On April 12, 2004, we once again hiked a couple of the trails at Red Rock Canyon. This time we chose the La Madre Springs and White Rock Loop trails. The first picture below shows the orientation of the trails. Ken did the requisite research and found the best spot to park. We do this to try to begin with as much of the difficult hiking and have an easy return.
There's a rough road that goes halfway up to the La Madre Springs (and dam). We chose to climb up there on foot at the beginning of our hike rather than saving it for last. We arrived at Red Rock at 5:45 a.m. and drove through the fee booth. It was not yet open and the sign said to drive through (We have the pass, so they lost no money).
We proceeded on the loop road to the Willow Springs Picnic Area. It was rather chilly as we started up the road since there was a good breeze and we were in a canyon that would block the sun for the next hour. We chose to hike up to the La Madre Springs first. This trail is listed as moderate and we found it so - just a bit testy near the end. The site was a homestead until purchased by the park in the 1960s. We located a couple foundations bisected by the remnants of the road. We proceeded on the the site of the dam noticing fresh animal droppings from thirsty, four legged, overnight visitors. The water was perfectly clear and poured over the dam.
After a brief rest, we retraced our steps halfway down and picked up the White Rock Trail. This was listed as difficult and we agreed, but were pleased that our training allowed us to this with relative ease. Wildlife was limited to a rabbit, a ground squirrel and many lizards. But the desert is about to burst out in bloom. We look forward to our next hike in a couple weeks. This hike took about 4 hours. It was 750 ft. elevation gain up to La Madre and about 850 ft. on the White Rock Loop. We covered just over 7 miles. Following are pictures with some comments.
This sign shows the loop as well as the La Madre spur.
It was chilly at the Willow Springs Picnic Area.
The rising sun begins to light up the mountains.
The old roadbed is best travelled by foot..
The dead tree stands proudly in front of the mountains..
The dam is a popular watering hole with the nocturnal wildlife.
Ken's research keeps us on the right path.
Glenn pauses on the trail.
The ridge provides great scenes and goes around the mountain..
Looking down as we approach the apex.
Can you see any faces in these peaks?
The bud will open into a cluster of white yucca flowers any day now.
Another steep climb up a ridge before we're done.