The White Rock Loop circles the White Rock Hills, a large sandstone complex at the base of La Madre Mountain. This biologically diverse trail is highlighted by exceptional views, anthropological sites and access to Willow Springs, White Rock Springs and La Madre Springs. Bighorn sheep are frequently seen on these high sandstone cliffs and around the springs.

The White Rock Loop follows an ecologically diverse route that includes blackbrush flats, spring microhabitats and pinyon-juniper woodlands

The south side of the loop offers rangy views across Bridge Mountain (6,460'), Rainbow Mountain (6,924') and Mt Wilson (7,070')

Four O' Clocks are named so for their tendency to open petals in the late afternoon and remain open all night

The dull grey striations of 500M year old limestone and dolostone contrast sharply with the red and tan sandstone of the White Rock Hills

Desert bighorn sheep have a complex 9-stage digestive process that allows them to maximize low-nutrient food sources

An agave roasting pit is located just off trail near the White Rock - Keystone Thrust Trail split

Manzanita berries have a large pit and hard shell, but the tart flesh inside is edible (and quite good)

Thrust faulting events that began 65M years ago forced older limestone rock like that of La Madre Mountain above younger sandstone layers like those of the Calico and White Rock Hills

Red Bud Tree flowers produce pea-like pods that may remain on the tree well into winter; flowering trees near La Madre Spring are a great place to see hummingbirds

There are over 2000 designated climbing routes in Red Rock Canyon

Desert Sage favors alluvial slopes from creosote scrub communities to pinyon-juniper woodlands

The trail drops from White Rock Spring Trailhead through sparse blackbrush and creosote ecotones

Red Rock Canyon's 40 springs and many natural water catchments supported desert-dwelling tribes for thousands of years

Flax is not very common in the Mojave Desert, but does appear near springs and streams

Ephedra plant species (commonly and collectively referred to as Mormon Tea) can be boiled into a tea and used as a decongestant or stimulant

Agave was an important year-round food source for native people; the plant could be eaten raw, roasted, or pounded into sheets for later use

La Madre Springs percolate and trickle down from several points above the dam