La Madre Springs

Went on Free day to try this new trail to see what the fuss was about. This spot has a lil of everything it’s nice and wide open for lots of folks to hike together. It’s a pretty straight forward hike until you start going on up. Beware of 4×4’s on this trail! Wish my truck was 4X4 to see what the top of the trial looked like. Some SUV’s and trucks will haul ass down the trail. so if you are there with the fam, kids, older folks be on the lookout. I was expecting to see some springs but no such luck. It’s an ok trail system, My favorite is still pine creek,

unfavorable grade up hill. when we finally reached the springs was disappointed to see a bunch old marsh. strange blue plastic tubing to preserve the reeds. if youre looking for water i recommend first creek. was very disappointed reaching the end of this trail :(

Unilocal 100 Challenge 15′ * ⁹⁄₁₀₀
La Madre looked absolutely stunning after the brief storm system finally moved away from the Valley. My mother and I hiked up this moderate beautiful trail the past two Thursdays in hopes of reaching the springs as well as catching some snow remnants and we were not disappointed.
The trail system can be accessed either from White Rock Loop or from the Picnic Area, the latter of which would require you to go through nearly a couple of miles of dirt road to get here. Be careful if you decide to take the dirt path route. Cars drive in and out of that bumpy road and some of them are not very slow. You will only begin to feel the incline once you reach the La Madre Trail head. Bring lots of water and know how to pace yourselves. Take in the majestic views every once in a while and rest on some of the rocks for a snack. About 200 yards from the spring, you’ll find the remains of what we ascertain to be a house. Its floor tiles are still pretty intact and there’s a pipe coming down straight from the spring. Maybe it was more useful back then.
Today, the spring is nothing more than a running stream with dense algae, and I could only say that after the ice caps melted. Who knows how it looks during the 110 degree months. This, of course, makes for a perfect spring hike. It takes some stamina to get up there so bump up the calories during breakfast and snack on some granola bars. You’ll need energy to overcome a 900 elevation gain over a 2-​ish mile one way trip. If you intend to complete the White Rock Trail, hike about 1.3 miles till you see a fork. Turn right and enjoy some 5 miles of flatter land. That’ll be a good option for a longer day hike.

This is more of a distance & incline type of trail versus climbing up the rocks. There’s some shady areas & scenery, but mostly sun & shrubs. Bring that sunblock! It was an okay 7 mile trip around the loop including La Madre Springs. However, the springs itself isn’t worth seeing if that’s what you’re going for. I recommend doing other trails than this unless you prefer a hike without going up rocks & don’t mind the distance.

This is one of my favorite hikes in Red Rock Conservation Area. I’ll spare you the description of the turn off, parking lot, etc., which is all available in the free map the gatekeeper provides.
As many have noted, the hike to the springs themselves is rather boring (at least for me). Walking a couple miles down a dirt road is not really hiking to me, but as some have said, it does provide more opportunity to take in the beautiful mountains that surround you.
The springs should be renamed the La Madre Slimy Little Pond, and wasn’t too remarkable otherwise. The REAL fun begins beyond the springs up the mountain. The trail narrows and proceeds through the trees, following the stream up the mountain. About, I would estimate, a half mile up beyond the springs is a cool little mining fort. If you continue straight back behind the fort, the climb increases in difficulty both because of the incline and loose rocks, but the trail is clearly marked and will take you up to the old mine.
My friends and I have been up past the mine twice, and there is another summit above and beyond the one we reached. My altimeter showed we reached about 6,585′ elevation (McCarran Airport is about 2,200′). It’s a nice feeling of accomplishment, but I think the view’s better from the mine. It takes about 4.5 hours to go up & down at a strong, steady pace. Great hike though, I highly recommend it. Just make sure you have plenty of water and weather’s not too extreme. There’s not too much shade anywhere along the way.

This trail starts starts at the Willow Springs Picnic Area. You have to walk a little bit up a dirt path to actually see where the trail starts. The scenery is beautiful of course!!! Cliffs, different rock formations, trees and bushes… all beautiful. The path is pretty easy, meaning no huge boulders to climb over like at Ice Box Canyon. There were a lot of older people on the trail so that should show how easy it is. There are smaller trails that break off from the main trail that look a little more steep and difficult. It’s about an hour and a half walk round trip. The bf and I enjoyed the scenery, the awesome weather and got some exercise. My favorite part was listening to the wind. Sounds kind of lame, but it was. When we reached the end of the trail, we were a but disappointed. It wasn’t a spring that you picture in your head that’s all nice and pristine. Instead, it’s like a little swampy pond help up by a cement wall. I enjoyed the actual hike more than I did the spring. I think next time the bf and I will venture off into the smaller, more difficult trails.

