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 Reporter |
Summary: There are so many ways to enjoy Oak Creek in Red Rock Canyon that I've broken some of the major routes into separate hike descriptions. The most obvious way to reach Oak Creek is via the paved scenic loop road, which takes you down a gravel road to a parking area and trailhead. This is a nice place to begin if you want to explore the upper canyon, or as part of Knoll, Arnight, or long hikes to 1st Creek, Pine Creek, or Icebox. The lower canyon (between the parking lot and SR 159 - Charleston Blvd.) is one of the largest and most lush vegetation of any of the washes in Red Rock and I cover that in another hike. The wildflower blooms and snowmelt filling the creeks in spring may only be surpassed by the winter beauty of ice and snow in the canyon. Fall colors are spectacular, thanks to the ash, aspens, and willows. Brilliant purples of the western redbud contrast sharply against the green pines, mahogany, and junipers when early summer/late spring takes hold. Trailhead: Red Rock Canyon is located 18 miles W of Las Vegas Blvd. on Charleston Ave. (SR 159). Enter the canyon at the fee/entry station & take the scenic loop to the very last pkg - Oak Creek TH. You can begin at this point (vault RR, no water) if you want to explore up into the canyon. This is also the TH for the Arnight, Knoll, trails. Follow the signs leading into Oak Creek canyon, or just follow the many rock climbers who work up the north wall of the canyon - Rainbow Mtn. The main trail from this parking area takes you west, along the north rim of the creek. Of the many ways to explore this canyon, this is the route most often written up in guidebooks. Horses have to use existing 2-track trails to ride within the maintained canyon - along scenic loop, so you don't want this pkg/TH. If you're not impressed with this hike, try one of the other because this is a great all-around canyon !! (Lat:36.11002 Lon:-115.46825) Trail Guides for Oak Creek (Red Rock Canyon): Keystone Hiking Trails Information by BLM - Red Rock NCA (BLM - Red Rock NCA) Hiking Around Las Vegas by Jim Boone (Jim L. Boone) The Hikers Guide to Nevada by Bruce Grubbs (Falcon Press - Montana) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Red Rock (BLM) ranger at entry to NCA (fee station) 702-515-5950 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 Shannon & Bill on 9/12/2007 Can't believe there aren't any reviews! We hike this one alot,ecspecially when we want trees & water. We cross the over the desert trail to the left and drop in to the canyon more to the east end. There is water all year & we have seen ducks & other wild life there. It is an easy hike & a great place to have a quiet lunch in the shade. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
