Northern Red Rock Canyon Overview, Nevada
The La Madre Ridgeline Area
(Cliffs Beyond the Upper — North — End of the Scenic Drive Area)
Includes White Rock Mountain Area and the La Madre Ridgeline and Its Access Routes from Red Rock Canyon
Where is the Northern Area of Red Rock Canyon Located?
The Northern area of the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Area is located at the base of the La Madre Ridgeline (those tall cliffs above the upper end of the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive). This is a transition area from the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Area to the La Madre Mountains Wilderness. Not only is this a transition between two great wilderness areas, but it is also a dramatic transition of climate and terrain.
How Does the Terrain Dramatically Change to the North?
The Northern area of the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Area is an arid desert populated by yucca, cacti, creosote and sage. The geology is primarily Jurassic Era sandstone. The Southern edge of the La Madre Ridgeline is more lush and forested, populated with Pinyon Pine and Junipers. There are year-round springs cascading down from the La Madre Ridgeline cliffs, feeding canyons cloaked in thick vegetation. The La Madre Springs canyon is a great example of this change in terrain. The geology quickly transitions from Jurassic Era sandstone to more ancient gray limestone.
What Famous Geological Fault is Responsible for This Dramatic Change?
Nowhere is this transition between the arid desert region to the South and the lush forested region to the North more apparent than on the White Rock Mountain Loop Trail. The South side of the loop is arid desert while the North side is more forested. Geologically, the Keystone Thrust Fault is responsible for this dramatic change dividing the sandstone terrain to the South and the limestone terrain to the North. You can hike this dramatic dividing line on the Keystone Thrust Trail.
Can You Hike to the Summit of the La Madre Ridgeline?
There are a few routes up to the summit of the La Madre Ridgeline. The most friendly route I have discovered is located above La Madre Springs. Though primarily a very steep fairly pathless walking route, there is a brief fun class 3 rock scramble about half way to the summit of the La Madre Ridgeline cliffs. Once on the summit of the La Madre Ridgeline cliffs, you’ll feel as if you are on top of the world. You can view the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Area to the South and Kyle Canyon to the North. To the West are the Mt. Charleston Wilderness and the Rainbow Mountain Wilderness. To the East are Turtlehead Peak, the Calico Hills, the Calico and Brownstone Basins, Damsel Peak and the Las Vegas Valley. You can see these all at once! And it’s possible to hike the pathless, rugged La Madre Ridgeline to the Wilson Ridge and Lovell Canyon to the West or to La Madre Mountain and the Las Vegas Valley to the East. Take time to explore and enjoy this beautiful region at the North end of the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Area!Â
Lower La Madre Ridgeline Area
White Rock Mountain Loop
5 mi. / Approx. 300ft Elevation Gain **Good Trail**
Lost Creek / Willow Springs / Petroglyph Wall
1.41 mi. / 4,476 > 4,596ft
La Madre Springs
4 mi. RT / Approx. 500ft Elevation Gain **Excellent Trail**
Miner’s Cabin
5 mi. RT | Appro. 800ft Elevation Gain **Excellent Trail at First, Sketchy Near End**
Upper La Madre Ridgeline
La Madre Ridgeline Grand Crossing
Approx. 20-25 mi. Â
**Some Trails, Some Roads, Mostly Wilderness**
La Madre Mountain West Approach
28 mi / 4306-8000ft
*Wilderness, No Trail*
Keystone Thrust Summit from Willow Spring
15 Miles + RT / 4500-7500ft
*Trails + Wilderness*
La Madre Mountain South Approach
22 mi / 4306-8000ft
*Wilderness, No Trail*
Kyle Canyon Grand Crossing | Southern Half
15mi RT / **Some Trails, Mostly Wilderness Including Cliffs**
Kyle Canyon Grand Crossing | Northern Half
20 Miles + RT / 4500-7900ft
*Some Road, Mostly Wilderness*
Switchback Spring Ridge
5 Miles + RT / 4600-6400ft
*Unpaved Road + Wilderness*
