There are several things I appreciate about this hike. 1) It’s your standard out-and-back hike, but instead of just reaching an endpoint and turning back, you circle the knoll. This makes for a more interesting route. 2) You can park at several trailheads and none of them are within the actual Red Rock Canyon NCA fee use area. I’m not against supporting our national parks – in fact I’m a complete supporter – but that’s a plus for non pass holders. Also, you don’t have to drive the entire 13-mile loop just to get to/from your trailhead. 3) You cross Oak Creek a couple of times. Especially in the desert, it’s always nice to come across water. 4) It is dog friendly and also a great hike for beginners, despite its 4.5-mile length. I must thank our resident Unilocal LV hiker, Norm. He introduced a group of us to this trail last weekend. I’m not sure why I had never heard of it before, but I will definitely return.
Norm K.
Classificação do local: 4 Las Vegas, NV
A new concept for a restaurant? No, it’s a hiking route in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. It’s July 5th, and many places are closed, including my gym. Off to Red Rock this morning hiking. I parked in the lot where the horse trailers park at the exit from the Scenic Drive. The hike starts from just inside the exit gate by the parking lot. The trail was made by horse riders. It heads toward the Potato Knoll, also known as Wilson’s Pimple, the high mound at the base of Mount Wilson. The trail goes across two dry creek beds, past some petrified wood, and around the back of the Knoll. When you get to the back of the Knoll, you can take a side trail to the top of the Knoll and get a great view. Follow the trail around the base of the Knoll and you can’t get lost. It’s always good to have a GPS unit with you, and always bring plenty of water when you hike. It’s a desert out there, you know! An alternative way of doing this hike would be to park at the Oak Creek parking area along SR159 and hike back to the Knoll along the Oak Creek trail. Circle the base of the Knoll and then head back. The hike is about 5 miles and it took me 2 hours. There is an elevation gain of only about 150 feet. It’s very gentle. The photos I have posted are the ones I took today. If you have any questions about the hike, send me a message. Happy trails!
