WHITE HILLS LOOP TRAIL

By Heidi Kyser

There’s a short window in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area at the end of high tourist season and before the weather is too hot to enjoy most hikes. That time is April and May! And this hike is perfect for spring because, done counterclockwise, you get sun in the cool morning, and shade on the north side of White Rock Hills as the day heats up.

WHITE ROCK LOOP TRAIL

Be prepared to get there early. For one thing, no reservations are required to enter the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Loop 6-8 a.m. (you do still have to pay the entrance fee unless you have a National Parks Pass). Also, as hiker extraordinaire Alan Gegax wrote in Desert Companion ’s 2016 story, “This hike, it’s personal,” the White Rock Hills Loop is extremely popular with hikers and runners. That’s because “it will reward you with a wooded green canyon, stark red desert, and wildlife ranging from mountain bluebirds to bighorn sheep.”

HOW TO GET THERE: Take the Red Rock Scenic Loop for about seven miles. Exit at the Willow Springs turnoff and park at the trailhead on the side of the road.

DISTANCE: 6.1 miles

ELEVATION GAIN: 1,135 feet

ANCESTRAL TERRITORY OF: Nüwüwü (Chemehuevi), Nuwuvi (Southern Paiute), Newe Sogobia (Western Shoshone)

STEWARDSHIP 101: Because it’s so popular, this trail offers a great opportunity to set good examples. If you’re going with other people, carpool to minimize carbon emissions and parking spaces used. If you see trash, pick it up. As always, practice Leave No Trace ethics on the trail. And if you do see damage being done, report it at the visitor’s center.

LEARN MORE: Visit redrockcanyonlv.org

Sources: AllTrails.com, lnt.org, Native Land app