From my homebase at Vdara, I set out to do what I do best in Las Vegas (besides drinking), hiking.
Steadily working my way through the many hikes of Red Rock Canyon NCA, I had a new trail to check-out – the La Madre Spring Trail.
Hiking La Madre Springs Trail At Red Rock Canyon NCA (Las Vegas, Nevada)
Editor’s Note: This review is part of my ongoing travel series on Las Vegas. Click here for more reviews on Las Vegas Hotels and more on Hiking Las Vegas.
The La Madre Spring Trail Description:
The La Madre Spring trail is a 3.6 mile out-and-back hike with a slow and steady incline the entire way to La Madre Spring.
I’d list this hike as “easy-to-moderate”, but it is rocky and completely exposed almost the entire 1.8 mile way up to the spring. Because of that, I’d recommend only doing this hike in the early morning or in the late afternoon (and bring plenty of water).
Here’s the official description:
Image courtesy of redrockcanyonlv.org
Map Of The La Madre Spring Trail
From the Willow Spring parking lot, the trail is well-marked and easy to follow.
There are only two junctions to be aware of, just keep following the signage to La Madre Spring.
Image courtesy of redrockcanyonlv.org
Section 1: Willow Spring Parking Lot/Trailhead To The North Peak Junction
The trail starts off slow following the aptly-named Rocky Gap Road, before quickly coming upon the North Peak Junction (across from the La Madre Mountains Wilderness Area sign).
Go straight to keep on this trail
Photos don’t do this sandstone peak justice
Keep right at this sign
Section 2: The North Peak Junction To White Rock Loop Trail Fork
At this point, the trail will enter into somewhat of a “forested” area with large juniper trees dotting the landscape.
Be sure to look ahead and behind as this area has great 360-degree views.
The White Rock Loop Trail Fork
Section 3: White Rock Loop Trail Fork To La Madre Spring
The final stretch before the spring is mostly a straight-line leading through the desert.
From here, interesting and colorful rock formations can be seen in almost every direction.
That’s a nasty cloud up ahead
La Madre Spring lies in the gully below the signage (ahead)
Section 4: La Madre Spring
Finally, you’ve made it to La Madre Spring.
Your first thought is bound to be, “Wait, is this La Madre Spring?”
Basically amounting to a “little trickle in a gully”, La Madre Spring is a little underwhelming.
This is one of those hikes where that old adage, “it’s the journey, not the destination,” couldn’t be more poignant.
[Bonus] Section 5: La Madre Spring To The [Mythical?] Miner’s Cabin
If you do find yourself wanting a little more, there is a rustic little trail that continues on past the spring to a [supposed] miner’s cabin.
I followed this trail as far as I could before I reached what I thought was a dead-end.
At that moment, the weather took a turn for the worse (see below), so I decided to call-off my expedition and head back.
Nevertheless, people do claim there is an old, haunted, miner’s cabin (and mine) if you continue on the trail up the mountain.
If you do happen to find the cabin, please take a picture and let me know.
Looking back on the La Madre Mountains
Following the trail up the hill toward the supposed miner’s cabin
The weather took a turn for the worse
Final Thoughts: Hiking La Madre Spring Trail At Red Rock Canyon NCA (Las Vegas, Nevada)
I’ll be honest. This was not among my favorite hikes in Red Rock Canyon NCA.
That honor would go to either the Calico Tanks Trail or the White Rock Mountain Loop Trail.
Still, La Madre Spring is worth seeing (at least once), and the hike is a nice steady challenging trail that would be especially good for trail runners or those looking to get some exercise.
Cheers!
