Hidden gems exist along isolated Sheep Mountain trails

leslie payne/special to viewA trail marker near Corn Creek Station marks various destination points for visitors out to explore a day in the Sheep Mountains.

The Sheep Mountains do not boast towering peaks or magnificent heights, but some of the most ruggedly spectacular scenery in Southern Nevada lies within the range's domain. Patronage by man has so far taken little toll, for roads leading in and out of these mountains are rough and seldom traveled. In the farthest reaches are narrow, sage-strewn meadows broken occasionally by tumbled outcroppings and vast stretches of verdant forests, with the exception of an ancient trail over the mountains that was used by nomadic people and early settlers traveling to and from Las Vegas and Pahranagat Valley.

Corn Creek, at the foot of the Sheep Mountains, was a natural camping ground for those on their way over the mountains and back 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 range, a few hundred feet above the dunes, is a network of trails. Some lead to nothing, but others lead to fallen-down shacks and piles of rusted cans left by some forgotten seeker.

Actually, there are two trails leading over the mountains from Corn Creek. One leads directly into Pahranagat Valley via White Sage Flat, Cone Mountain and through Cabin Springs Dry Lake and Owl Valley. The other trail traverses Fossil Ridge, Rainbow Mountain, Cave Hill, winds over Mormon Well Pass and continues on to 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 their day's activities. While no overnight camping is allowed, either route is short enough to allow plenty of time for great 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 from the Devonian Period. Ridges extending for 1,000 feet or more display numerous fossils every step of the way.

Thick forests on either side of the summit clothe the rolling hillsides in green. Among the trees where erosion has laid bare the rocks, an untold variety of 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. The nomadic peoples believed these "spirit eyes" to be 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 immediately 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.

Sometime in the near future, make a point to visit the Sheep Mountains to discover a land unscathed by human destruction at the very doorway to Las Vegas.

Take the Alamo Road or the Mormon Well Road, park your vehicle and explore the forest, the rocks, the springs and the dry lakes. But most of all, enjoy 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.