Oak Creek)

Reporter

Knoll Trail (point to point from Oak Creek)

Highlights:	Great views along base of Rainbow Mountain - connector trail to Arnight
Near:	Blue Diamond, NV
Scenery:
Distance:	1.5 miles
Elevation Gain:	200 ft
Hike Time:	1 hours
Difficulty:	Moderate
Trail Condition:	OK, but a few difficult spots
HikeType:	Point to Point

Summary: The Knoll trail won't do you any good by itself -- you have to reach it by one trail or another -- either the Arnight (from Pine Creek) or the Oak Creek (as described herein). This is a nicely maintained trail winding you along the base of Rainbow Mountain. The cactus and other unfriendly vegetation are dense on either side of this trail, so you definitely don't want to leave or veer off the trail. This is a lovely walk to see wildflowers and cactus blooming during spring to early summer (March-April). There is no water, shade, or trees along this trail except for the occasional large boulder, yucca or Joshua; so be aware that is can be treacherous during the hot summer daytime hours. You get some really nice views looking towards Sandstone Quarry, or the visitor's center. And, a stormy or cloudy sky can be incredible from this wide-open trail. You can access Juniper Canyon from here, but I highly recommend you wear long pants/sleeves - dense brush!

Trailhead: Be advised that the USGS topo does NOT accurately reflect the location of the scenic loop road within Red Rock National Conservation Area, at 18 miles W of Las Vegas Blvd. on Charleston Ave (SR 159) to Red Rock entry (fee) station. Take the scenic loop past Pine Creek parking to Oak Creek parking lot. Not as busy as Willow Springs or Pine Creek parking, most vehicles here belong to climbers. There are 2 signs at Oak Creek pkg/TH - with one you take the Oak Creek trail heading into the canyon and look for the signed right hand turn to begin the Knoll. If you take the other trail (sign), you'll take the connector trail (Arnight) to junction with the Knoll trail. This is a point-to-point so the distances I've marked are for the Knoll trail only - not getting there from either direction. You can also combine the Knoll, Arnight, Dale's & SMYC to take you all the way to Willow Springs for a full day's hike! (Lat:36.11002 Lon:-115.46825)

Trail Guides for Knoll Trail (point to point from Oak Creek):
Keystone Hiking Trails Information
by BLM - Red Rock NCA (BLM - Red Rock NCA)
Hiking Around Las Vegas
by Jim Boone (Jim L. Boone)
Hiking Las Vegas
by Branch Whitney (Branch Whitney)

Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter,

User Groups: Hikers, Dogs,

Ranger Contact: Red Rock (BLM) ranger at entry to NCA (fee station) 702-515-5950

Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Kat Green, who has posted 86 other hikes on this site

Trail Reviews Submit your own review

Reviewed by Dino on 12/17/2008
Nice scenic hike at the escarpment of Rainbow Mnt. Please don't step off trail, fragile plants

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Keys: Nevada Hiking, Nevada Trails, Nevada Hikes, Clark County Hiking, Clark County Trails, Clark County Hikes