Middle Bird Spring Range - 11/30/23

View from Bird Spring Range toward Henderson, NV

From Bird Spring Range to North Cottonwood Valley

From Bird Spring Range to Calico Hills

The first long Climb

Six club members joined David Hardy for a hike in the Bird Spring Range. We began at the Badger Pass Trailhead located ~1/2 mile south of SR 160 on the Cottonwood Valley Road. Following the trail to the north from the parking area for approximately 1/2 mile, we then left the trail for a trailing ridge across from us to the southeast. This is a long climb of around 0.8 miles that gains a total of about 900'. As we climbed, the views of Cottonwood Valley and the Red Rock escarpment got better and better. There was a mid-point that provided a small rest with a rock outcrop. Then, the last 0.2 mile seemed even steeper. At any rate, the peak turned out to be at an elevation of near 5140' and we signed in.

The long climb Midway

Nearing the final Push

The final Push to Peak 5140

North Cottonwood Valley

After our small break, we started down the other side. Here, it was a bit steep. Then, we began hiking along the cliff edge where the views were of the east hills, the Strip and Henderson, NV. The ground at the bottom of the cliffs was about 300' down. Our hike brought us past a few small saddles and a few uprises of the range. For the most part, there was a vague trail to follow. Although we didn't see any large game animals this time, we have seen them in this area in the past. It is possible that they are the ones that have pressed the trail into the grass and rock.

Rita attacks the Final push to the Peak

From Peak 5140 to Peak 5294

Logging in on Peak 5140

Uprise on the Bird Spring Range

After passing a couple of the uprises of the terrain, we stopped for a break at the last saddle before climbing Peak 5294 that stood in front of us. Here, we could see the Las Vegas Strip casinos in the distance. After the break, we began the last big climb of the day. Refreshed, it didn't feel as difficult as the first big climb. There was another login here then we turned right to descend the trailing ridge in front of us. There was some sort of a trail on this ridge. It is the ridge we used many times in the past to ascend to the top of the Bird Spring Range ... a hike that might be called Bird Spring Range South. Down we went, heading toward a rock outcrop in the distance.

View of the Strip

Respite along Cliffs

A tiny Scramble along Cliffs

Taking a break before Peak 5294

We descended to the right (north) of the small rock outcrop and passed it. Next, a 90 degree turn to the left. This put us on the correct ridge to descend to Badger Pass. Near the pass, there is a short trail or abandoned portion of a road to finish. Without much hesitation, we decided to continue down the switchbacks to the Red Valley Trail.

Climbing toward Peak 5294

Rita leads the pack to Peak 5294

Sandstone Bluffs from Bird Spring Range

Logging in on Peak 5294

In the past, we called this Deadhorse Trail. We were mistaken. It is now called Red Valley. (Deadhorse Trail is found on the west side of the Cottonwood Valley Road.) Red Valley provides a beautiful view of the Sandstone Bluffs as you hike north through the red dirt and back to the Badger Pass Trailhead. Good hike!

Stats: 4.9 miles; 1460' gain; 3.75 hours

View toward Fossil Ridge south of Peak 5294

Reaching Badger Pass on Descent from Peak 5294

Dropping into beautiful Red Valley