The La Madre Mountain Wilderness area is made up of 47,180 acres (73.71 square miles) in Clark County, Nevada and is located west of Las Vegas. Within the wilderness area, which is administered by the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management, is La Madre Mountain, along with multiple archaeological areas. Parts of the Wilderness Area are located within Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area as well as the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. The La Madre Mountain Wilderness is one of southern Nevada’s largest wilderness areas and within its confines, you can experience canyons, ridges, and mountain peaks.
As a result of an elevation range of 6,000 feet (1,829 meters), you can encounter diverse plant and animal life within its confines. At its highest elevation, 9,600 feet (2,926 meters), for example, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and elk can seek cooler temperatures during summer months. The La Madre Wilderness Area is also a place where you can view pictographs, petroglyphs and rock shelters among multiple prehistoric sites.
If you are seeking the chance to enjoy recreation and experience history and culture among diverse scenery, check out La Madre Mountain Wilderness during your next vacation.
From Las Vegas, take US-95 N to NV-157 W/Kyle Canyon Rd. After exiting, keep left to continue to NV-157W/Kyle Canyon Rd, onto which you will turn left. Continue for 8.1 miles (13 km) until you reach Harris Springs Rd, onto which you will make a left. Harris Springs Rd is a gravel road that is well-maintained. Continue on Harris Springs Rd until you arrive in the La Madre Mountains Wilderness Area. Road conditions can vary.
Parking is available with the La Madre Mountain Wilderness.
Public transportation is not available to the La Madre Mountain Wilderness.
The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Campground is a perfect place to use as a home base during a trip to explore the La Madre Mountain Wilderness. About 20 miles (32.2 km) from the Las Vegas Strip, you can easily access any amenities you need while still getting away from it all.
There are 53 individual campsites along with seven group sites that can accommodate up to 20 people. Sites offer a grill, fire pit and picnic table (some of which are covered) and vault toilets, trash can, and drinking water are all available at the campground. Relax and take in the unique scenery of Red Rock Canyon as you relax after a day of fun!
A little more than an hour from the La Madre Mountain Wilderness Area is the Valley of Fire State Park, which is Nevada’s oldest and largest state park, and features red rocks, petrified wood, and petroglyphs. The park is also home to Atlatl Rock Campground, which includes 43 sites, each with a shaded table and grill.
The campground, which is first-come, first-served, offers restrooms, showers (coin-operated), drinking water and a dump station. Sites with water and electric hook-ups are available and RV’s trailers of up to 30 feet can be accommodated. From Atlatl Rock Campground, you can easily access all the La Madre Mountain Wilderness, as well as all the Valley of Fire State Park, has to offer.
When visiting the La Madre Mountain Wilderness, you will find plenty of opportunities for hiking, allowing you to explore the area and experience the diversity that it offers. Take in the landscape and plant life at different elevations on a hike that meets your ability.
Keep in mind that it is best to avoid hiking in the area during the summer months when temperatures are particularly high and be sure to bring plenty of water for your hike!
For those seeking opportunities for rock climbing, you will find plenty during a visit to the La Madre Mountain Wilderness. The La Madre range has limestone cliffs at a low elevation that are great for climbers to explore. Difficulty varies (5.8-5.13) at the cliffs and the quality of the rocks is good (though watch for the very sharp rocks that can be found). Late fall to late spring is the best time to climb.
A short walk that starts at the Willow Springs Picnic Area parking lot within the Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area will lead you to Petroglyph Wall, where you can view rock art on a cliff-side that is believed to be from at least 800 years ago. Lost Creek-Children’s Discovery is another easy walk where you can view pictographs, offering the chance to take in some of the history of the area.
While activities involving water may not seem to exist in the area surrounding Las Vegas, it turns out that the La Madre Mountain Wilderness is less than an hour from the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
The waters of the lake will be particularly appealing during warmer months, providing the opportunity to cool off. You will find plenty to do at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area in addition to swimming, including boating, hiking, fishing, and camping.
With 29 campsites, Arch Rock Campground in the Valley of Fire State Park features campsites surrounded by red rock formations, which some of the sites separated by towering sandstone rocks. Sites, which are first-come, first-served, include a picnic table and fire ring and the campground includes bathrooms, drinking water, and coin-operated showers.
RVs and trailers that are up to 30 feet long can be accommodated and electric and water hook-ups are available at some of the sites. After a day of outdoor adventure, return to your campsite at Arch Rock Campground and relax among its unique scenery, recharging for more fun the next day!
The Southern Nevada Conservancy and Bureau of Land Management develop activities for visitors who are interested in the Red Rock Canyon Wilderness Area.
Led by Red Rock Canyon naturalists, these activities are free to participate in and include tabletop presentations, guided hikes, opportunities to meet authors and artists and even the chance to spend time with Jackson, the Red Rock Canyon Burro!
During your visit to the La Madre Mountain Wilderness Area, you will find yourself pretty close to Las Vegas, where you can check out Nostalgia Street Rods. Offering a private collection of cars from 1910 to 1965, the museum is home to everything from street rods to scooters. You can also view a variety of memorabilia (sports and music) and antiques during your visit. There is something for everyone at this unique museum.
