Mud Springs (from closure on Macks Canyon Road - MM 2.7) - 6/5/25

West Mud Springs (south to north)

Mud Springs Trail view of Three Lakes Valley

View of Macks Canyon Road from road closure down to Approach Trail Junction

Approach Trail / Mud Springs Trail Junction

First, it should be said that the main Mud Springs Trail from the Macks Canyon Road approach trail to the West Mud Springs canyon is in very good condition. It seems that only recently, the trail has been cleared and marked. But, most importantly, each of the three springs that we visited today (East, Middle and West) have been surrounded by a metal pipe, triangular fence. There is absolutely no way that the casual hiker can see any of the actual spring water without illegally breaching the fence. Although understandable, it was quite disappointing. Of course, in past years, hikers have been able to cross through the very old wood and barbed wire fencing to observe the muddy area where the water springs forth. However, these springs are very important for the wildlife of the Spring Mountains and these animals deserve clean water as a life source. There is only one section of the loop route that does not have a clearly marked trail. We were following yellow ribbons that were widely spaced and I believe I lost the trail at one point. No worries. I had the route marked on my GPS and we found where we were going just fine. So, we were able to take the trail down to the first two springs, climb back up to the main trail, visit the third spring and return on the main trail in 5.8 miles.

Mud Springs Trail view of north end of Spring Mountains Divide

Mud Springs Trail

East Mud Springs

East Mud Springs Views

We drove out Macks Canyon Road about 2.7 miles where the road is closed off with a barrier. There, we found several places for cars to park with no problem. There were already four cars. Perhaps they were camping at Macks Canyon Campground or climbing Macks Peak. There were other possibilities. To get to Mud Springs Trail, we walked down past the barrier to the bottom of the hill where there was a small circle for campers. The approach trail leads into the woods on the right side of the campsite. In a little less than 1/2 mile, we junctioned with Mud Springs Trail and turned left.

McFarland Peak from Lower Mud Springs Trail and Yellow Primrose

Middle Mud Springs

Views of Middle Mud Springs Area

Dropping into West Mud Springs Canyon

Approximately 1.2 miles into the hike through the woods on a cool morning, we came to a cairned fork. This is where the main trail veers to the left and the trail leading to the first two springs veers right. We took the right fork and came to the first spring very soon. Just past the fencing, was a large area of very green grass. It was obvious that a spring controlled the foliage in the area. We walked around and found an old wooden sign then followed the trail to the next (Middle) spring. This area presented very little in the way of spring fed type landscape. But, again, the fence was impenetrable. Getting back on the trail, we followed it for a short distance before yellow ribbons tied to trees took over the guidance.

South end of West Mud Springs Panorama

Views dropping down to West Mud Springs

Surrounded by wilderness boundary Signs

Beginning big climb out of West Mud Springs Canyon

We found a few ribbons that sent us up in the direction of the main trail up the hill. But, the ribbons disappeared. Perhaps we just lost the route. At any rate, we just kept going the direction suggested by the GPS with a little bushwhacking. Eventually, we came across the trail again. A little later, we came across the main trail. All was good in the woods! Almost as soon as we started onto the main trail, we began a long descent over the next ridge. This is where we dove into the West Mud Springs canyon on a very old road / trail. Continuing down the hill, we found a small cairn on a tree stump. Next, the trail sidled by the corner of the fencing around the West Mud Spring. We scooted down next to the fence for a view of the area. It was definitely spring fed foliage. And, very green. Down the hill within the fence, we saw the rocky area where hikers were once allowed to roam. Visiting this site was more a practice in reminiscing than enjoying beautiful springs. Regardless, it was nice to be here once again.

Missouri Evening Primrose in bloom along the higher portions of the Trail

Mud Springs Trail on Return

Mud Springs Trail on Return

Possibly Mummy's Nose?

We sat for a break then started back up the long climb out of the canyon. Once we were on the traverse level of the elevation, there were still a lot of ups and downs undulating endlessly. After passing the place we had joined the main trail on the way over, we had several views of the desert foothills below. Mainly, we could see Three Lakes Valley across the Las Vegas Wash far below. Several undulations later, we came to the first fork where we started our dip down to the first two springs. We also passed a cairn on the right side of the trail that indicated a route over to Macks Canyon Road (further in than where we had begun). Finally, we came to the signed junction of the approach trail.

Mud Springs Trail on Return

Completing the Mud Springs Loop

Desert foothills from Mud Springs Trail

Northern terminus of Spring Mountains Divide

We turned to the right and hiked up and out on the approach trail to meet Macks Canyon Road at the circled campsite. All that remained was the gentle climb up Macks Canyon Road to the barrier. (We surmised that the road is closed because they would like shore up the downhill side of the road here. It appears to be a little loose.) Back at the car, the other cars were still parked there. Hmm. 😐  The ride back in Rita's Outback was very nice. The road is in good condition but still needs some kind of high clearance to avoid hitting bottom on bedrock unless you are skilled at swerving! Quite a workout!

Stats: 5.8 miles; 1160' gain; 4 hours

Macks Canyon wall ahead, nearing the Approach Trail Junction

Kay between cairns marking the approach trail at Macks Canyon Road

Sue rounding Macks Canyon Road closure Barriers