Canyon hike is cool all around

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Over the next few months, those hitting the trails need to head to higher ground. One of the closest places for quality, cool-weather hiking is Kyle Canyon, in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, about an hour north of Las Vegas.

Although there are many excellent hikes here, ranging from toddler-friendly trails to strenuous peak hikes, Mary Jane Falls might well be the best one, especially if your group is composed of different ages and abilities.

The trail is only 3 miles round-trip, but might be a bit challenging to some, as it has an elevation gain of around 1,000 feet. Furthermore, if you live in Las Vegas, you will be at an altitude 5,000 feet higher before you even get out of your vehicle. Don't be surprised if the thin alpine air affects your stamina.

From the signed trailhead, the route is obvious -- just head up the wide and well-defined trail. Notice the rip-rap -- rocks set in place along the trail to help prevent erosion and ones that children find irresistible to walk along, testing their balancing skills.

The trail starts out as a pleasant stroll through a forest of ponderosa pines, white fir, aspens and mountain mahogany, with an understory of thistle, elderberry and willow. Along the lower part of this trail, you'll also find some rare wildflowers, including a species called rough angelica (Angelica scabrida), which also is found in avalanche chutes in these mountains, yet nowhere else in the world.

After about one-third of a mile, the hike changes dramatically and you'll have to start doing some work. Here you'll begin the steady ascent up a steep slope, helped along by twelve switchbacks which make the walk longer but less steep.

If you have children along, this is a good place to teach them the importance of staying on the official trail and how taking shortcuts wreaks havoc on trails, causing washouts, and destroying plant life that in many cases takes decades or longer to recover.

You'll notice where the U.S. Forest Service, along with various volunteer groups, have placed jute netting, logs and branches along the slope to protect and restore the area from past damage.

You will probably see a chipmunk or two. There are two species in this area, the Panamint and Palmer's chipmunks. Palmer's is a species unique to the Spring Mountains and is usually found at an elevation of about 8,000 feet, where the dominant vegetation is ponderosa, as on this trail. The more abundant Panamint has a wider range. They look almost identical except the Palmer's is slightly larger and a brighter color.

The final switchback leads you up to the base of the limestone cliffs, where you will follow along the cliff base over a mix of natural and man-made steps that lead you to the falls. The perennial water flow is from two springs located high on the cliff wall, well over 100 feet above.

During heavy run-off, you will find three or more waterfalls. Watch your footing as the terrain becomes increasingly uneven, and beneath the falls it is rocky and slippery. Every time I have visited I have seen one or two people take a painful pratfall to the ground.

As tempting as it may be, resist climbing up inside the large overhang next to the falls because of the fragile plant life. But there are some natural steps that allow you to climb up and take a good look into this natural shelter.

On the far side of the falls, look for the well worn spur trail, which will lead you to a small cave, worth the visit and a good place to stop, relax, and take in the view. This is a popular hike, so don't expect much solitude, but it is a good one to familiarize yourself with Kyle Canyon. And that will be a good idea, because most people like what they find here, and will soon be coming back to try its other trails.

Deborah Wall is the author of "Great Hikes, A Cerca Country Guide," published by Stephens Press. She can be reached at Deborabus@aol.com.