Sidewinder / Flower Power Loop - 2/24/25

Sandstone Bluffs from The Crags

1948 DeSoto Automobile

Red Barrel Cacti in The Crags

Landmine Loop Trail

Fifteen club hikers went out for a quick 7 mile hike beginning at Wheeler Camp Springs Trailhead. This trailhead is located on SR 159 about .80 mile west of the main entrance to Blue Diamond, NV. Or, .60 mile east of the gated entrance to Oliver Ranch. (The large brown sign is no longer at the same place so, now, use a blue sign as your indicator that you are nearing the trailhead going east.) We gathered and headed through the fence finding numerous use trails to climb the hill in front of us. The trail up the hill put us on a spur trail that flows into the Landmine Loop Trail. This is a popular bike trail that encircles the Blue Diamond tertiary ridge. After connecting with the Landmine Loop, we began circling the ridge in a counter-clockwise direction. Soon, on our right, we could see an old rusted car in the distance. Previous inspection of said car proves that it is a 1948 DeSoto. We hiked on by and came to a fence constructed on our right that protected the Oliver Ranch property at one time. Now the burros and hikers know exactly how to get through the fence and enjoy the old ruins and burro brush.

Fifteen club Hikers

Beginning the Sidewinder Trail

The Sidewinder

Cottonwood Valley from Sidewinder

We passed the fence and turned diagonally up to the left on a trail through the dirt. This trail took us up the hill in our 10 o'clock direction. The rocky trail offered a turn to the left as we neared the top corner. We took the left and began our "Sidewinder" portion of the hike loop. This is a beautiful trail among outcrops of limestone with views of the red and white sandstone of Red Rock's escarpment. We zigzagged a little before the trail showed the reason for its name as it wound narrowly around the side of the hill offering gorgeous distant views of the escarpment, Calico Hills, North Blue Diamond Hill and the northern part of Cottonwood Valley. This is a hike where we usually see burros. However, on this hike ... not a one! The Sidewinder took us around the hill and winded its way up to The Crags. (aka The Blue Diamond Cactus Garden) Here, among the rising limestone pillars and shade, we took our break. The group had taken on the ascent at a good pace but there was still more to come. They were up for the workout. So, after the break, we started down the other side by using the switchback route through the garden. The trail passes through a junction saddle and continues to hike the next ridge top. (aka Hurl Backdoor) "The Crags" is one of two high points of the hike. The second high point is found along the undulating ridge trail. 

Passing Laszlo in The Crags

Break time in The Crags

Exiting The Crags via Switchback

Hurl Backdoor Ridge Trail

At the end of the ridge, we junctioned with another trail and turned left to circle down and around an unusual sandstone outcrop and pass the "Rocky Peninsula." At this point, the trail gives hikers a choice to turn down to the right or continue straight out toward the townsite. This junction marks the beginning of Flower Power. This trail is relatively new and takes the hikers on a ridge traverse with views, again, of the escarpment. It circles around the lower end to the left to end in a wash decorated with two rusted Volkswagens, one of which has a license tag with the Flower Power namesake. The trail continues out to a junk pile on the Landmine Loop. A right turn, a left turn and a right turn will get you back to the cars the same way you started out. Fantastic group! They seemed to love the quick pace workout and beautiful scenery.

Stats: 7 miles; 1050' gain; 3.5 hours

Flower Power Trail

Descending off Flower Power

Trail Namesake