Nice moderate hike which begins from the Willow Springs picnic area in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (RRCNCA) There are restrooms, maps, instructions and picnic tables at the trailhead. Most Red Rock hikes (except for aptly named IceBox Canyon) are best left to early starts or cooler weather. The heat and elevation gains can cause issues even if you are prepared. There is NO CELL PHONE RECEPTION (AT&T did not pop up again till Visitor’s Center)
Spent a few hours exploring this beautiful trail with my hiking buddy, Daniel S. He has such an appreciation for geology, wildlife and nature that we have excellent adventures together. We saw families and several dogs along the journey, just make sure to bring FRESH water for your furry family members: one AssHat was letting their dog drink from the green, algae filled Springs. Ummm, no!
Anywho, starts with an elevation climb on a mildly rocky terrain. The only time we had to use our hands for position was at the Springs to sit and take in the beauty of the scenery, plant life and surrounding mountains while listening to the music of the running water. There a several trees you take shade under, relax, grab a snack and rehydrate before going back downhill. This day there were no burros or bighorn sheep in sight, though they are known to frequent the area. We did see a blue bird, an elusive yellow bird and tiny Florida sized newt like lizards.
The colors and shapes of the rock formations are stunning. Daniel really liked a Piggy Bank rock atop a mountain; and we spent a bit debating which order the Beatles would be in on a spot we declared perfect for a «Fab Four Mt Rushmore.»
There were some desert wildflowers and cactus in bloom and a variety of trees, grass and shrubs to peruse. The hike downhill is pretty quick and not at all steep.
We are truly lucky to have RRCNCA in our backyard and La Madre Springs is a nice hike to get away from the grind and let your mind relax. Especially as it is warmer now, just make sure to bring fluids (I went through a gallon: 3L w electrolytes & added a Renu to one of my 2L of Smart Water) sunscreen & a hat are a must and there are ample spots to grab shade or take in your surroundings.
Definitely good times. Looking forward to our next adventure :))
Unilocal 100 Challenge

If I learned anything from reading Donald Trump’s self-​help books, it is to surround yourself with beauty. One day a week, I strive to surround myself with beauty. This philosophy brought me to Red Rock Canyon’s La Madre Springs this past Saturday.
This is what the Red Rock Canyon Keystone Visitor Guide says about La Madre Trail, «The trail starts at the Willow Springs Picnic Area. The first segment involves walking up part of the 4×4 Rocky Gap Road. These springs are a good place to watch for wildlife including desert bighorn sheep.» It also says that it is a 3.3 mile hike that takes around 2 hours.
Now this is what I have to say. Generally speaking, the La Madre Trail is two separate segments. There is a concurrency with the Rocky Gap Road (travels northwest) and the La Madre Springs Trail proper (travels north). From the 13-​Mile Scenic Drive (mile marker 7) to the Willow Springs Picnic Area parking lot, the road is pavement. Hikers share the road with motor vehicles. This is the only part of the hike with toilet facilities. Past the Willow Springs Picnic Area parking lot, the road develops into a rocky dirt road. Hikers share the road with off road vehicles. The Rocky Gap Road segment of the hike travels through a valley of awe-​inspiring mountains. Throughout the majority of the hike, the mountain to the right has a presence. Past the valley, the trail leaves the Rocky Gap Road to travel up a gradual change in elevation. Very gradually, the trail travels away from the mountain to the right at a 45-​degree angle. As the trail gradually climbs elevation on a rocky and sandy surface, greenery supplants the desert. To the left in the distance the Spring Mountains tower over the forest. This is Red Rock Canyon’s back yard. In a sense La Madre Springs Trail travels through a wide valley between Red Rock Canyon and the Spring Mountains. The uphill climb is so gradual that the trail’s rocky surface is relatively safe. Ironically, it is the few steps in elevation from the trail to La Madre Springs that has been a slip hazard. When La Madre Trail travels further from the mountain to the right, and what looks like a bluff straight ahead, La Madre Springs will be approaching on the right. On the way there will be a junction for the White Rock Loop. Pass over turning right, and stay straight.
La Madre Springs is small in size and large in charm. It is a place to relax with nature. It is a serene soundtrack of running water and singing birds.
The walk back to the parking lot is downhill. The mountain that was to the right, now looks prettier on the left. The downhill turns and straightaways award the hiker with incredible vistas of the mountain. I highly recommend timing the walk back at sundown when the sun illuminates the mountains. This is a nature scene that is as good as it gets.
This was my forth time doing this hike. Every time I hiked it I never had the problem finding a parking spot, which is contrary to the trail heads prior to mile marker 7.
Hiking is about experiencing the unexpected. This weekend it was an unexpected experience to hike in a winter wonderland in the desert. It was a winter wonderland with the snow covered Spring Mountains towering over a snow covered forest and cacti (I included pictures). The awesome thing about the La Madre Springs Trail is that the scenery is never exactly the same.
When I surround myself with beauty on the La Madre Springs Trail, I leave my cell phone reception behind. From my experience, the reception has been nonexistent to the point that check-​ins are useless. Nature is the Duke of the La Madre Springs Trail. So please respect it, and have a safe and happy hike.

