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| - This is one of my favorite hikes in Red Rock Conservation Area. I'll spare you the description of the turn off, parking lot, etc., which is all available in the free map the gatekeeper provides.
As many have noted, the hike to the springs themselves is rather boring (at least for me). Walking a couple miles down a dirt road is not really hiking to me, but as some have said, it does provide more opportunity to take in the beautiful mountains that surround you.
The springs should be renamed the La Madre Slimy Little Pond, and wasn't too remarkable otherwise. The REAL fun begins beyond the springs up the mountain. The trail narrows and proceeds through the trees, following the stream up the mountain. About, I would estimate, a half mile up beyond the springs is a cool little mining fort. If you continue straight back behind the fort, the climb increases in difficulty both because of the incline and loose rocks, but the trail is clearly marked and will take you up to the old mine.
My friends and I have been up past the mine twice, and there is another summit above and beyond the one we reached. My altimeter showed we reached about 6,585' elevation (McCarran Airport is about 2,200'). It's a nice feeling of accomplishment, but I think the view's better from the mine. It takes about 4.5 hours to go up & down at a strong, steady pace. Great hike though, I highly recommend it. Just make sure you have plenty of water and weather's not too extreme. There's not too much shade anywhere along the way.
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