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 Reporter |
Summary: Perfect fall/winter hike in Red Rock canyon. The lower altitude is complimented by a long walk with a variety of terrain to provide a great workout. Begin uphill on gravel White Rock Hills trail, turning at the signed steps to the famous Keystone Thrust. As you join an old jeep trail, you work your way up limestone, gravel & soil, stopping to explore the Keystone Thrust if intrigued by the other-worldly feel of this geological wonder. Rejoin the old jeep trail which eventually becomes a foot path heading NE towards La Madre Mtn. Passing agave roasting pits & looking back at the incredible views, it's easy to forget that there are any other humans in this wonderful canyon! Continue past Cactus Hill and drop into the wash behind the unnamed hill. Follow down into the creek bed (dense brush), following the cairns as you head SE into the wash and walk down towards Sandstone Quarry to join the Grand Circle trail. Follow this trail back to White Rock Hills pkg. Trailhead: 18 miles W of Las Vegas Blvd. on Charleston Ave. (SR 159) to Red Rock entry (fee) station. Take 13 mile scenic loop past Sandstone Quarry and past the Highest Point Overlook to the signed turn for White Rock Hills parking area. If you are in a passenger vehicle you might want to park at the lower parking area (wide dirt area on L side of road as soon as you turn off paved scenic loop), and begin your hike here. Since it is a loop hike, it doesn't matter if you begin here at the lower parking or continue up the rocky dirt road to the upper parking to begin hiking. The advantage to the upper parking is the vault toilet located there and a little more isolated. The disadvantage is the rocky dirt road and very limited parking at the upper lot. You could also park at Sandstone Quarry and begin your hike by following the signs for the Grand Circle trail. The sandstone cliffs make a great lunch stop for this lengthy hike. No water along this trail - take plenty! (Lat:36.17331 Lon:-115.47739) Trail Guides for Grand Circle West (loop): Hiking Las Vegas by Branch Whitney (Branch Whitney) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Red Rock (BLM) ranger at entry to NCA (fee station) 702-515-5350 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Kat Green, who has posted 86 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by MirandaPriestly on 1/12/2010 Having done most RRC hikes, this one surprised me with its amazing views up close to La Madre Mountains in the north, Calico Hills and the grand view of Red Rock Canyon. Trail finding and some boulder hoping in the wash, its a fun hike but can be strenuous in length depending on your fitness level. I recommend this hike! Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Nevada Hiking, Nevada Trails, Nevada Hikes, Clark County Hiking, Clark County Trails, Clark County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