La Madre Spring Hiking Trail
— Sun, 11÷04÷12
This beautiful, tranquil La Madre Springs Trail (3.5mi RT from Willow Spring Picnic Area) is a popular one for locals and visitors alike, especially during autumn and cooler winter/​spring months.
— The hike can also be extended to 6+miles via the White Rock Loop, whose upper trailhead is near the top part of La Madre.
I love La Madre Spring trail for its tranquility and the magnificent, wide open wilderness! Its moderate climb is good for body and soul! During autumn and winter, La Madre Spring is my favorite trail to hike on!
Now, you can skip reading the following, just GO TAKE A HIKE (!) on this nice, quiet trail, and/​or the White Rock Loop. You’ll like it, too, I’m sure!
UnilocalY DETAILS:
— La Madre Springs is very popular but never crowded; short in distance but could be a bit strenuous, for its constant climb of 700+ ft elevation gain over a short distance of ~1.7mi.
Its base trailhead is conviently located at the beautiful Willow Spring Picnic Area off the «13mi Scenic Drive» [– Follow the Willow Spring sign, turn RIGHT into the 2-​way drive].
— The trail is a 1.75 mi long
[1-​way], moderately pitched, wide-​open, gravel/​dirt «road» (covered mostly by egg-​sized rocks), with spectacular views of the La Madre Mountain Range and valleys it towers over below!
At the «end» of the trail is the famous La Madre Spring, where you’ll find a beautiful, SMALL «Pond» covered by a layer of green water plants. This pond is formed by the flowing spring, which is not very visible, but you can hear its soothing musical sound! This is really NOT the end of the trail! From here, one can hike further on a VERY NARROW PATH (at times muddy), along the mostly hidden spring, crisscrossing over it a few times, to small water falls. Holwever, over the years hiking, I myself have never hiked far enough to see the water falls.
Yesterday, I had a wonderful time hiking on this trail, happily soaking up the sun and taking in the gorgeous views of the mountains and valleys! I parked at the beautiful Willow Springs Picnic area, and walked 0.25mi up the Rocky Gap Road to the upper trailhead. From there, it was only 1.5+mi to the spring. The last 0.5mi was a series of climbs on moderately pitched slopes covered with small rocks. It could be a bit strenuous due to the pitch and higher altitude, but it was absolutely worth the climb, especially after you reached the SMALL pond formed by the hidden spring! Although the tiny spring itself was mostly hidden, the SOUND of its FLOWING stream was audible and soothingly therapeutical!
A young couple told me that some kids told them they had spotted a tarantula around the pond earlier! Well, that tarantula was too smart to stay around for me — it was long gone when I got there!
It was such a gorgeous afternoon by the pond, I took extra time to relax over my trail mix and water before moving on. I walked along the narrow path along the spring for a short distance, but it was too challenging for my tired old legs! I’d have to come back another day to explore further up, where I knew there were a couple of small waterfalls. Going back down was easy, but those small rocks could make the path a bit slippery at spots. Do be careful!
So, GO TAKE A HIKE on this trail and/​or the White Rock Loop. You will see hikers of all ages there, many with pets, and some older ones with walking canes! I am sure you’ll enjoy the hike, too!
NOTE:
— BTW, hiking up yesterday, I saw several pink-​colored «super jeeps» (from Pink Jeep Tours) climbing up Rocky Gap Road heading up to the summit! It looked like fun! I myself have not taken one in Vegas, although my wife and I did have a thrilling pink jeep ride on Sedona’s steep rocky boulders!
For those interested, here is their weblink and some reviews on them:
Peterskis, Nov 2012
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This is a tale of two hikes. I don’t really like the actual «La Madre Springs» part of the trail. From Willow Springs Picnic Area, you take Rocky Gap Road and then turn right onto more dirt road (though it’s bouldered off to prevent vehicles). The scenery during this section is nice, but I guess it just doesn’t feel like much of a hike when you’re walking on dirt road. Also, parts of the road are covered in large, loose rock, which can make the gradual ascent slightly more difficult (and annoying). On the other hand, because you’re walking on wide road, you can look up more and take in the scenery.
The real fun begins when you reach the dam. From there, you take a much smaller trail up the hillside. The path closely follows the stream and crosses it several times. Some minor scrambling might be involved. When we went last weekend, there were several wet spots. On the way down, we came across a guy that said it was icy just a week or so ago. So I guess mud is better than ice.
To be honest, I had no idea where I was going. I just kept following the trail. I was with two of my cousins and they were getting tired. Just as they wanted to turn around, I went a little bit farther and spotted the old miner’s cabin. It was quite serendipitous timing. It would have been a shame to turn around without any real end point to the hike.
You can actually keep going past the cabin up to the mines. I knew my cousins were ready to turn around, though, and I figured I’d save myself a reason to do the hike again. I’d also like to return now that I have my 10-​stop neutral density filter — so I can capture some of the stream’s mini-​waterfalls.
On the way back, we spotted some bighorn sheep on the mountainside near Rocky Gap Road. That was a nice way to cap off a good hike.

