HIKING IN VEGAS FOOTHILLS

 

Guess who was watching us?

RED ROCK CONSERVATION AREA!!!!  Just got back from a fabulous adventure inside Red Rock.  Willow Springs at the La Madre turn off was the area we hiked today; cool, not windy, clear beautiful very early morning;  gates open at 6:00AM and we were there at gates parting.  Willow Springs/La Madre is more or less 8 miles in on the 13 mile circuit–rabbits getting back to den, Burros trying to graze, foxes getting back to their dens also–all on display as we make our way to the canyon.  Park the car, let the dogs out and off we go; it used to be fast pace but the dogs and friends are a tad older and a bit slower, but the joy of the early morning hike keeps the humor going.  Dogs are going off on minor adventures as we stick to the trail and then all of a sudden the mad yelps, high pitched screaming and across the road comes a Bighorn Sheep and the dogs are right behind in pursuit…I think the Bighorn was a tad older as he as well as the dogs were not moving in the youthful vigor state.  (slow motion to be exact)  Nice size sheep, big old white butt climbing the hills ahead of the dogs–dogs pooped out first and headed back to the human pack; tongues hanging, and time to sprawl for a moment.  We continued on our adventure and about 2 miles up the trail is a pool, water constantly flowing and the dogs jumped in and hung out in and around the pool for at least a half hour, until they started shaking–cool, crisp, mountain water.  If you have a chance to experience more of Vegas then the casinos, try hiking in Red Rock or at Mt. Charleston–it has a grounding affect and gets one ready for the BS they have to face every day.  Bring the camera and enjoy.