Page 47 - 2006 DT 12 Issues

Trail Canyon and Cave Spring the trail is a trough that was carved from
a single log and is kept filled with water THE SPEAKER’S BUREAU needs
by Norm Kresge
from the spring. About 20 yds above the a ‘take-charge’ member to assist
ere’s a summer hike to get you log is the cave. It’s not much more than with researching target audiences
out of the Las Vegas heat and a very large overhang. There is evidence and scheduling appearances for
Hinto the mountains. Trail Can- of people using the cave as a campsite. the Friends Speaker’s Bureau.
yon is a 4-mile round trip hike somewhat Cave Spring flows out of the mountain No public speaking is required;
different from others at Mount Charles- about 10 yds west of the cave. There the ideal volunteer would send
ton because there are fewer switchbacks. are pipes running from the spring to the brochures to the target audiences
This makes the trek much more strenu- log below to keep the trough filled with and provide scheduling assistance
ous than it might seem because much of water for wildlife. and guidance to the trained Friends
it is almost straight up and the elevation Return to the Trail Canyon junction members. Please contact Pat
gain is 1,500 ft. and retrace your steps down the moun- Williams at president@friendsofre
The trail begins at an elevation of tain to the trailhead. The first part is drockcanyon.org
about 7,700 ft. The first part of the hike hard because of the steepness, but it gets
follows an old jeep road. Note the large easier as you get farther from the saddle. Desert Trumpet
phone cable that lies both on top of and As you near the trailhead, there’s an
below the ground at the beginning of the interesting sight. A large pine has been Editor
trail. The cable is the same as that used badly damaged by fire. The fire burned Barbara Wolin
for undersea phone lines. Years ago, a through much of the base of the trunk.
phone company laid the cable over the Contributing Writers
Louis C. Kleber
mountain to Lee Canyon using horses. Jack Ryan
The cable was simply left on top of the Barbara Wolin
ground and it was up to nature to bury H. Dan Wray
the cable through erosion. Courtesy of Norm Kresge
About halfway to the saddle, switch- Publishers
backs begin. At first, they are fairly steep. Norm Kresge
Then they become a bit less strenuous. Barbara Wolin
Near the summit, there is some loose Key Grip
gravel, but there are some log steps to Norman Wolin
help in getting to the crest. The switch-
backs here are again very steep. The Desert Trumpet is published
At the saddle, you’re at the base of monthly by and for FORRC members. State-
ments, opinions and points of view expressed
Mummy Mountain. To the right are the by writers are their own and do not necessar-
Mummy’s toes. In front of you is the ily reflect those of FORRC. Please submit
Mummy’s stomach. This area is also all articles, photos and artwork NLT the15th
of each month by calling 515-5350. If you
known as Cockscomb Ridge. At the are interested in becoming part of the Desert
saddle, Trail Canyon meets the North Water trough at Cave Spring Trumpet staff, contact Editor at 256-8043 or
Loop Trail. The Raintree and Deer FORRC News @cox.net
Creek Road are to the east and to the Two sturdy sides of the trunk hold the FORRC is a non-profit 501 (c) (3)
west, the North Loop Trail continues to tree erect. The fire damage is about 10 ft organization dedicated solely to the welfare
Charleston Peak. high, and that part of the tree is hollow. of the Red Rock Canyon National Conser-
vation Area. FORRC provides volunteers
When you reach the saddle, there are The rest of the tree is very healthy. and funding for projects including envi-
two special things to do. Go east a short Getting there: Take US 95 north to ronmental education, teacher workshops,
natural resource protection, cultural resource
distance and enjoy the view into Fletcher Kyle Canyon Road, State Route 157. monitoring, hike programs and other ser-
Canyon. It’s very scenic from this prom- Follow SR157 until you get to Echo vices. Annual individual membership is
ontory. You have to go off-trail a bit, but Road, near the end of SR157, just past $25.00 General meetings are held four times
a year; Board meetings are held on the sec-
it’s worth the stop. Retrace your steps the Old Town Fire Station. Bear right ond Tuesday of each month at the Red Rock
and head west toward Charleston Peak onto Echo Road and follow it for about Canyon Visitor Center, unless otherwise
past Trail Canyon. About 1/2 mile from 3/10 mile before it curves to the right posted. Messages may be left at 255-8743.
Visit our website at www.friendsofredrock-
the junction of Trail Canyon with the and becomes Crestview Drive. You can canyon.org
North Loop Trail is Cave Spring. Along park on both sides of the road. ❏

FORRC/June 2006 Page 7