One of the much easier hikes at Red Rock. No boulder scrambling and the path is really wide. No worries about having to use your hands to get up and down anywhere.
I went here on 1÷13÷11 with my aunt and uncle who were visiting from Colorado. I didn’t want to go boulder scrambling so we picked this trail to do as the other trails I’ve been on are covered in ice and snow and aren’t much of a trail.
This is definitely a beginner’s trail but I wouldn’t say it’s good for kids. The spring is nice and cold, I just wouldn’t try drinking any of the water unless I boiled it first. There is a little dam there, that whoever owned that portion of the land in 1968 built, so the water pools up before going down into a small fall and creek.
We didn’t even need a sweatshirt. I was dressed in too many layers which is the only reason I got a tiny bit sweaty. A light jacket will suffice for this hike.
On the way back, I got to see two huge rams on the rocks which was pretty neat!

This is a moderate, 3 mile round trip hike in the Conservation Area. You get to the trailhead by driving the Scenic Drive about halfway. Between Mile 7 and 8 on the drive, there’s a side road that turns off to the right. There is a sign saying Willow Springs Picnic Area and Lost Creek Children’s Discovery Trail a couple of hundred feet before the road. Turn right onto this road and go to the end where the fencing is at the picnic area.
From here, start hiking west on a dirt road that goes by an Indian roasting pit, down into a wash, and back up. On the other side of the wash, Rocky Gap Road (a 4×4 road that’s very bad) goes off to your left. For La Madre Springs, turn right and follow the signs to the Springs.
The trail is a busy one at Red Rock so you most likely won’t be hiking alone. There is an elevation gain, and you may need to stop and catch your breath. Also, the trail is not smooth. For a fair amount of the trail, you’re walking on some good size gravel and rocks, so take care as you hike along.
After a while, you’ll come to a side trail, the White Rock Loop Trail, that goes off to your right. DON’T take this trail. That’s for another day. Keep going straight ahead. You’ll come to some concrete pads. This was once used by an archery club.
Eventually you come to a small concrete dam that is La Madre Springs. The dam was built by an owner of the property years ago to store water for animals. This is technically the end of the hike. To make it more interesting, you can walk along the creek that runs into the dam and follow a well used trail that leads to some small waterfalls.
The trail continues beyond here into the mountains, but I don’t recommend this unless you’re with someone who has done this trail. It can be a bit muddy in a couple of places, you have to cross the creek a couple of times, and the footing gets poor.
It’s best to explore just past the dam and then re-​trace your steps to the parking area. If you bring a cooler, the Willow Springs Picnic Area is a great place to have a sandwich and drink before driving back to Las Vegas.
Happy hiking!