Corn Creek Station (DNWR) - Trip Notes for 05/27/2017

{Click on an image to enlarge, then use the back button to return to this page}

This page last updated on 05/27/2017

(Fig. 01)

05/27/2017 Trip Notes: Today, Jim Herring and I visited Corn Creek Station for a short afternoon visit after going to the Paiute Powwow at Snow Mountain. Because of the recent months' lack of rain, it has left this place quite dry. We observed very little wildlife or bird activity and almost no flowering blossoms of any kind.  We did find one tree with some bright red blossoms. I think it was a Pomegranate (Punica proto punica). It still had some unripened pomegranate fruit (Fig. 01), as well as some blossoms that had yet to fall (Fig.02). Near some of the small stream emanating from the spring, there we some Blue Dasher Dragonflies (Pachydiplax longipennis)   Blue Dasher Dragonflies (Pachydiplax longipennis) (Fig. 03), as well as some Flame Skimmer Dragonflies (Libellula saturata) (Fig. 04). Other than these, we found very little else worth photographing. 
                               

(Fig. 02)

(Fig. 03)

(Fig. 04)

Return to the Corn Creek summary page [Corn Creek Station Summary Page]

Corn Creek Station (DNWR) - Trip Notes for 07/01/2016.

 {Click on an image to enlarge, then use the back button to return to this page}

This page last updated on 06/15/2017

(Fig. 01)

07/01/2016 Trip Notes: We stopped here on our way to visit Lee Canyon. Even though we didn't stay long and only hiked about a third of the trails, we go to get witness some nice views (Figs. 01 & 02) and experience several things we had not seen before. While hiking around the pond, I took these pictures of dozens of crayfish skirting the edges of the pond (Fig. 03). Even though I had seen some on a previous visit here, there were never this many nor this big. Bob found a couple of small toads along the edges of the trails (Fig. 04). In addition to dozens of lizards (Fig. 05), Ij also spotted several rabbits (Fig. 06).

(Fig. 02)

(Fig. 03)

(Fig. 04)

(Fig. 05)

(Fig. 06)

(Fig. 07)

Return to the [Corn Creek Station - DNWR - Summary Page]

Corn Creek Station (DNWR) – Trip Notes for 04/04/2015

{Click on any image to view full size, then use the back button on your browser to return to this page}

(Fig. 01)

04/04/2015 Trip Notes: My neighbor and fellow hiking partner, Blake Smith (Fig. 02), and I have been recently getting together for some morning hikes. Today we decided to drive out to Corn Creek, about 40 minutes north of the city. Even though we have both been here on numerous occasions in the past, its quite solitude, oasis-like atmosphere is always a welcome retreat from the city. Just walking around taking in the scenery and listening to the birds makes for a very relaxing time. The picture in (Fig. 01) is looking west towards Mummy Mountain in the Spring Mountain Range. The fencing was once part of the original coral that was used to show off Desert Bighorn Sheep back when this place was a private ranch. The view in (Fig. 03) is looking east towards the Sheep Range from spot along the Birdsong Loop trail. (Fig. 04) is a shot taken along the Bighorn Loop trail as we headed back to the Railroad Tie Cabin (Fig. 05) that is located on the Coyote Loop trail. Even though everything was much greener (Fig. 06) than on my last visit, it was still a little early in the spring season, as many cactus, plants and trees had yet to fully bloom. Even so, we were able to catch a few plants and trees that were starting to bloom, as well as a large morning dove that was perched high on some branches (Figs. 07-11). All total we spent nearly two hours walking about 1.5 miles of trails and viewing the movie in the new visitors center. For pictures and information on the visitors center go to ... Corn Creek Station (DNWR) - Trip Notes for 02/22/2014.

