Page 6 - spring 2015 magazine FINAL

By Norm Kresge

One of my favorite hikes in Red Rock Canyon is not
within the Scenic Drive but on the other side of Neva-
da State Route 159. Parking for the hike is located at

the entry to Cowboy Trail Rides. The parking lot fills
quickly on weekends, so get there early. This is a mod-
erately strenuous trail, but it can be done by almost
anyone if you stop and catch your breath along the Photo by Norm Kresge
way. The elevation gain to the Muffins is about 800
feet and it’s about two miles round trip.

section of the hike as you make one final switchback
From the parking area, walk the dirt road heading
toward the corral where the horses are kept. Make a that brings you to the base of the Muffins. Just before
right and follow arriving, you can see where the mountain bikers have
the road until just used the natural rock formation to create a jump.

past the corral. When you reach the Muffins, it is time for some great
There’s a trail that views. There’s a large, flat boulder beyond the second
goes off to the muffin that’s a good spot for photos. To your left is one
left. This is the of the best views of Red Rock Canyon stretching
beginning of your

trek. Follow this
Photo by Norm Kresge trail as it goes in

to and then out of
a wash and then
cuts diagonally
The Route to Muffins from State Route 159 across the desert
floor. You will always be heading towards the right Photo by Norm Kresge

fork. Aim for the ridge with the two large boulder for-
mations known as the Muffins.

In just about a half mile, you round the end of a The view of Red Rock from Muffins
ridge. You descend in to a wash and then hike up the from Calico Basin to the Wilson Cliffs and Mount
other side. As you switchback up the ridge, you’ll Potosi. To your right, enjoy the tremendous view of
come to a fork in the trail. Take the trail to the left. our city, Las Vegas.
This trail will continue to switchback until you reach a The northern-most Muffin is easy to climb. People
bit of a plateau that follows the contour of the lower have placed rocks to help you climb to the top of the
ridgeline. You’ll slowly gain elevation as you continue boulder. Take caution coming back down. The rock is
along the trail. sharp and rips clothing and hands easily. This is a

Eventually you reach a switchback amid some won- good place to have a snack before retracing your steps
derfully large boulders. This is the second steep to get back to your car.

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