When the temps start to soar in Las Vegas, the Spring Mountain National Recreation Area (better known as Mt. Charleston) is an alpine oasis. Visitors flock to the mountains to escape the heat and enjoy trails, campgrounds, and picnic areas. There are quite a few designated horse trails to choose from within the US Forest Service-managed area. In Lee Canyon, the Deer Creek Catch Pen Trail offers lots of miles, epic views, fun terrain, and if you’re lucky, a little water.
The Deer Creek Catch Pen Trail is connected to the Blue Tree Loop within the Sawmill Trail System. After crossing the road, the single track trail drops steeply into the Lee Canyon Narrows. The trail winds through a beautiful high desert biome of tall ponderosa pines, pinyon and juniper, mountain mahogany, sagebrush, and, in the lower elevations, Joshua trees. It climbs and descends several rolling hills and offers nice views of Mt. Charleston to the north and hundred mile views down and across the valley floor.
There are some fun landmarks on the Deer Creek Catch Pen Trail, including an old car half buried in the wash and the spring that gives the trail its name. At the spring above Deer Creek are the remnants of an old corral or pen. The spring itself is not a big producer, but if the winter snowpack was good, it may be a nice stop for horses to get a drink. Otherwise, it is little more than a seep. Folks have left several buckets at the spring to help collect water. (Apparently years ago there was a pipe for the water, but unfortunately that is gone now.)
Starting from Sawmill makes this a lollipop trail, with the main Deer Creek Catch Pen loop section between Lee Canyon and Kyle Canyon. The whole lollipop is 17 miles which would make for a long day ride. Riding to the spring and back is a 12-mile round trip ride. The trail is relatively easy to follow but keep an eye out for cairns that marks the way across the rocky washes. It is moderately technical for some steep climbs and descents, narrow sections with sharp dropoffs and soft edges. The trail is rocky so boots or shoes are recommended.
Keep an eye out for wild burros and horses, as well as deer, elk, and other desert critters. Deer Creek Catch Pen is not super popular, but you could see hikers or bicyclists. Like most trails at Mt. Charleston, you’ll want to ride here after the snow is gone.
Getting Here
Where to Park: The Sawmill Trailhead has a large day use parking area and equestrian parking area. You’ll find designated horse trailer pull through parking for many rigs, as well as hitching posts. There are also picnic tables and grills around the parking area for day use, and restrooms. There is no water. From here, follow the blue trail signs to cross the street.
Trail Maps
