The Spring Mountains ECHO

MEET THE MOUNTAIN CAR TOURS

By John O'Donnell

Willow Creek - March

Our first stop on this trip was Corn Creek Station. This was a watering stop for the Las Vegas and Tonopah Railroad. Today it is part of the Desert National Wildlife Range. The ponds near the old station are now home to a number of fish, frogs, and crustaceans. Volunteers are requested to catch as many crawfish as possible, as it is believed they are interfering with the endangered Pahrump Poolfish population. The Poolfish once lived at Manse Springs but it has dried up.

We turned off of US95 onto the Cold Creek Road and headed for high country. About 11 miles later we approached Forest Service land. We saw large areas of black brush and other areas where fire had removed the black brush. Black brush is extremely slow at repopulating these areas and some believe the right conditions no longer exist, preventing the black brush from ever returning.

We bore right before we got to the small community of Cold Creek. Crossing the creek, we stopped at a surprising Oak tree and discussed new species. Some homes have been built along the ridge between Cold Creek and Willow Creek. We followed this ridge until we reached a wonderful view-vantage point. Snow blanketed the mountain, rising up from the idyllic grassy area which Willow Creek meanders through. On the other side of the summit we could see down into the parched desert we had just left. This summit is reached by a very short walk from the road. Then the steep, muddy road descends to the idyllic spot where we stopped for a picnic. Some adventurous souls explored the cliffs beneath the summit, finding many interesting formations including a natural tunnel. Meanwhile burros wandered nearby, keeping their distance. Multiple roads continue from here. The snow-covered Wheeler Pass road is a regular for MTM tours.

Grassy Springs (Little Old Cabin over the hill) - April

The morning was windy enough to discourage even some of the hardier regulars, but those who braved the wind down in the valley were rewarded by a much nicer day, though still cold, in the foothills of Mt. Charleston. We were largely sheltered from the bitter winds after turning on the road to Grapevine and Grassy springs, which heads north of SR-157 near mile marker 11. We stopped at a nice vantage point to look at the high desert plants and listened to Bob's stories.

Our next stop was at Grapevine Spring itself, an improved spring at the entrance to a tiny box canyon. Much greener then the surrounding territory, this little oasis provided water and food (yes - grapes) for the Native Americans.

On the next stretch of road the desert dirt turned from brown to red to green, and back to brown. The geology here is incredible. Rock ridges jut up through the earth in parallel rows, descending from the hilltops to the valley floor. A small natural arch is visible from the road. Green tailings from an abandoned mine are evidence of the copper in the ground. The color is not restricted to the tailings but turns hillsides a greenish hue.

On to Grassy Springs - The road between the two springs can sometimes be overgrown with brush. We were prepared with a machete and clippers; however the road was in good shape and little labor was required. Surrounded by tall yellow grass, the spring lives up to its name. The remnants of a small stone cabin lie on the side of a nearby wash. This was originally a line shack that dates back to CCC days. We chose this area for our lunch.

We continued north from Grassy Springs and reached Lucky Strike Canyon Road. This has been the route of previous MTM trips and will be revisited. From this junction it is seven miles back to US95 and the windy valley.

The Spring Mountains Association invites you to come along on the Meet the Mountain tours. You need to reserve a place in advance by calling our new voice mail box. If you do not have an appropriate vehicle, usually a place can be found with someone else. You will meet people with a common interest in the Spring Mountains; learn local history, geography, geology and botany; hear legends of the Paiute and Ute natives; and have the printed tour guide so you can retrace the route. Bob Maichle does an exceptional job of pre running the tour, printing directions and notes about places of interest. He includes intriguing facts and excerpts from diaries and journals to supplement the itinerary. On future MTM's we are looking forward to visiting Mudsprings, Sawmill Canyon and the Charcoal Kilns. Join Us!