Hiking Around Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
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Overview This hike starts on the Willow Springs Loop Trail, ascends a steep hillside, crosses exposed rocky ledges, and ends in a narrow box canyon above Lost Creek Falls and inside the Rainbow Mountain Wilderness Area. There are several seasonal pools in the canyon, and the rocks are water-polished and highly sculpted. There is a willow thicket with a spring at the base of Lost Creek Canyon, so there is water here, but the waterfall often is dry late in the year. During wet years, however, the waterfall and the stream are spectacular. This route has some serious exposure and is not appropriate for the inexperienced or faint of heart; it is not appropriate for young children, and I would not take a dog up there. Presented here are photos of the return. For a detailed description of the route, including directions, maps, GPS coordinates, and photos, see Upper Lost Creek Falls. Link to map. |
 Departing the waterfall in Lost Creek Canyon (view E) |
 Lost Creek Canyon (view E towards the Lower Falls) |
 Trail obstacle |
 Route runs across sandstone slabs (view E) |
 Lost Creek Canyon (view E towards the Lower Falls) |
 A tricky spot (view E) |
 Back on open sandstone slabs (view E) |
 Back to the corner (view E) |
 Out on the corner (view S to below the Lower Falls) |
 Out on the corner (view SE down Red Rock Wash) |
 Out on the corner (view E towards the trailhead) |
 Turning the corner (view N) |
 The route stays high across the hillside (view N) |
 The route traverses the hillside (view N) |
 Returning back under the dead tree (view N) |
 Approaching the top of the rock-climbing route (view NE) |
 Atop the rock-climbing route (view N) |
 Approaching the edge of the big ledge (view N) |
 A bit of exposure when starting down the gully (view NE) |
 Approaching the exposed traverse (view N) |
 Exposed traverse (view N) |
 Exposed traverse (view N) |
 Descending the rocky gully (view E) |
 Descending the rocky gully (view E) |
 Descending the rocky gully (view E) |
 Returning to Willow Springs Loop Trail (view E) |
Happy Hiking! All distances, elevations, and other facts are approximate.
; Last updated 240330
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