Rogers Spring Loop Trail

Overview

This is a very short, paved loop (about 0.2 miles total) to a warm, desert spring—more of a scenic stroll than a hike. The path is wheelchair‑friendly and leads to a small, clear pool and a leafy ribbon of creek in stark contrast to the surrounding Mojave. Expect picnic tables, grills, and vault toilets at the day‑use area, and a peaceful nook to linger.

Trail Experience

From the parking area, the paved walkway reaches the spring pool in minutes with roughly 9 feet of total gain. The pool hosts lots of tiny fish, and the lush vegetation here draws birds—bring a camera and patience if you’re into casual wildlife viewing. While wading is permitted, do not submerge your head due to the risk of a parasitic amoeba. Plan extra time to sit in the shade and enjoy the oasis feel; the walking itself is over quickly.

Geology in Plain English

Rogers Spring and nearby Blue Point Spring are fed by a regional carbonate‑rock aquifer that starts far to the north, around the high country near Ely, Nevada. Groundwater travels south through limestone and dolomite and is forced upward along the Rogers Spring Fault where permeable carbonate rocks meet less‑permeable evaporite deposits. The result: warm water (about 80–86°F) rising to the surface year‑round and feeding this desert oasis.

History Snapshot

The springs have seen a few ambitious ideas: an early‑1900s effort to irrigate 500 acres via ditches (one channel nicknamed “Slim Creek” for the laxative effect of the water), a 1938–1943 push to build a waterfowl refuge that never finished, and a mid‑1950s tropical fish hatchery at Blue Point Spring. Today, the area functions as an easy, family‑friendly stop.

Best Time to Hike

You can visit year‑round, but the sweet spot is roughly March through October. Even for such a short loop, the sun can be intense—mornings or late afternoons are more comfortable and better for photos. Off‑peak hours are quieter.

Know Before You Go

• Dogs are allowed on leash.
• Stay on the paved path to protect sensitive spring habitat.
• Wading is okay, but do not put your head underwater.
• Facilities include picnic tables, grills, and vault toilets.
• Expect desert heat and little shade beyond the immediate spring area.
• If you want a longer outing, there’s a separate, unsigned singletrack in the area sometimes labeled “Rogers Springs Trail,” but it’s distinct from this short paved loop.