Landmine Loop Variation - 3/28/21

Morning on the Landmine Loop

Backside view from the Landmine Loop

Mt. Potosi and Hollow Rock Peak from Wash Crossing

Connecting from the Trailhead

Sunday morning, the Fearsome Foursome drove to the Wheeler Camp Springs Trailhead just outside of Blue Diamond for a romp around the Landmine Loop. This is an approximately 7.5 mile loop that circles around the tertiary ridge behind the town of Blue Diamond. It is also a very popular bike trail and today was no exception. After about a half hour of hiking, we began seeing the bikers coming by. They were all very polite and considerate about saying "hello" and "thank you" when we moved aside for them to pass. There were also a few joggers. From the trailhead, we hiked through the gates that led us up to the plateau above. Then the trail took us to the Landmine Loop proper. Our loop would be taking a counter-clockwise direction around the ridge in front of us.

Oliver Ranch old Trash Dump Site

All This (and a bag of chips!)

Southern End of Escarpment

Northern End of Escarpment

We passed the old Oliver Ranch trash dump then circled around to pass behind the old ranch that still stands. No burros. The route we took today was a variation on the Landmine Loop, in that, behind the ranch, we turned to the left to follow a trail, Dave's Driveway, that would lead us closer to the hills through a much prettier section of rock and cacti. The regular route for the loop is flat and swings out a bit more. We enjoyed the twists and turns of our chosen route then junctioned again with the Landmine Loop a bit further around. A left turn brought us around the hills and up to a wash crossing that had shelf rock that we sat on for our break. Here, two bikers stopped and talked with us for a minute. Another biker asked us if we were okay as he passed. Such civility!

The Variation (Dave's Driveway)

A Pause with a View

Nearing end of Dave's Driveway

Dave's Driveway / Landmine Loop Junction

After our break, we continued around the hills taking a left turn after crossing a wide wash. Here, there were two bikers catching up on current events. Then five bikers sailed by laughing and having a lot of fun. Soon, a long line of bikers came from the other direction. We happily waited. We circled around the corner and headed toward Blue Diamond. We were on our last third of the loop. More bikers passed by with big smiles and jokes. It just makes you feel like you are where you are supposed to be on a beautiful Sunday in Las Vegas. We hiked into Blue Diamond and turned left to head straight out to the desert again. On the way, there were two dogs that stood like statues in a yard above the street. Well trained. No barking and stayed in their yard without a fence.

Fearsome Foursome on the Trail

Landmine Loop heading toward East Blue Diamond Hill

Hiking into Blue Diamond

Old Trees in Blue Diamond, Nevada

The next section of the Landmine Loop is filled with arroyo dips. Bikers love these things. Us, not so much! Lol! Soon, we came to the gate that let us back into the Bird Sanctuary. This is a gated community (!) so that the burros stay out. Always remember to close and lock the gate behind you. We hiked the trail above the treed wash then dropped back to the trailhead where we left our cars. It was a great Sunday hike. A warm beautiful day with friends everywhere!

Stats: 7.5 miles; 950' gain; 3.75 hours

Entering the Gated Community of the Bird Sanctuary

Passing above the Bird Sanctuary

Still Smiling after 7.8 Miles