Ram Tough
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Las Vegas, Nevada
Hike # 97
Hike Distance: 8+ Miles
Date Hiked: 4/12/2014
Date Published: 4/24/2014
Vegas baby! But probably not the way you've ever experienced it...
The weekend of April 11th through 14th, Jaci and I took some time off from work to celebrate her 32nd birthday. We booked some flights, packed our bags, and made our way out to Sin City. Naturally, I jumped on the web and started searching for suitable hiking areas the moment after our flights were officially booked. It didn't take long before I found Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, located only 17 miles from the Las Vegas strip.
In order to get from our hotel on the strip to Red Rock, I had some options. I could book a tour through our hotel, book a semi-private tour with a hiking guide (via the web), or I could rent a car and drive out to Red Rock myself. I really didn't want to be on anyone else's schedule and, while I enjoy hiking with others, my experience has been that it is easier to spot wildlife when hiking alone. So, we elected to rent a car with the prospect of also visiting the Hoover Dam at some point...sadly, that didn't happen on this trip. But I made sure to get out to Red Rock.
I'll take a minute here to point out to those of you who aren't already aware that I'm something of a Dodge fan. I'm not one of those guys who is crazy about cars, and I won't tell you that my car company is better than your car company, but I've been loyal to the brand for a while now. And, they've been good to me. If you don't like their cars, I get it...but I've personally never had a problem. So, when it came time to select the actual vehicle, the decision between two gray/silver Nissan Altimas and a Dodge Challenger was an easy one...for both Jaci and I. I only point this out because the Dodge logo...a ram's head...is important to the rest of this recap.
The morning of the hike, our first full day in Vegas, I was up early (5am) but it wasn't hard to get up that early because my body was still on eastern time. I left the strip and made my way west along Route 159. Behind me, the sun was waking up, and painting the rocks in that special way only it can. Red Rock indeed...
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Las Vegas, Nevada
Hike # 97
Hike Distance: 8+ Miles
Date Hiked: 4/12/2014
Date Published: 4/24/2014
Vegas baby! But probably not the way you've ever experienced it...
The weekend of April 11th through 14th, Jaci and I took some time off from work to celebrate her 32nd birthday. We booked some flights, packed our bags, and made our way out to Sin City. Naturally, I jumped on the web and started searching for suitable hiking areas the moment after our flights were officially booked. It didn't take long before I found Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, located only 17 miles from the Las Vegas strip.
In order to get from our hotel on the strip to Red Rock, I had some options. I could book a tour through our hotel, book a semi-private tour with a hiking guide (via the web), or I could rent a car and drive out to Red Rock myself. I really didn't want to be on anyone else's schedule and, while I enjoy hiking with others, my experience has been that it is easier to spot wildlife when hiking alone. So, we elected to rent a car with the prospect of also visiting the Hoover Dam at some point...sadly, that didn't happen on this trip. But I made sure to get out to Red Rock.
I'll take a minute here to point out to those of you who aren't already aware that I'm something of a Dodge fan. I'm not one of those guys who is crazy about cars, and I won't tell you that my car company is better than your car company, but I've been loyal to the brand for a while now. And, they've been good to me. If you don't like their cars, I get it...but I've personally never had a problem. So, when it came time to select the actual vehicle, the decision between two gray/silver Nissan Altimas and a Dodge Challenger was an easy one...for both Jaci and I. I only point this out because the Dodge logo...a ram's head...is important to the rest of this recap.
The morning of the hike, our first full day in Vegas, I was up early (5am) but it wasn't hard to get up that early because my body was still on eastern time. I left the strip and made my way west along Route 159. Behind me, the sun was waking up, and painting the rocks in that special way only it can. Red Rock indeed...
Red Rock Canyon, which was designated as Nevada's first National Conservation Area, is made up of more than 195,000 acres. It offers a 13-mile scenic drive, rock climbing, horseback riding, mountain/road biking, picnic areas, a visitor center (with exhibit rooms and a book store), and...most importantly...more than 30 miles of hiking trails.
