La Madre Springs hike

To start the La Madre Springs Trail from the parking lot, follow the 4×4 road for approximately 1.6km. Here, you will cross over a dried up creek bed that can cause uncertainty as to where the trail goes; however, following the tire tracks (veering left) will keep you on the correct route. As you continue hiking along the trail, you will enter a small canyon, where you will most likely be able to spot rock climbers ascending the extremely steep cliffs on either side!

Reaching, a signposted junction, you will turn right and head towards the La Madre Springs. The trail will narrow slightly, but remains a double track trail all the way to the river. From here the route starts to gain elevation, but does so at such a moderate pace that you almost won’t even notice it. The trail has sporadic shade throughout, but should not be relied on to protect you fully from the sun, and on especially hot days this hike can be quite challenging due to the solar reflection off the mountainsides.

As you slowly climb, you will experience even more spectacular views of the mountains in front of you, and if you turn back you will be rewarded with gorgeous panoramas from where you came.

Finally, you will reach the beginning of the stream. For the last few hundred yards the trail will turn to a single track as it snakes beside the river. The path will bear left to follow along the river, and after a short distance will cross over it. Climbing up beside the stream, there will be several junctions with paths leading along the river, and others crossing it. Do your best to stay on the right side of the river when ascending, as this path tends to be a lot easier! Don’t overdo it though, as at times there is no path along this side and navigation can be tricky.

Finally, you will reach a small waterfall and the path forward will require some steep scrambling. This is where we recommend stopping, as there is ample shade here to take a break before returning the way you came!

Hiking trail highlights

La Madre Springs

Located near the Willow Springs Picnic Area in Red Rock Canyon, the La Madre Springs are an important water source for the various wildlife species in the area.
Sourced at the base of La Madre Mountain, the springs flow into a dam that was constructed during the 1960s. This creates a critically important habitat for animal and plant life, such as tree frogs and hummingbirds, that otherwise would not be able to survive in the harsh climate of the desert.

Check out more amazing hikes around Las Vegas:

• Mary Jane Falls Trail
• Calico Tanks Trail
• Cathedral Rock Trail
• Icebox Canyon Trail