Beginner trails in Las Vegas

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The Sheep Mountains do not boast of towering peaks or magnificent heights, nevertheless, some of the most ruggedly spectacular scenery in Southern Nevada lies within their domain.

Patronage by man has so far taken little toll. Four roads leading in and out of the mountains are rough and seldom traveled. In the furthest reaches are narrow, sage-strewn meadows broken occasionally by tumbled limestone outcroppings and vast stretches of verdant forests. With the exception of an ancient trail leading over the mountains that was used by nomadic tribes and early settlers traveling from Las Vegas to Pahranagat Valley.

Corn Creek, at the foot of the Sheep Mountains, was a natural camping ground for those on their way to and from Pahranagat Valley by way of the Mormon Well Trail. Seed grasses and other edible plants in the sand dune area provided food for animals and the abundant water drew game from miles around.

Near all the springs in the Corn Creek vicinity are relics of early man's visits. In the foothills of the Sheep Mountains, a few hundred feet about the dunes, is a network of trails. Some lead to nothing but dead ends, others lead to tumbled shacks and piles of rusted cans left by some long-forgotten fortune-seeker.

Actually, there are two trails leading over the mountain from Corn Creek -- one that leads directly into Pahranagat Valley via White Sage Flat, Cone Mountain through Cabin Springs Dry Lake and Owl Valley into Pahranagat and the other trail that passes by Fossil Ridge, Rainbow Mountain, Cave Hill, over Mormon Well Pass and onto the Alamo-Pahranagat Valley Road several miles from the small town of Alamo.

Visitors planning to tour either area are asked to stop at the Corn Creek Ranger Station and register. While no overnight camping is allowed, either route is short enough to allow ample time for plenty of exploring.

Six miles south of Mormon Well Road, the red and orange sandy slates common throughout the Sheep Mountains come into view. These particular outcroppings contain fossils and fragments of white quartzite are often found in drift fossil of the Devonian Period. Ridges extending form 1,000 feet or more display numerous fossils every step of the way.

Thick forest at either summit clothes the rolling hillsides in green among the trees where erosion has laid bare the rocks, and untold variety of Mother Nature's uniquely shaped sculptures are to be found. In spots, the crests of the higher hills are shaped like great fortresses. A large erosion hole looks much like the watchful eye of Argus and nomadic Indians believed these spirit eyes to be special places where the Great Spirit could be seen, and that he watched over them through this opening. Nearby is the twisted form of an ancient Bristlecone pine.

Nearing Mormon Well Summit one is aware of the many trails leading over the wooded hills. The ancient people also left flakes of chert and fragments of pottery as reminders of their presence.

Thus is found at the very doorway of Las Vegas a land unscathed by human destruction. Sometime in the near future visit the Sheep Mountains. Take the Alamo Road or the Mormon Well Road, park your car and explore the forest, the rocks, springs and dry lake. But most of all, the ancient trails leading to Ultima Thule.

Florine Lawlor is a native Las Vegan and a former writer for the Las Vegas Sun and Senior Press.