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Summary: La Madre springs flows (sometimes trickles) down the canyon into an old livestock watering pond with a concrete dam. The springs and pool is the main water source for game (big horn sheep & deer) in this canyon, although you probably won't see any during daylight hours. This hike follow a nice easy gravel road as you gradually climb into the canyon. The trail narrows and turns into a single track foot path as you pass the pool. Don't worry -- it isn't likely that you'll miss the pool since there is a nice informational sign mounted along the trail and just above the pool. As you walk up to the pool, you might notice many little side paths leading off to the R -- this canyon has seen many uses including shooting/archery range, mining and livestock before it became a National Recreation Area. The road to the pool was still accessible by vehicle a decade ago, although your truck could get really beaten & banged up on this road. The foot path continues up canyon. Trailhead: 18 miles W of Las Vegas Blvd. on Charleston Ave. (SR 159) to Red Rock entry (fee) station. Take 13 mile scenic loop to Willow Springs Picnic Area. Park and head W up gravel road (Rocky Gap road, 4WD), approx. 3/4 mile, turn right (N) at SIGN. Follow this gravel road (which will also take you to White Rock Hills) NNE approx. 1/4 mile to the SIGN (and 3 boulders on R side of road), continue PAST this sign and stay on the main gravel road (trail) to the L as you walk up into La Madre Canyon. In addition to the Willow Springs Picnic Area, you can also park at Lost Creek before you reach Willow Springs, or beyond Willow Springs to a few dirt pullouts along Rocky Gap Road. Horses trailers need to park outside the park along SR160 (look for corral at scenic loop road EXIT) and ride up the lower canyons (Pine Creek and Red Rock washes) to reach Willow Springs and La Madre area. Rocky Gap Road is accessible by 4WD, but do NOT drive vehicles up the gravel road to La Madre S (Lat:36.16125 Lon:-115.4985) Trail Guides for La Madre Springs: Keystone Hiking Trails Information by BLM - Red Rock NCA (BLM - Red Rock NCA) Hiking Around Las Vegas by Jim Boone (Jim L. Boone) 120 Best Hikes in Southern Nevada and Beyond (CD) by Branch Whitney (Branch Whitney) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Horses, Ranger Contact: Red Rock (BLM) ranger at entry to NCA (fee station) 702-515-5350 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 RBP on 6/4/2009 The real pleasure on this trail is past the dam . If you follow the trail further up higher on the mountain , there are a couple of interesting little sites. Mind you , it gets steep and rough but it will be worth the effort. You have to go about a third of a mile for the first site. The second one is at about 6400 - 6500 feet elevation.Enjoy and LNT. 
Reviewed by AJ on 1/28/2008 Great scenery, nice gravel path pretty much the whole way up. Lots of uphill areas. Didn't make it very far past the dam part, when the path narrowed a lot. Was getting too dangerous, as there was snow and ice on parts of the narrow sloping path, I almost fell and slid into the spring twice! So will definitely try again when there won't be snow!
Reviewed by David on 5/14/2007 Aside from taking the unposted fork in the trail to the right. About an hour out of our way. We made it to the springs and enjoyed. It sure seemed longer than what was posted. Distance wise. We are all tired. Didn't make it up pass the spring. Next time. Good trails, otherwise. Real refreshing spring.
Reviewed by Sue on 2/12/2006 In all the 8 years of living in Las Vegas this truly the one I have enjoyed the most. If offers nice scenery and is a moderate 1.5 - 2 hour hike. Make sure you keep on going pass the damn. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