I paid the $7 entrance fee, collected an extra map from the ranger at the toll booth, and started driving along the scenic drive. I was eager to get to the hiking, but not so eager I was willing to completely miss the sunrise as it continued to paint the canyon walls. So, I stopped at one of the overlook areas along the scenic drive to get some photos...
I paid the $7 entrance fee, collected an extra map from the ranger at the toll booth, and started driving along the scenic drive. I was eager to get to the hiking, but not so eager I was willing to completely miss the sunrise as it continued to paint the canyon walls. So, I stopped at one of the overlook areas along the scenic drive to get some photos...
Leaving one parking area behind for another, I made my way by car over to the first of several parking locations near the Willow Springs Picnic Area...in the far northwest corner of Red Rock. At the early hour, I was the first car to arrive (later, when I returned after my hike, the lot was completely full...my advice: get here early). I geared up and set out on my way, stopping to take a quick selfie with one of the geological features of the park behind me. I would spend pretty much the rest of my time in Red Rock working my way slowly around this rock peak......
The first thing I noticed was that my phone wasn't picking up a GPS signal out here in the true wilderness. I got it to work later, so I have some map/elevation data to share, but I'm missing maybe the first mile or so. The second thing I noticed, as I crossed the road from the parking lot and took literally two steps on the trail, was the first sign that I was in the desert...
Heading away from the lot, I headed due north and followed a short extension of the Lost Creek Trail (note: the majority of this trail is actually located to the south of the parking area, but there is a small extension here north of the road). As you can see from the picture below, this section of the Lost Creek Trail is easy...and really short. Once I reached the more difficult (but not too difficult) White Rock Trail, I made a hard right and started making my way...in a (generally) counter-clockwise circle along the White Rock Loop.
Note: some of the trail distances/estimated times in the informational packet provided by the Bureau of Land Management are overstated, as they tend to combine multiple trails into one. For example, the White Rock Trail (trail #6 as listed in the packet) is listed at 4.4 miles...but I believe the 4.4 miles makes up the entire loop...including trails #7 and #9 in the packet. In the end, it is all very confusing. I much prefer the way most of the Connecticut State Parks lay out their maps, providing distances between parking locations/trail intersections and allowing for you to total up a more accurate tally as you plan your hike. As a result of the confuson, I was expecting to hike 14+ miles but only ended up doing between 8 and 9 miles...not the worst problem to have.
Note: some of the trail distances/estimated times in the informational packet provided by the Bureau of Land Management are overstated, as they tend to combine multiple trails into one. For example, the White Rock Trail (trail #6 as listed in the packet) is listed at 4.4 miles...but I believe the 4.4 miles makes up the entire loop...including trails #7 and #9 in the packet. In the end, it is all very confusing. I much prefer the way most of the Connecticut State Parks lay out their maps, providing distances between parking locations/trail intersections and allowing for you to total up a more accurate tally as you plan your hike. As a result of the confuson, I was expecting to hike 14+ miles but only ended up doing between 8 and 9 miles...not the worst problem to have.
As I made my way along the early section of the White Rock Trail, I stopped to take a picture of how quickly I was gaining elevation. The picture below is of the parking lot (that white spot in the middle of the lot is my rental car). This was maybe ten minutes in, so you can see how fast the elevation changes...
One of the more frustrating things about this hike, which I still loved every second of, is that none of the trails (at least not any of the trails I travelled) actually go to the top of highest peaks. They all kind of settled in about halfway up or stroll along in the valleys. I enjoyed myself, but really would've liked to stand on a few more ledges. That said, the views from the valley floor weren't bad, in their own right...
Eventually, after repeatedly checking for a GPS signal, I was able to get one and put my MapMyHike app to work. Shortly after, I reached the White Rock parking location and took a picture of a sign with what turned out to be more accurate trail distances...
I also took a minute to read an informational sign in the area near the White Rock parking location. I love Native American history so this hike was starting to get good for me...and what is that about Bighorn Sheep? Hmmmmmmmmmmmm...
