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| White Rock Springs Peak |
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| The Rock Stop from Behind (Trail is on opposite side.) |
Very rarely, someone loses their way between the meeting point and the hike start point. Today was one of those rare occasions. Although there were eighteen hikers signed in for the hike, only fifteen made it to the Willow Springs trailhead in Red Rock Canyon NCA. So, after waiting for a good amount of time and allowing a large part of the group to hike ahead, Tony relented and caught up with the group. There really isn't much we can do for lost cars ... only lost hikers!
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| Starting Up Rocky Gap Road |
We started up Rocky Gap Road from the Willow Springs picnic area parking. After passing the end of the White Rock Hills (0.6 miles), there is a junction to the right with the wilderness sign seen in the photo below.
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| Sign Junction - Turn Right |
This is the trail that ultimately leads to La Madre Springs. We turned right to begin our trek behind the White Rock Hills and after another half mile, junctioned with a small trail that turns off to the right again. There is an old trail sign here indicating the White Rock Hills Loop. After making this turn, we quickly found ourselves in a very cool shadow of the White Rock Hills above. Ahhh!
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| Bighorn Eyes Us from Above |
The photo above was taken without knowing that the bighorn was standing on the high rocks watching us. (Note the tiny figure on top of the rocks in the middle.) It was a surprise to see the animal when the photos were being processed! After further magnification, it was still unclear whether the bighorn was male or female.
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| Mule Deer Eyes Us from Below |
The whole group, however, did spy the mule deer in the wash as seen in the photo above. Even though, it wasn't until most of the group moved away that the deer came out of the brush long enough for the photographer to capture this magnified photo. It was a beautiful day and the animals were enjoying the cool morning before the temperatures started to rise.
We continued up the winding trail behind the White Rock Hills until we came to a large outcropping of conglomerate rock.
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| Gathering at the Conglomerate Rock Outcropping |
On scheduled easy hikes, these rocks have been a stopping place for the Around the Bend Friends for many years. There is a lot of shade and seating in the immediate area.
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| Taking Photos from the Rock Stop |
Views of the White Rock Springs Peak and La Madre Mountain Range are fantastic from the rock stop. You can also see where the rock vein continues along toward the southwest as the conglomerate pushes up a few more times in a linear fashion among the hills. Vegetation in this area is also interestingly different. The weather behind the White Rock Hills is more moist than the weather on the front side.
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| View from Behind the Rocks |
We took an extra amount of time for our break as the group reconnected with each other.
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| Colorful Rock on White Rock Springs Peak |
Too soon, we began our return down the trail. When we got to the place we saw the deer, we stopped and looked again. He was long gone ... or well hidden in the brush. We reached the La Madre Springs trail junction and turned left. Then, we turned left one more time on Rocky Gap Road. By the time we got back to Willow Springs, the parking lot was packed. Great morning out!
4 miles; 700 feet elevation gain; 2.5 hours
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| Looking for More Signs of the Deer |
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| Hiking Back along the La Madre Springs Trail |
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