A family-friendly hike with members of Las Vegas ICO

Wild Horse Loop is an especially interesting, 2.2-mile (600-ft elevation gain) hike following a use-trail into the Spring Mountains starting in Wild Horse Canyon and looping back along Wild Horse Ridge. Although this loop is classified as moderate, we will hike at a slow, leisurely pace and take frequent rest stops with the goal of thoroughly enjoying the natural beauty found on this route.
From our start in the narrow lower end of the canyon, we continue through a shady forest, followed by a wet meadow. Since it’s springtime we expect to see some flowing water and blooming Scented Shootingstars and Western Columbines before taking the trail up to grand views of the surrounding mountain peaks and of the desert valley from rocky Wild Horse Ridge (high point at 9,000 ft elevation). The limestone cliffs of Mummy Mountain tower 2,500 feet above while the vast expanse of the desert stretches to the horizon some 6,000 feet below. The vegetation on the sunny and dry ridge is interesting because it supports tree species usually found at lower elevations.
This is a family friendly hike, and children over the age of six accompanied by parent or guardian are invited and encouraged to attend! (Dogs on leash are also welcome). Along the way, we will tell the children about what we see, and maybe even have a fun game or two when we take breaks!

After the hike, we will meetup at the parking area and have a light lunch (provided by the Sierra Club!) and talk about Las Vegas Inspiring Connections Outdoors, our program designed to get children outside. We hope that you will be inspired by the hike and maybe inspired to help us grow our ICO Program!
Recommended Items: Wear good walking/hiking shoes, dress in layers for the weather, and bring water and maybe some extra snacks (the leaders will have some for the rest stop). Hiking poles are optional. Rain gear is a good idea in these mountains! You might also want to bring a camp chair or two if you have them so that you can relax while we eat and talk after the hike! (We will provide a few chairs ourselves...)
Additional Directions: We will meet at the parking area on the east side of NV-158, Deer Creek Rd, just north of and across from Wild Horse Canyon Trailhead (no signs), roughly 5 miles north along NV-158 (Deer Creek Rd.) from its junction with NV-157 (Kyle Canyon Rd). The parking area is 0.3 miles past the North Loop Trailhead and 0.2 miles before reaching the Mahogany Grove Group Campground.