From the White Rock parking location, the White Rock Loop Trail starts to head to the northwest. I elected to take a detour and follow the Keystone Thrust Fault Trail...
The Keystone Thrust Fault is considered the most significant geologic feature of Red Rock Canyon. A thrust fault, as I came to find out later, is a fracture in the earth's crust which results in the oldest rocks on top and the younger rocks on bottom...which is backwards from standard geology.
The Keystone Thrust Fault Trail was a little hard to follow at times, but I made my way north by northeast, heading uphill (and over 5,000 feet elevation for this first time ever while hiking) and then followed what I believed was the trail back downhill for a bit. As I was approaching an overlook with a fantastic view, I heard a noise off trail to my right. I turned my head to find five Desert Bighorn Sheep. They were so close (the pictures don't do my encounter any justice), I actually felt the need to move off trail in an effort to back away from them. This was awesome!
The Keystone Thrust Fault Trail was a little hard to follow at times, but I made my way north by northeast, heading uphill (and over 5,000 feet elevation for this first time ever while hiking) and then followed what I believed was the trail back downhill for a bit. As I was approaching an overlook with a fantastic view, I heard a noise off trail to my right. I turned my head to find five Desert Bighorn Sheep. They were so close (the pictures don't do my encounter any justice), I actually felt the need to move off trail in an effort to back away from them. This was awesome!
I'm absolutely fascinated by these creatures. I've always loved reading about adaptations in the animal world...and I love that these guys are able to survive in the harsh conditions of the desert. When I got home, I did a little more research on them and found out they are able to go without water for weeks at a time. They may even have the ability to lose up to 30% of their body weight and still survive. Amazing! Also, you wouldn't know it by the look of them...what with their heavy head of horns and all...but they are amazing climbers, using the cliffs to evade predators.
After my encounter with the sheep...which, alone made this hike worth the price of admission...I made my way a little more to the northeast. I was still following what I believed to be the Keystone Thrust Fault Trail, but I'm not 100% certain I stayed on it the whole time. The trail markers are few and far between so I could've been on some random, unmarked trail for all I know. But, I wasn't concerned. My plan all along was to turn around and make my way back to the White Rock Trail anyway. I was starting to think about turning around when I came to what I believe is an old Native American settlement...
After my encounter with the sheep...which, alone made this hike worth the price of admission...I made my way a little more to the northeast. I was still following what I believed to be the Keystone Thrust Fault Trail, but I'm not 100% certain I stayed on it the whole time. The trail markers are few and far between so I could've been on some random, unmarked trail for all I know. But, I wasn't concerned. My plan all along was to turn around and make my way back to the White Rock Trail anyway. I was starting to think about turning around when I came to what I believe is an old Native American settlement...
With a little imagination, it is easy to picture some additional rocks making this look more like home...or, at least, something resembling a home. I can see natives using the large boulder for shelter, with one entrance where the smaller rock wall breaks. I suppose this could also be something which was put together more recently, but where is the fun in that type of thinking?
I continued to make my way a little more to the northeast. Here, I stopped to take another selfie...this time with the picturesque valley behind me...
I continued to make my way a little more to the northeast. Here, I stopped to take another selfie...this time with the picturesque valley behind me...
It wasn't long before I came to an area where the trail seemed to stop. I knew the Keystone Thrust Fault Trail was an out-and-back trail, so I was expecting it to end at some point. I was just kind of surprised when it did. So, I turned around and started making my way back to the White Rock Trail. Along the way, I took a quick detour to follow an unnamed trail to the top of a rock formation in the area. I just HAD to get in some ledge walking...
I love those two pictures. In the first one, you can see...from the ledge...the second parking area I mentioned (White Rock), a portion of the White Rock Loop Trail (which leads away from the parking location), and most of the area I covered to start my day, from the Willow Springs parking area to the White Rock parking area (though the trail there isn't visible). Also, check out those rocks in the first picture! In the second picture, you can see ledge where I was standing (center frame) when I took the first picture. This was great, but...like I told you...as good as that first picture is, there are even higher elevations behind (like that peak to the left of the second photo). I just never figured out how to get there. Maybe next time.
