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Las Vegas Area Trails | Find Hiking and Running Trails within 150 Miles of Las Vegas, Nevada | David Smith

Two Unique Worlds Bordering One Spectacular Ridgeline La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada La Madre Ridgeline from Start on Kyle Canyon & Harris Springs Roads La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada View Down Harris Springs Road Toward Gass Peak at Sunrise La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada La Madre Wilderness Rd Splits Off Left 2 Miles Up Harris Springs Rd La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada La Madre Ridgeline from Lower 4WD Wilderness Approach Road La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Note El Bastardo High Point to Right on La Madre Ridgeline La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Ridgeline Approach Valley Between El Bastardo & Lower Hill (Right) La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Harris, Charleston, Fletcher & Mummy Peaks to Right La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Charleston Wilderness High Peaks to Angel Peak. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada View Down La Madre Wilderness 4WD Approach Road La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Departing into Wilderness Toward El Bastardo on La Madre Ridgeline La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Descended into Approach Valley Wash. View Down Wash. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada View Up Wash Toward Approach Ridge to Right of El Bastardo. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada La Madre Mt. on Left; El Bastardo on Right. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada View Down Approach Valley Wash Back Toward Low Hill Just Skirted. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Now Ascending Toward Approach Ridge. View Back to Sheep Range. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada View Over Toward Harris Mt. (Left); Mummy Mt. (Right). La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Closing on La Madre Ridgeline Approach Ridge to Right of El Bastardo. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Crossing Intervening Low Ridges & Valleys Toward Approach Ridge. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada View Back Toward Charleston Wilderness from Approach Ridge La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada View Back Down Base of Approach Ridge La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Sheep Range is a Good Landmark if Navigating in Reverse Direction. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada View Down Approach Ridge. La Madre Ridgeline Ascending on Right. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada View Up Approach Ridge That Summits to Right of El Bastardo La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada View Back Toward Charleston Wilderness from Griffith to Angel Peak La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada View Back: Approach Valley Runs Through Hills Facing Sheep Range La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Higher on Approach Ridgeline, Now Navigating Limestone Formations La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada First of 3 Limestone Formations on Ridge. El Bastardo to Left. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada View Up Approach Ridge to Where it Meets La Madre Ridgeline Ahead La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Low Point on La Madre Ridgeline (right) is Descent Point to Red Rock La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada View Down La Madre Ridgeline To Where it Meets the Wilson Ridge La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Wilson Ridge S. High Point is at Burn Area Division on Horizon. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Griffith Peak & Harris Mt. Just to Right of Wilson Ridge. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Closing in on the La Madre Ridgeline Summit Area Ahead La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada View Over to El Bastardo from Near Summit of Approach Ridgeline La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada More Limestone Rock Scrambles. Nothing Major. Light Class 3. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada View Over to Where La Madre Ridgeline & Wilson Ridgeline Meet. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada La Madre Ridgeline Descending to Low Crossing Point on Near Horizon. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada View Down La Madre Ridgeline to Connection with Wilson Ridgeline. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Arrival on La Madre Ridgeline! El Bastardo (left) Turtlehead Pk Below. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada El Bastardo High Point (left) Frames Red Rock Canyon Below. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Red Rock Canyon. Blue Diamond Hill. Rainbow Mts. to Right. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada View Down Rainbow Mts. Toward Potosi Mt. in Far Distance. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Griffith Peak (left); Harris Mt. (right). Saddle Between. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Saddle Between the Two Peaks is at the Upper End of Lovell Canyon La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Mummy Mt. Cliffs (left). Smaller Forested Fletcher Peak (right). La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Mummy Mountain's Head (Pointed Peak). Fletcher Peak to Left. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada View Down La Madre Ridgeline to the West Toward Wilson Ridge. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Terrain on La Madre Ridgeline Toward the Low Saddle Descent Point. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Turtlehead, Calico Hills, Vegas Valley from Ridgeline Descent Point La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Blue Diamond Hill Down Red Rock Canyon La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada White Rock Mt. Below Ridgeline Descent Point to La Madre Springs. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada White Rock Mt. Meets Rainbow Mts. View South to Potosi Mt. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Descending Ridgeline Toward La Madre Springs. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada View Back up Ridgeline To El Bastardo Peak. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Descending Ridgeline Toward La Madre Springs. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Mid-Descent Ridge Brief Class 3 Rock Scramble. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada View Back Up Mid-Descent Rock Scramble Ledge. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada View Back Up Descent Path To La Madre Ridgeline Descent Point. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada View Down Descent Path To La Madre Springs Gulch & White Rock Mt. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada View Down Descent Path To La Madre Springs Gulch & White Rock Mt. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Miner's Cabin at Base of Descent Ridge. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Miner's Cabin at Base of Descent Ridge. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada View the Miner Saw Out His Front Door. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Trail Often Disappears in Brush-Choked La Madre Springs Gulch. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Descending La Madre Springs Gulch, Closing in on White Rock Mt. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Enter Wide La Madre Springs Trail at Base of Gulch La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada View Back To La Madre Ridgeline Low Saddle Descent Point. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Now on White Rock Mt. Loop Approaching Willow Springs Picnic Area. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Junction of White Rock Mt. Loop and Rocky Gap Road. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada La Madre Mts. Wilderness Entrance Sign at Rocky Gap Road. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Rainbow Mt. Wilderness Sign on Rocky Gap Rd Above Willow Springs La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Arrival at Willow Springs Picnic Area (earlier pic. No Beast Today!) La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Intersection of Red Rock Scenic Drive and Grand Circle Loop Trail. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Turtlehead Peak and Calico Hills from Grand Circle Loop Intersection La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Blue Diamond Hill from Grand Circle Loop (previous pic). La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Calico Hills Across Red Rock Canyon, While Descending Grand Circle. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada View Back to La Madre Ridgeline While Descending Grand Circle Trail. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada North Rainbow Mts. on Other Side of Canyon. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Mid-South Rainbow Mts. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Passing Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center on Grand Circle Loop Trail. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada View Toward Red Rock Canyon Entrance Gate. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada View Back Up Grand Circle Loop Trail Toward La Madre Ridgeline. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Approaching Red Rock Canyon Entrance. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada Adventure Concludes at Highway 159 Across RR Canyon Entrance. La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing, Nevada
Visitor Guide
La Madre Mt. Area Topo Map
La Madre Mt. Large Topo Map

