I have enjoyed hiking the trails near the West end of Las Vegas near Blue Diamond, Red Rock, Mount Potosi and Mount Charleston. I live in Henderson which is basically in the middle of the desert. There are a few areas to hike close by in Henderson. The rugged volcanic McCullough Mountain Range is very close to where I live. Black Mountain is a notable peak that is illustrated by its dark presence and having numerous radio towers in the McCullough Range. Currently there are a few hiking trails in this mountain range. There is a half mile of switch back walking trail called "City View Trail", which is located on a hill next to Cypress Mesa Drive, (nearest major cross roads is Green Valley Parkway and West Horizon Ridge Parkway). At the end of the walking trail starts a hiking trail that continues to the top of hill where it branches down into the saddle of the hill to further branch into a trail along the dried stream bed or up along the mountain ridge which I refer to as the Tower Trail. The trail eventually ends near a lone radio tower at the Eastern direction on the mountain range. Another trail to hit in Henderson is the Black MountainTrail. This trail starts at detention basin around N35 degrees 56.365 minutes, W115 degrees 04.663 minutes. The trail slowly transverse the rugged volcanic side to reach the peak. (2.1 miles to the top) Make sure you sign the log book at the peak. If you are lucky you might find a herd of big horn sheep in the area. 2001 I have seen them several time. 2002 was a very dry year which may explain why I did not see the herd. In 2003 I have been hiking at Potosi Mountain. Hiked the peak in January via the western ridge which was void of snow. Great hike! Seen deer, donkey and mountain lion tracks along the way.
In the upper parts of the trail long horn sheep can be viewed along the tops of ridges. There are a wide variety of desert plants that flower in April depending on the winter precipitation.. Every time I hike in the desert I am amazed as to the beauty one can find in a land that I thought was barren.
I have not run across a bobcat or mountain lions during my hikes in the Spring Mountain range. If you do come in contact with one of these creatures, the worst thing you can do is to turn and run. I have started to hike with a hiking stick. I don't know how effective that would be against a mountain lion. I haven't heard many stories about mountain lions (cougar). Just lately I read how a group of hikers found a mountain lion checking them out at Wheeler Peak. I think when you have several people in your group the mountain lion would be less likely to advance towards your group. Unfortunately I usually hike alone..... Check out the following website for more information about Mountain Lions.
I am very proud of My Geocache Places that are listed below. Most of the geocaches that I have placed require a good hike to reach the point of interest. A few geocaches will also require a little use of the brain to figure out where the point of interest is.
If you have an interesting place to hike to, please send me the coordinates to your place. so that others may also enjoy. Thanks!
Mike
link to my Yahoo club
