|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
![]()
Reporter |
Summary: This loop trail around the White Rock Hills showcases the diversity found at Red Rock -- the S side (Willow Springs: pleasant, shade with small spring, picnic tables, BBQ) with the sandstone cliffs of North Peak and Bridge Mtn in the background. Higher elevation and limestone cliffs of La Madre to the WNW offer dense vegetation (juniper, pinyon, manzanita, oak, a few surprises), a year round spring (not directly accessible from this loop), slickrock, sandstone cliffs, crevices and ledges for big horn sheep and other wildlife that prefer this area. A steady climb on red soil with nice shade and incredible views of the W face of White Rock Hills. Sandstone formations and a steep incline beckon you up & over the peak to the NE side. You are no longer under trees, but can still enjoy the variety of cactus, wildflowers, and lizards. Stop at White Rock Springs to look at the agave pit, but don't drink the water. Follow the old jeep trail SSW back to Willow Springs. 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. For clockwise loop, 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 La Madre Springs) NNE approx. 1/4 mile to the SIGN (and 3 boulders on R side of road), take trail to R and follow all the way around White Rock Hills and back to the Willow Springs Picnic Area. Extremely well marked trail is VERY easy to follow -- stay on the trail, this is an area frequented by deer and big horn sheep so try not to disturb them or their habitat. You can also begin/end this loop trail from the White Rock Springs UPPER parking area. The east side of White Rock Hills is almost completely exposed and it can get very hot in the afternoon sun. Take lots of water with you. This loop trail can be split into shorter hikes. (Lat:36.16125 Lon:-115.4985) Trail Guides for White Rock Hills Loop: Keystone Hiking Trails Information by BLM - Red Rock NCA (BLM - Red Rock NCA) Hiking Around Las Vegas by Jim Boone (Jim L. Boone) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, 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 My favorite Red Rock hike had 6"-12" of snow! Beautiful is an understatement. Deep snow, ice, slush, mud, running streams of melting snow on trail. Stopped to play in the snow. Did this loop twice this month, the length is just right. 1hr running? 2hr fast?? nope. 3 1/2 hours walking for me and proud of it! :-) Don't rush these fun paths. I did see big horn sheep on south side of loop only a few hundred yards from the picnic area so keep a look out. Rated moderate but that is for the length, not the difficulty. Take your time and enjoy it, an easy path if you don't rush. No really steep hills and path is well used and well maintained. Most of it is firm and smooth. No wheelchairs of course, but I see elderly and children all the time. I have hiked this trail hundreds of times. Its a great hike to watch the springtime flowers go through their cycles. If you go counter-clockwise you will not have any elevation gain on the second half. great walk sept 1 but 24oz of water not enough, last 30 minutes was very thirsty. -6 lbs. when I got back to home...20 minute drive Great hike. I can leave my house E of Summerlin, drive in to Red Rock and do this loop & be back home in under three hours. Actual walking time can be 2 hours at a good pace & it can be run(by the young and fit) in 1 hour. I've walked it in winter consuming no water and in summer consumed two liters. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||