Page 13 - 2004 DT 9 Issues

Sun. 22, “The Lost Mines of Red Rock” hours. One of these is the Keystone highest point of the trail and the views
- Beyond Willow Springs, beyond the hermit’s Thrust Trail. It’s easily accessible, are really nice, with Turtlehead Peak and
cabin, there are extreme hard rock mines. Tur- packed with interesting history, and a the Calicos to the east, the La Madre
quoise or gold? Jack has the answers! pretty good workout, too! To find this Mountains to the north, and White Rock
Stren., 6 mi. trail, drive about six miles around the Mountain to the west. The trail now
Tues. 24, “Icicles” - Challenge the rock scenic loop until you see a sign announc- leaves the old road, turns sharply east and
scramble in search of the perfect icicle at the ing White Rock. From here, a rocky dirt descends into a wide red and gray can-
end of this narrow canyon. One of the Canyon’s road leads north another mile to a fenced yon. This is what the geologists go
finest hikes; Mod., 3 mi. parking area that serves the White Rock bonkers over. Gigantic slabs of 600
Thurs. 26, “Arnight Delight” - We’ll start and Keystone Thrust trails. This will be million year old limestone were thrust
out at Oak Creek and hike to Pine Creek where at least a three-mile hike, depending on over 280 million year old sandstone to
we will see the beautiful landscape of Red Rock
the return route that you decide to take, form the Spring Mountains. It’s actually
and enjoy the flowing water of the creek;
so don’t forget to pack a bottle of water possible to stand with a foot on each of
Mod. 3.5 mi.
Fri. 27, “Hike Leader’s Choice” - Snow for each person. Even in these cooler these two segments of a continental plate.
levels permitting, we will trek this gorgeous winter months it’s important to stay hy- Keystone Thrust Fault is one of the few
backcountry trail to find ourselves on top of the drated while you’re in the desert. places on earth where this can be done!
Red Rock Canyon escarpment looking down At the north end of Normally, this
on Spring Mt. Ranch; Mod./Stren., 6 mi. the parking lot you’ll find kind of exciting
Sat. 28, “Knoll Stroll” - Join Elizabeth and an interpretive sign rock action is tak-
travel the trail less traveled. You’ll hike from Oak briefly explaining the ing place miles
Creek, around the Knoll, and loop back down Keystone Thrust trail. As under ground.
the Arnight; Easy-Mod., 3 mi. it turns out, this is a Even for the
Sat. 28, “Astronomy: the Moon” - Join unique and important non-geologist,
the Las Vegas Astronomical Society for a slide area for geologists, and it’s interesting to
presentation and telescope sharing. Bring your they come from all over see the red sand-
scope and binocs, if you have them. Gate closes the world to study this stone on the west
at 6:30 p.m. thrust fault. You’ll dis- side of the canyon
Sat. 28, “Fire & Ice” - Examine the dra- cover why as we get a smashed by the
matic effects of past and recent fires on desert little farther up the trail. grey limestone on
soils and plants during this 3 mi. loop hike, in- Follow the rock-lined the east side. Try
cluding the SMYC trail; Mod
path north across the to think in rock-
Sun. 29, “Bobcat Habitat” - Learn about
wash until you come to a years to get the big
the lifestyle of the adaptable, but seldom seen, sign directing you up a picture.
Red Rock resident, the bobcat on Blue Diamond picturesque little hill with For most
Hill; Easy, 3.5 mi.
Sun. 29, “A Sadie Hawkins Stomp at railroad-tie steps. At the top of the hill people, this is the grand finale. Time to
the trail intersects an old road. Turn left turn around, hike back the way you came
Anniversary Mine” - Jack’s celebration of leap
and follow the road around Hogback in and call it a day. But as a Boot Tracks
year is near the Colorado River in rock hound
country. A big colemanite mine, rare bear pop- Ridge and toward the La Madre Moun- reader, you’ll want to know that there are
pies, and a beautiful marbleized slot canyon are tains. Legend has it, in the early days of some hidden treasures to be found just a
the attractions; Mod., 5 mi. Las Vegas this remote desert road was a little farther south and deeper into the
popular place for stolen cars to be canyon. The rocks become very dramatic
stripped. Those old vehicles were re- and in the winter you’ll find pools of
BOOT TRACKS moved long ago, but if you look carefully water reflecting the sky and trees. The
you may be able to spot some small metal jagged east side of the Hogback looms
by Tom Pfaendler
parts slowly rusting away among the darkly overhead. Pick your way around
uring the winter months when rocks and shrubs. a high waterfall area and carefully fol-
the days are short, it’s nice to Once you’ve passed Hogback Ridge,
Dhave a few small hikes available you’ll come to another sign directing you
that can be enjoyed in just a couple of toward the Keystone Thrust. This is the Boot Tracks, continued on page 7