I eventually made my way back down to the White Rock Trail and turned right, heading northwest and continuing my journey around the large peak (visible to the left in the picture below) in a counter-clockwise circle...
I eventually made my way back down to the White Rock Trail and turned right, heading northwest and continuing my journey around the large peak (visible to the left in the picture below) in a counter-clockwise circle...
As I made my from roughly 2 o'clock to about 12 o'clock on the White Rock Loop Trail, I ascended more than 500 feet in just about a mile and a third of hiking. In the process, I reached my new highest elevation while hiking...5,459 feet...blowing away my previous high (3,556 feet).
Somehow, the views on the north side of the White Rock Loop Trail were even better than anything else I had seen all day. And, looking closely, I could see the trail for miles in front of me...
Somehow, the views on the north side of the White Rock Loop Trail were even better than anything else I had seen all day. And, looking closely, I could see the trail for miles in front of me...
I spent the next couple of hours following the trail basically along the pathway you see in the picture above. The trail descends into that valley as it starts to turn to the southwest. I stopped along the way to take some pictures of other cool rock formations, which were just off trail by a few feet...
I even stopped to take a picture of one of the local flowers...
Try as I might, I was unable to identify the flower later. But they were everywhere in this section of the park. Maybe somebody out there knows.
Eventually, I made my way out to where the White Rock Loop Trail intersects with the La Madre Spring Trail. The information packet advises the spring is a good place to see wildlife, including Bighorn Sheep. But, I already saw some Bighorn Sheep earlier in the day. Now, I was on a mission to see some Native American pictographs. So, instead of following the trail to the spring, I continued following the loop in a counter-clockwise direction. Soon, I came out to Rocky Gap Road, which is a 4x4 road. I followed the road for a stretch, but eventually grew bored of following the road and started following an old creek bed instead.
By now, I was rounding out the end of the loop trail...heading back to the Willow Springs parking location, where I'd left my car roughly three and a half hours earlier. I eventually left the old creek bed and crossed Rocky Gap Road to hook up with the Willow Springs Trail. As I was walking along, I noticed some rock climbers and got a good photo of them...
Eventually, I made my way out to where the White Rock Loop Trail intersects with the La Madre Spring Trail. The information packet advises the spring is a good place to see wildlife, including Bighorn Sheep. But, I already saw some Bighorn Sheep earlier in the day. Now, I was on a mission to see some Native American pictographs. So, instead of following the trail to the spring, I continued following the loop in a counter-clockwise direction. Soon, I came out to Rocky Gap Road, which is a 4x4 road. I followed the road for a stretch, but eventually grew bored of following the road and started following an old creek bed instead.
By now, I was rounding out the end of the loop trail...heading back to the Willow Springs parking location, where I'd left my car roughly three and a half hours earlier. I eventually left the old creek bed and crossed Rocky Gap Road to hook up with the Willow Springs Trail. As I was walking along, I noticed some rock climbers and got a good photo of them...
The Willow Springs Loop Trail was very interesting. The trail passes near the pictograph site I was looking for. I was able to make out several hand paintings, which were left there by Native Americans throughout time. The site is roped off, in an effort to protect the area, so you can't really get close to the pictograph. Sadly, without a zoom lens, this meant that my photographs didn't really come out. However, a little way down the trail I came to an agave roasting pit site. Those pictures came out...and I was reminded of home, specifically my weekly lunch at a local Mexican restaurant...
Shortly after the agave roasting pit site, I returned to my rental car. This hike was over but I knew I would always remember it. I was glad I was able to experience Las Vegas in a way that was very different from what most people experience. If you find yourself in the area, take a minute to get away from the hustle and bustle of the strip and check out Red Rock Canyon. I promise you won't be disappointed.
For a map of this hike, along with elevation data, please click here.
2014 Total Miles: 194.74