La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing | La Madre Mts. Wilderness & Red Rock Canyon NCA, Nevada

La Madre Mt. Area Satellite Map
La Madre Mt. Large Satellite View

Overview | La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing | La Madre Mts. Wilderness & Red Rock Canyon NCA, Nevada

This is a complete, 11-hour immersion in the wilderness. It covers two unique, major wilderness areas bordering one spectacular ridgeline in Southern Nevada. From the ridgeline you can see much of the greater Southern Nevada wilderness including portions of Arizona and California. One of the incredible features of this adventure is that it traverses a number of climate zones as it moves from high desert cacti, yucca and Joshua trees to mountainous junipers and ponderosa pines before descending into a world-famous area of Jurassic Era sandstone mountains and hills.

Adventure Route Summary

This adventure of about 25 miles with about 3,000 feet of ascent begins at the Twilight Zone parking area near the intersection of Kyle Canyon & Harris Springs Roads. Take Harris Springs Road West for about 2 miles before turning South onto the unmarked La Madre Wilderness approach road. Take that road South for about a mile and a half before setting a direction through canyon washes and along approach ridgelines to the La Madre Ridgeline about 1,000 feet West of El Bastardo Peak. Continue West along the La Madre Ridgeline for a little over a mile until the La Madre Springs gully is just below flowing to a point mid-way on the Northwestern base of White Rock Mountain. Take the steep descent ridgeline and then the La Madre Springs Trail from the La Madre Ridgeline to the base of White Rock Mountain. Take a right on the White Rock Mountain Loop Trail to Willow Springs Picnic Area on the West side of White Rock Mountain. Descend Rocky Gap Road from Willow Springs to the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Loop Drive. Take a left on the Scenic Loop and ascend the first short hill on the loop before turning right onto the Grand Circle Loop Trail. Finally, take the Grand Circle Loop Trail to the entrance of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area on Highway 159.

