Robbers' Roost Loop - (and trash pick-up) - 7/3/25

Robbers' Roost Cave and world class climbing Wall

Junction sign for Original Showgirl Trail

Mummy's Nose from start of Hike

Morning Sunshine

Every year, our group (whoever it is) does this 6ish mile loop hike out of Juniper Trailhead to Robbers' Roost and back with purpose to finish with a drainage clean-up. In the winter, this drainage is used for snow play by Las Vegas families. Every year, they leave behind a lot of broken objects they used for sleds, beer cans and a lot of other trash. When I was growing up, I was taught to pick up after myself. (But, I digress.) Anyway, there is always enough trash to fill all our bags and then some. This year, our bags got so heavy that we didn't even finish the entire wash and had to leave it early to carry our loot back to the trailhead via shortcut! Maybe we will finish the job later this summer ... or, maybe someone else will finish it for us. What we are able to carry back gets put inside the restroom at the trailhead where there is a trash can and trash pick-up. This year, our trash filled half the restroom! Sorry, bathroom cleaner! But, thanks. 

Emerging through the Shadows

Shaded upper Showgirl Trail

Hike a Bike Trail

Climbing to Robbers' Roost

So, the Juniper Trailhead is located on Angel Peak Place. This small road junction turns off of Deer Creek Road near the North Loop Trailhead. The Hillside Campground is also on this road but forks to the left. Fork to the right to reach the Junper TH about a half mile down. We started down the Original Showgirl Trail then climbed up through the trees over the next couple of ridges. Eventually, there is a sign that indicates the Original Showgirl Trail turns to the left. We took this turn. Further along, we took a right turn with a sign that indicated Hike a Bike Trail and Trough Trail. At the junction with the Trough Trail, we continued straight then at the Hike a Bike Trail, we turned left. This, for some reason 😕, is one of my favorite easy trails in the Spring Mountains. I don't know why ... it just is. It used to have a little bridge which was cool. We followed the Hike a Bike straight as it contoured around beneath Deer Creek Road and came to the junction beneath Robbers' Roost TH. A right turn obliged us to climb steeply up to the TH and cross the road to continue our climb up to the roosting area, a world class rock climbing wall. This area was once used by highway robbers to hide from the law. We used it to take our break in the cool shade. Afterwards, we returned to the bottom of the hill passing the small trail to the road and continued on the old Deer Creek Road remnants through the mountain mahoganies.

Using switchback trail to Robbers' Roost

Wide view of Robbers' Roost Cliffs

Crevice potentially leading to top of Cliffs

Spiny Lizard

The old Deer Creek Road trail circled around above the new Deer Creek Road passing a couple of trails turning to the left. Staying right, the trail led us to the top of the hill after the tight road turn. We noticed that the swing is no longer there. I guess someone brought the swing to the attention of the park rangers. (I didn't feel that it was safe anyway! Sorry Ralyn and Susan.) When we reached the paved road, we crossed and turned right. At a place we could descend into the wash on the other side of the intersection, we dropped into the trash-filled wash. At first glance, the trash is not noticeable. But, we quickly began filling our trash bags that we made sure to bring on this particular hike.

View out from the shadows to climbing Wall

Mountain Mahogany Tunnel

Old Deer Creek Road Trail

Susan takes in view of Angel Peak

There were sleds and plastic disks that were broken in a few pieces. There were cans and bottles and candy wrappers. All of this stuff was sometimes half buried by the dirt and rock that was washed down the hill by snow melt and storm water. We filled our bags until they were too heavy or awkward to carry then mutually agreed that we should head straight for the road above and trailhead rather than finish the wash and take the trail up. Phew! You should have seen the restroom we filled with trash! We appreciate the rangers that come by regularly to clean the toilets! This is a good hike and bring your trash bags!

Stats: 6 miles; 1100' gain; 4 hours (with trash pick-up)

Approach to Deer Creek Road Junction

Collecting trash in final Wash

Feeling good after trash Collection