Hiking White Rock Mountain Loop at Red Rock Canyon
White Rock Loop is one of the most popular trails in the Red Rock Canyon and Las Vegas area because of its beautiful scenery and its low difficulty. The trail circles the White Mountains and is about 6 miles in total length.
The path is very easy to follow and is a great hike for children or dogs. It is mostly flat except for about a mile where you travel up and down about 150 feet. Along the way, you will experience many different and stunning views.
How to Get to White Rock Mountain Loop
To get to the trail just drive to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area on State Highway 159 and pull into the scenic drive. Go around to about 5.5 miles and hang a right onto a gravel road that will take you to the White Rock parking area.
Hiking the White Rock Mountain Loop
Once in the lot, you can choose to go clockwise or counterclockwise around the mountains. On this hike, we took the trailhead directly in front of the mountains and followed it to the south. Initially, the trail meanders in and out of several washes with terrific views of the Calico Hills and Turtlehead mountain.
Eventually, it will curve to the west and weave in and out of several large red sandstone boulders as you approach the Willow Springs picnic area. Here you will find picnic tables and several places to pause and read some interesting facts about the area and its wildlife.
At this point, you will be about halfway so it’s a good place for a break or a picnic if you are with a group. Continue along the blacktop road and keep going west as it turns into a gravel road.
As you come to the back side of the mountain the gravel road will split off to the north towards La Madre Spring, just continue to follow until you come to another fork that separates the White Rock Loop from the La Madre Spring trail. From here on you will be on more of a traditional hiking trail that winds through a pine forest and experience some of the different colors as the different geologic features of Red Rock Canyon start to expose themselves.
Every now and then just stop and look around and enjoy the view. As you circle the White Rock Mountain Loop Trail you will catch spectacular views of the surrounding mountains including Turtlehead Peak, the Calico Hills, Blue Diamond Mountain, Mt. Wilson, Juniper Peak, Rainbow Mountain, and Bridge Mountain.
Eventually, as you come to about the 4-mile mark you will start to hike uphill and get a nice little workout as it turns back towards the parking lot.
If you are looking for a fairly easy hike that is family and pet friendly, then this one’s for you. It is open year-round and will provide some shade in the summer. This is a very popular trail so try to get there early if you can. Always remember to bring plenty of water and proper shoes for hiking.
About The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Red Rock Canyon is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Las Vegas. The natural beauty of the area and the opportunity to explore it on your own make it a great place to visit, even if you’re looking to escape the casinos or nightlife.
The park features stunning red sandstone cliffs, incredible canyons, and plenty of hiking and biking trails. Visitors can explore the park from the 13 mile scenic drive or hike one of the 26 different trails and take in some amazing views. There are also several shady picnic areas where visitors can relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the park.
Similar hikes to the White Rock Mountain Loop
Kraft Mountain Loop Trail
La Madres Springs Trail
Keystone Thrust Trail