Optional Way to Shorten the Hiking Distance

If you have two rugged 4WD vehicles you can cut off about 10 miles of hiking. Park one vehicle at the Willow Spring Picnic Area for the return trip. Drive the other vehicle from the adventure starting point up the unpaved Harris Springs Road and rugged La Madre Mountains approach road to the point where you will depart the La Madre Mountains approach road and begin heading across the wilderness. In this adventure I had only my Smart Car, “The Beast”, and so did the entire adventure on foot. So the video will show more of the beginning and end stretches in detail as opposed to if I had driven those stretches.

Spectacular Views Along the Way

Here is a short list of major landmarks you will see along the way (listed counterclockwise):

Best Time of Year for This Adventure

Due to the altitude range from about 4,500 – 7,500 feet, the temperature is at its best when the temperature in the Las Vegas Valley is in the low to mid-80’s. Winter can bring ice and snow creating hazardous conditions on and near the La Madre Ridgeline. Since you’ll need a long period of daylight, you’re looking at early Fall or late Spring for the most ideal conditions. 

Route Starting Point Directions | La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing | La Madre Mts. Wilderness & Red Rock Canyon NCA, Nevada

Begin at the intersection of Kyle Canyon Road and Harris Springs Road. There is a parking area on the right side of Kyle Canyon Road just about 100 yards beyond where it intersects with Harris Springs Road. Head 3-4 miles up Harris Springs Road to where it intersects a 4wd road 3-4 miles North of the base of the La Madre Mountains Ridgeline. The adventure can begin either at the intersection of  Kyle Canyon & Harris Springs Roads (if on foot) or about 2 miles up the 4WD road (if you have a 4WD vehicle).

Narrative Guide | La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing | La Madre Mts. Wilderness & Red Rock Canyon NCA, Nevada

Kyle Canyon Road to The La Madre Wilderness Approach Road

It’s a long day so you’ll want to begin at or before sunrise. From the parking area head about 500ft down Kyle Canyon Road, then take a right onto Harris Springs Road, continuing on that road for about 2 miles. The sunrise views of the Sheep Range, Gass Peak, the La Madre Ridgeline and the peaks in the Mt. Charleston Wilderness are spectacular. These views will add interest to the otherwise long, low initial stretch on Harris Springs Road. Enjoy the rugged high-desert Yucca and Joshua Trees that seem to pop out of a Western movie!

As you ascend Harris Springs Road, be watching for the left turn-off onto the La Madre Wilderness Approach Road. Don’t take the first left onto the wide road (about a mile up).  Watch for the next left onto a much smaller, narrow, easy to miss rugged 4WD road about another mile up Harris Springs Road. A sign you’re getting close to the La Madre turnoff is that about 1,000ft before you get there, there is a short hill with a moderately steep incline on Harris Springs Road.

La Madre Wilderness Approach Road to the Wilderness Departure

Once you’ve turned left onto the La Madre Wilderness Approach Road, the incline increases as you’re now heading toward the La Madre Ridgeline. Notice the high points on the ridgeline in order to get your bearings for the next stretch. From left to right there is Little La Madre, La Madre Mountain (highest point), El Padre Mountain (not immediately visible at first), Burnt Peak and El Bastardo Peak. El Bastardo is on the right of the group of high points. Notice the approach ridgelines heading upward toward El Bastardo. There is one that ascends to the summit and another that ascends to a point on the La Madre Ridgeline a bit to the right of El Bastardo. Your goal will be to navigate to the approach ridge that ascends to the right of El Bastardo. Notice the intervening valleys, gullies and ridges between you and the approach ridge you’ve spotted. The view of this terrain from the La Madre Wilderness Approach Road is the best overall view you’ll get! Notice the terrain changes from Joshua Trees and Yucca Plants to Junipers and Pinyon Pines as you ascend the approach road.

