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 Reporter |
Summary: Steep switchbacks and the altitude will test your endurance on this hike. Views of surrounding peaks and valleys should make it worth while. If the views don't impress you, perhaps the magical feeling of walking underneath the Bristlecone Pines will. These trees have been living here since before the Roman Empire and deserve our love and respect -- there is an "Alice in Wonderland", or surreal feeling about this hike. If you travel quietly (sunrise or sunset), you could see deer, and perhaps mountain lion tracks. If there has been snow, the trail may be impassable, even through May. The trail is extremely well marked and easy to follow -- just keep climbing. Downhill is a breeze. Once you're at Raintree, it's only 1/3 mile to Mummy Springs (trailhead/sign at Raintree). Please respect the Bristlecones (as well as the other trees) and do NOT remove or deface them in any way, even dead braches lying on the ground. Forested hike with ponderosa pine and white fir. Trailhead: I-15 N from Las Vegas to 95 N towards Reno, W on SR 157 (Mt. Charleston - Kyle Canyon) to SR 158 (Deer Springs Rd.), 4 miles to turnout and trailhead on L (W) side of hwy., (past Hilltop Campground). Raintree (the Bristlecone Pine, oldest living thing in Nevada) is located at the trailhead to Mummy Spring, along the North Loop Trail. The hike to Raintree described herein is only a portion of the North Loop trail, and can also be reached via the Trail Canyon trail to Mummy Springs. If you are taking horses/mules on this trail, you'd be better off parking your truck/trailer at the archery range parking (N of trailhead, on SR 158); or even in Lee Canyon (beware of crossing the hwy on horseback, drivers don't pay attention because of the magnificent view). There is also a nearby wild horse trail coming from Deer Creek which somewhat parallels and meets the North Loop trail. You'll know when you reach Raintree -- it is the largest Bristlecone around and is well-signed. (Lat:36.3091 Lon:-115.61243) Trail Guides for Raintree via North Loop: USFS free trail guide handout for Spring Mtns (pickup at visitor center Kyle Canyon) by Spring Mountains Natl Rec Area (USFS and USFWS) Hiking Around Las Vegas by Jim Boone (Jim L. Boone) 120 Best Hikes in Southern Nevada and Beyond (CD) by Branch Whitney (Branch Whitney) Best Seasons: Fall, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Horses, Ranger Contact: USFS - Humboldt-Toiyabe NF, Spring Mtn. NRA (702) 515-5400, emerg (702) 872-5306 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 Brent on 7/7/2009 The elevation and switchbacks will test ones endurance but the smell of pine and the fresh air at this elevation is remarkable and refreshing. Raintree is a wonderful site to see. This is a great hike to Raintree and the springs, which are very close by.
Reviewed by BW on 7/28/2006 Very nice hike.....good workout. On the ascent GPS peaked at 10,000 ft just before short descent to Raintree. Very impressive Brislecone forest along the trail at the higher elevations. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||