(Fig. 02) (Fig. 03)

(Fig. 04) (Fig. 05)

(Fig. 06)

(Fig. 07)

(Fig. 08)

(Fig. 09)

(Fig. 10)

(Fig. 11)

Click here to [Return to the Previous Page]

Corn Creek Station (DNWR) – Trip Notes for 02/13/2014

{Click on an image to enlarge, then use the back button to return to this page}

This page last updated on 04/21/2017

(Fig. 01)

(Fig. 02) Corn Creek Station, more commonly called Corn Creek, is the gateway to the 2.5 million acre Desert National Wildlife Range. After just one year of construction, the new Visitor Center (Fig. 01) opened on December 20, 2013, replacing the primitive, open air display area and restrooms that greeted visitors in the past (Fig. 02). This new 11,000 square foot structure houses exhibits, a gift shop/bookstore, classrooms, and administrative offices for staff personnel. Even though the doors are open now, mostly on the weekends, some exhibits, as well as the exterior landscaping, are still being worked on. A walking path starts at the entrance area and leads around to the back of the building (Fig. 03), under a covered seating area, to a small, spring fed pond and shaded seating and picnic area. This pathway then continues on to the entrance (Fig. 04) of the properties half dozen walking trails (Fig. 05).

(Fig. 03)

(Fig. 04)

(Fig. 05)

Because we made only a short stop here after our drive to Gass Peak Road and an attempt to hike to the top of Fossil Ridge, I only took a quick walk past the pond (Fig. 06) and around the Coyote Loop Trail (Fig. 05). This northern portion of this trail passes by the “Railroad Tie Cabin” (Fig. 07), built from the ‘ties’ from the Las Vegas and Tonopah Railroad after it ceased operation and was abandoned. This cabin home was occupied until 1939, when the property was taken over by the government. The southern portion of this trail follows the spring fed stream (Fig. 08) that flows through and out of the new pond. (Figs. 09 & 10) are examples of some of the wildlife I spotted while making this short walk.

(Fig. 06)

(Fig. 07)

(Fig. 08)

(Fig. 09)

(Fig. 10)

Click her to [Return to the Previous Page]

Corn Creek Station (DNWR) – Trip Notes for 02/22/2014

{Click on an image to enlarge, then use the back button to return to this page}

This page last updated on 04/21/2017

(Fig. 01)

Today I attended the grand opening of Corn Creek Station’s new Visitor Center (Fig. 01), a 1,000 square-foot building with exhibit space, as well as administrative offices and a new maintenance building. The project also included enlarged parking areas for visitors and employees, new signing for trails and rehabilitation of disturbed landscaping. Funding for the $7 million project came from the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act. The picture below (Fig. 02) is a shot of the building’s rear from the sites’ newly constructed cement pond, which also makes water accessible for use in the new building's air-conditioning and fire-suppression systems. Inside, there is a small gift shop and nearly a dozen informative exhibit areas that highlight the offerings of Corn Creek and the uniqueness of the Desert National Wildlife Range and its offerings. I have to admit that I was surprised by how many people this event drew. The place was mobbed. I got there at 12:30 and they had already run out of food. Though I walked three of its main trails, needless to say there were so many people on the trails, that trying to capture pictures of any birds or wildlife was nearly impossible. I was however, able to get a few pictures of some crayfish (Fig. 03 & 04) and other small fish that were in the small spring fed stream that runs along the south side of the Jackrabbit Loop trail. The collage in (Fig. 05) is a compilation of pictures I took while hiking along the .5 mile Birdsong Loop Trail; one of the few remaining trails that still retains its natural effect. While hiking the southern end of the Coyote Loop trail, I capture this picture, titled “Diving Headfirst” (Fig. 06) of a bee gathering nectar from the blossom of a beautiful tree, though I not sure what it is (help anyone?). Finally, on the north end of Coyote Loop trail is the Railroad Tie Cabin. This was the first time I have ever seen it open to the public, allowing me to capture the interior pictures found in the collage in (Fig. 07). More information below.