Wilderness Departure to the Base of the Approach Ridge

 Your first target as you leave the La Madre Wilderness Approach Road is a valley between El Bastardo to the left and a distinctive lower hill to the right. Angle to the right off the La Madre Wilderness Approach Road, heading to this valley. There’s a large wash running through the base of the valley. Locate the most gradual descent point you can find to enter into the wash, keeping your eye on El Bastardo and your target ridgeline just to the right of El Bastardo. Continue in the wash (easiest navigation) rounding the left side of the distinctive lower hill you saw earlier. Now it’s just a matter of locating the base of the approach ridge which is your target. If you leave the wash too soon to head for the approach ridge you’ll be faced with navigating a lot of intervening ridgelines and gullies. If you leave the wash too late you’ll need to backtrack. Watch for the ideal point to leave the wash.

Approach Ridge to the La Madre Ridgeline Summit

Once you’re on the correct approach ridge that summits the La Madre Ridgeline just to the right of El Bastardo, route finding becomes easy. Just stay on the ridge and ascend. It will take you to the La Madre Ridgeline without any large obstacles. As you ascend, notice the emerging views of the Sheep Range below, along with changing perspective of the Mt. Charleston Wilderness peaks. Notice the La Madre Ridgeline heading to the right where it will connect with the Wilson Ridgeline. Identify a low point in the La Madre Ridgeline shortly before it begins a dramatic ascent toward the Wilson Ridgeline. The La Madre Ridgeline descends from El Bastardo to that low point, then ascends to the Wilson Ridgeline. That low point is the point where you will eventually descend from the La Madre Ridgeline into Red Rock Canyon. At this time, just notice these big picture features.

Near the summit of the approach ridge you are on, just before it reached the La Madre Ridgeline, there will be a series of brief rocky stretches to navigate. The rock scrambling is a light class 3, nothing major. You just need to study the rocky sections to identify the best route to weave around and up through each. A pretty easy route always emerges.

Now notice how the approach ridge meets the La Madre Ridgeline at a high point on the ridgeline to the right of El Bastardo. As you approach that high point, angle a bit to your right to summit the La Madre Ridgeline just below and to the right of that high point.

La Madre Ridgeline to the La Madre Springs Descent Point

As you summit the La Madre Ridgeline you’re welcomed by a breathtaking view of Red Rock Canyon and the Rainbow Mountains to the South below the ridgeline! This may look like an entirely different world from the world you just left on the North side of the La Madre Ridgeline.

Now take a right (West) on the La Madre Ridgeline for the next mile and a half. The ridgeline has spectacular non-stop views! It’s about as easy to navigate as the approach ridge was. The series of a few mild high points have some rocky stretches, but nothing difficult beyond a basic walk with brief intermittent rock scrambles. Overall, you’re gradually descending toward the low point in the ridgeline above La Madre Springs and the mid-section of White Rock Mountain. Begin watching for these features as you enjoy the beautiful, hidden ridgeline world you are in!

La Madre Ridgeline Descent into Red Rock Canyon

You’ll know when you’ve reached the low point in the La Madre Ridgeline. The ridgeline begins to rapidly ascend beyond that point to the Wilson Ridgeline. Below you can see the mid-section of White Rock Mountain, and pick out the White Rock Mountain Loop Trail winding along the mountain’s base. You can also see the La Madre Springs gully flowing toward White Rock Mountain. Between the La Madre Ridgeline and that gully there’s a distinctive steep descent ridge. That’s the ridge that will take you down from the La Madre Ridgeline. Find a descent point where that descent ridge meets the La Madre Ridgeline. Stay aware of the big picture of how that ridge is formed. While descending the steep ridge you’ll need to find your own switchback route. It can be a bit complicated. And, there is a brief class 3 rock scramble down a rocky ledge about half-way down the ridge. Again, nothing major, no great exposure, but do carefully study and lower yourself down the ledge. There are ample hand and footholds.

