Page 54 - 2006 DT 12 Issues

July DNWR, continued from p. 1 on the rocky road, the way smoothed
out some as we left the valley floor and
D e s k S c h e d u l e of grass fed by a permanent spring at the began a steady climb up Pine Nut Road
base of the Sheep Mountains. The short into the Sheep Mountains. As the altitude
trail behind the Visitor Center is well increased the desert foliage gave way to
Sat/1 D. Harrand OPEN worth a few minutes of time. During juniper and black sage, then finally to

Sun/2 E. Zachar OPEN dry months, bighorn sheep occasionally piZon and ponderosa pine. Hayford and
make their way down to water at the Sheep Peaks in the Sheep Range both
Mon/3 A. Berg R. Linsmeier
spring. Corn Creek also includes a pro- exceed 9,000 ft, sufficient altitude to capture
Tues/4 M. Slagle J. Geier tected habitat for the Pahrump poolfish, enough precipitation for coniferous forests
Wed/5 D. Kavula J. Geier an endangered species of tiny fish native and stands of ancient bristlecone pine.
to desert springs in Southern Nevada.
We stopped and ate our lunch
Thurs/6 J. Frank J. Barrett Even with four-wheel drive, the beneath the tall pines. Though it was
Fri/7 D. Schoengold G. Wojciechowski trip up Mormon Well road into the heart August, the air was cool and my kids
Sat/8 P. VanDooremall OPEN asked for sweaters. The forest in the
higher elevations of DNWR is similar
Sun/9 OPEN OPEN to that of the Spring Mountains, with
Mon/10 S. Stenzel D. Linsmeier one key difference: people. As we sat
and ate our lunch we heard no traffic
Tues/11 M. Slagle C. Gilmore noise and no shouting, only the cool

M. Pults wind in the trees. We explored the forest
near the road, enjoying the solitude of the
Wed/12 L. Mills D. Schoengold place. Darby and I had enough outdoors

Thurs/13 V. Sperry J. Barrett experience to know that our children
Fri/14 N. Kresge G. Wojciechowski Pahrump poolfish USFW weren’t ready for a climb up one of the
peaks, so we planned a more rugged hike
of DNWR will rattle your teeth. The
Sat/15 J. Kissosondi R. Augulis in the future.
road cuts through a rugged canyon be- After our treks into DNWR, I
Sun/16 L. Eaton L. Eaton tween the Sheep and Las Vegas ranges, see the mountains north of town in
Mon/17 D. Schoengold J. Geier then turns north into a broad valley a new way. The shades of brown,
with rolling hills thickly covered with which make the mountains seem bar-
Tues/18 J. McManus J. Geier Mojave Yucca and Joshua Trees. Dr. ren and lifeless, disguise a wilderness
Wed/19 V. Sperry C. Gilmore Seuss himself could not have imagined a of unique wonders. While I’m stuck
more bizarre landscape than the so-called in traffic, I only need to look north to
Thurs/20 OPEN J. Barrett “Yucca Forest,” which stretches for miles stir the memories of our treks into that

Fri/21 OPEN D. Powers into the distance on all sides of the trail. wilderness. They provide an endless
After what seemed like hours of jostling source of distraction. 
Sat/22 J. Sacks R. Conductor

Sun/23 B. Saperstein L./M. Utah
Mon/24 S. Stenzel L./M. Utah Switchback, continued from p. 5

Tues/25 M. Slagle M. Pults through a gap in the Spring Mountains
There’s a wonderful view of Charleston and you know that’s “home.”
Wed/26 D. Harrand T./N. Hughes Peak and you start plotting the next at- Retrace your steps to the car. It’s
Thurs/27 V. Sperry J. Barrett tack on your body. This is a superb place easier going down the mountain than
for pictures, a snack and a rest from all coming up, but not by very much.
Fri/28 T./N. Hughes D. Powers those switchbacks! There’s an army style There’s a lot of stress on the knees, but
Sat/29 OPEN R./M. Augulis ammunition box with a register to sign. if you’re like me, you’re walking a little
Take time to explore the peak and see more upright and with a bit of a spring
Sun/30 OPEN L./M. Utah
some fossils in the limestone, evidence in your step because of what you’ve
Mon/31 OPEN J. Geier of ocean life from a previous era. Before accomplished. Ah! Summer’s 100+ de-
leaving, make sure you look toward Red gree days. What wonderful opportunities
Changes? Call L. Dickey, 515-5363 Rock Canyon. You see Turtlehead Peak they offer! 

Page 6 FORRC/July 2006