(Fig. 02)

(Fig. 03) (Fig. 04)

(Fig. 05)

(Fig. 06) Title - "Diving Headfirst"

(Fig. 07)

Even though ancient cultures left their marks on this land, most evidence found here derives from the pioneers of more recent times. White settlers farmed the area, and a cabin, built with railroad ties, links the area to the rise and fall of local mining and industrialization. When the mines played out, the railroads failed, pulled up the track and moved on. Local ranchers gathered the ties for reuse as buildings, fence posts, and other things. It was built from ‘ties’ from the Las Vegas and Tonopah Railroad after it ceased operation and was abandoned. This cabin home was occupied until 1939, when the property was taken over by the government.                                     Click her to [Return to the Previous Page]

Daytrip - Corn Creek Field Station

04/19/2012 - Rather than create separate blog entries for each visit to this location, I simply insert a new "Trip Notes" section below to describe the most recent visit and display some of the day's pics. Any additional pictures taken are then added to the slideshow at the bottom of the post. (Scroll down to view) 

{Click on any image to view full size, then use the back button on your browser to return to this page}

Destination: Corn Creek Field Station on The Desert Wildlife Range Distance from Point of Origin: 35 Miles. Estimated (One Way) Travel Time: 45 minutes. Directions: From the Stratosphere Casino head northeast on Las Vegas Blvd about 3 miles and turn left onto US-93/95, keeping on the left for 95 North towards Reno. Following US-95 North towards the Mt. Charleston area, drive 27 miles, past the turn to Mt. Charleston (Kyle Canyon Rd.), and continue on the freeway until you come to the small brown CORN CREEK sign and a row of mailboxes on the right (East side). Turn here and head east. Once you've turned off the freeway, you'll go 4 miles on a gravel road. The Corn Creek field station will be on your left.  General Description: Corn Creek, is the main entrance/access to The Desert Wildlife Range, an area of more than 1.5 million acres. It is a refreshing, green desert oasis located on the edge of a broad, flat valley at the foot of the Sheep Mountains. Several springs in the area provide water for Honey Mesquite, Cottonwood Trees, and wetland plant species. Fossil records show that mammoths, giant ground sloths, camels, lions, ancient horses, and bison once lived in the area. Ancient peoples lived and hunted at the springs as many as 10,000 years ago. The area was inhabited in the 1700's by Paiute Indians, by Mormon settlers in 1850's, pioneers and ranchers in 1900's (wagon/stage stop), and purchased by the Gov't in 1936. There are some really nice meandering trails which take you over and along the creek, several ponds, by some historic ranch buildings, and under shady trees. The trails around the Corn Creek field station are well maintained and quite easy.. Special Attraction or Points of Interest: Corn Creek is a bird magnet - more than 240 species have been recorded here. Everything eventually shows up here. During spring and summer, watch for Phainopepla, desert warblers, desert sparrows, thrashers, and hummingbirds; and during fall, watch for migrants and eastern warblers. This site is also good for falcons, accipiters, flycatchers, orioles, tanagers, grosbeaks, and buntings. Winter generally is quiet, but there is always something flitting about. To bird the area, walk the 0.75-mile loop trail that generally follows the perimeter of the area. This trail starts at the parking area, heads west along the south edge of the three ponds, then circles around the west end of the boneyard (the maintenance storage area), and comes back on the north side of the boneyard and ponds, passing the Pahrump Poolfish habitat on the way. Primary Activity: Hiking/Birding. Secondary Activities: Photographing. Elevation: 2,934 feet at the parking area. Best Time To Visit: Available for visitation and hiking year round, the best time to visit and see the most birds would be in the Spring and Fall. Though the Wildlife Range is always open, Corn Creek Station is only open sunrise to sunset. Difficulty: This 1-mile loop trail is easy hiking. Corn Springs contains hiking trails, wildllife viewing sites, archaeological sites, and wilderness areas. Facilities: Restroom facilities are available at the trailhead. Estimated Round-trip Time: Minimum of 2-1/2 hours depending upon how much hiking and picture taking you want to do.