Below the rock scramble, as above, you’ll notice faint trails that appear and disappear. Just keep your sights on the big picture of how the descent ridge is formed, and stay on the center of the ridge.

La Madre Springs to the Base of White Rock Mountain

Navigation can get pretty complicated in the La Madre Springs gully below the descent ridgeline. In the Spring there’s a visible trail in the gully. In late Summer and Fall the gully can be so choked with vines, reeds, grasses and other vegetation that the trail is only visible for brief stretches, leaving you to manage moving through vegetation as you figure out where the trail crisscrosses La Madre Springs multiple times. At many points the brush can be so thick that you need to carefully determine whether your next step will unexpectedly plunge you down a few feet into the running spring below or slide off a hidden ledge. Again, it’s nothing major. Just take your time. Trekking poles will help you locate firm ground below your feet.

Base of White Rock Mountain to the Grand Circle Loop Trail

Near the bottom of the La Madre Springs gully, a narrow trail appears which soon becomes a wide gravel trail. Now it’s good trails for the remainder of your adventure! Head downward along the trail toward the base of White Rock Mountain. Take a right along the base of White Rock Mountain as the trail you’re on joins the White Rock Mountain Loop Trail. Continue to Willow Springs Picnic Area on the West (right) side of White Rock Mountain. Continue down the road (Rocky Gap Road) below the picnic area until that road connects with the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive. Take a left onto the scenic drive (if you’re on foot) and ascend a brief hill. At the summit of that hill you’ll see a sign marking where the Grand Circle Loop crosses the scenic drive. Take a right onto the Grand Circle Loop.

Grand Circle Loop to Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive Entrance

Now it’s a pretty straight shot downhill on the Grand Circle Loop to the Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center and Scenic Drive entrance. Enjoy the spectacular Jurassic Era sandstone peaks and canyons of the Rainbow Mountains to your right (West); the Calico Hills and Turtlehead Peak to you left (East). Ahead is the massive Blue Diamond Hill on the opposite side of Highway 159. Behind you are the vertical cliffs of the La Madre Ridgeline where you were standing not long ago. Take time to appreciate that along with all the life memories you’ve created during this magical day of wilderness immersion!

Summary
La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing | La Madre Mts. Wilderness & Red Rock Canyon NCA, Nevada
Article Name
La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing | La Madre Mts. Wilderness & Red Rock Canyon NCA, Nevada
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Navigate from Kyle Canyon Road to the summit of the La Madre Mountains Ridgeline, then descend to the entrance of Red Rock Canyon in Nevada. You'll experience two unique worlds bordering one spectacular ridgeline during this 25-mile + wilderness adventure.
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LasVegasAreaTrails.com
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About David Smith

David Smith on Mt Charleston summit outside of Las Vegas, NevadaDavid Smith has devoted the better part of one day each week over the past 20 years to experiencing a mountain trail running adventure. He began in the Pacific Northwest with the Columbia Gorge and Cascade Mountains; then moved to Southern California and experienced the Angeles Crest mountains; then the Northeast where he experienced the Hudson River Valley and Minnewaska; finally in 2016 to Las Vegas where he is experiencing and documenting Red Rock Canyon, the Spring Mountains (Mt. Charleston area), Death Valley and beyond!

Return often to experience one new adventure each week! From the home page scroll to “Most Recent Adventures“. More about David Smith…

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Disclaimer

The trail adventures on this website require proper conditioning, preparation and safety precautions. There are many factors beyond our control including weather conditions, unstable ground, loose rocks, insects and snakes, people you may encounter, your own level of physical conditioning, the potential of getting lost just to mention a few. While this site offers guidance, helpful tips, direction and training, the reader assumes full responsibility for whatever may occur during their trail adventure. Have fun and be safe!

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