More Information on Corn Creek: http://www.aba.org/wingingit/v17n5p1.pdf

04/19/2012 Trip Notes: With only five months left till completion, it appears that there is still a lot work to be accomplished here. I still didn't like the look of the "new" pond and am still hoping they do some additional landscaping to make it look more natural. Though they still have to finish clearing a lot of dead brush, the lengthening of the main trail and the addition of a couple of new ones seemed to be a nice improvement. 

This oasis is filled with a wide variety of trees, plants and desert shrub, however, it appeared that it was still too early in the season as many were only in the early stages of budding and beginning to bloom. It was also quite evident that this year’s lack of rainfall was having a very negative effect. I noticed several areas that were “bone dry”, where upon previous visits they were quite saturated or contained standing water.  This is a great place to do some birding, however, without a powerful telephoto lens, most flitter back and forth in the tree tops making them very difficult to capture.

Just as “Buster” and I entered this portion of the trail, off in the distance what appeared to be a large Blue Heron flew across the sky in front of us. He was long gone by the time I readied my camera for a shot. These shots are looking west with the Mt. Charleston ski resort in the distance.

09/01/2011 Trip Notes:  I visited Corn Creek for the third time this year on another daytrip with the rock hounds from the Heritage Park Senior Facility. At the time of our visit, they were about four months into a 15 month construction project, the first major improvement there in decades. The project includes construction of a 11,000 square-foot visitor center with exhibit space, as well as administrative offices and a new maintenance building. When completed in late 2012, the project will include enlarged parking areas for visitors and employees, new signing for trails and rehabilitation of disturbed landscaping. Funding for the $7 million project comes from the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act. Though far from completion, I must admit, that I didn't like the "new" pond. I certainly hope they do some additional landscaping to make it look more natural. The good news was that I did get a few more pictures to add to this post and to the slideshow at the bottom. 

To read more about this plant, go to the following page ... Yellow Spine Thistle.

04/07/2011 Trip Notes: We made a brief stop here on our way to Mt. Charleston. This time around there was a lot more construction, dredging and clearing being done on the pond and some of the trails directly behind the parking area. Unfortunately, all of this work seemed to 'scare' away a lot of the birds.

02/03/2011 Trip Notes: I first visited Corn Creek on 02/03/2011 on a daytrip with the rock hounds from the Heritage Park Senior Facility. Because it was only February, it was very cold and there were only a few scattered birds around the property. There was actually "ice" in a few places along the creek areas. They were getting ready to divert the creek so they could begin work on dredging the main pond area.

Corn Creek info Kiosk and restroom facility located next to the parking area.

Map showing the size of the Corn Creek area relative to the size of the Desert National Wildlife Refuge.

If you are interested in more information about this area, a report outlining the history of Corn Creek as well as the results of the archaeological survey and limited excavations conducted within the Corn Creek National Register Archaeological District can be found at Corn Creek History. This important work was conducted for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by HRA, Inc. in 2002. This is a condensed version of two separate technical documents as well as other pertinent research prepared by HRA, Inc. on behalf of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the scientific community and interested general public. To facilitate easier viewing and downloading, the report has been divided in reasonably small files. You will need Adobe Acrobat version 4.0 or later to view the files.

---

The slideshow below is designed to run automatically in place. Clicking anywhere in the black background area that surrounds the picture being shown will PAUSE the show and bring up the Pause, Forward and Back menu at the bottom of the slideshow window, allowing you to start, stop or manually forward pictures one at a time.

To view the slideshow full-screen, click in the middle of the running show. When the new browser window appears, click on the left side of the menu where it says "slideshow".

Slideshow Description: Having added some new pictures from my recent hike, this slideshow now contains 54 pictures captured along the properties various paths and walking trails.