First, it's the best way to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time, but second -- the desert sun is blazing hot. The average summer temperature in the canyon is a searing 34 C. Why exert yourself more than necessary?
Images: At Red Rock Conservation Area
Images: Along the Vegas Strip
Just 30 km west of Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon seems worlds away from "the strip," and the continuous chinking sounds of the slot machines.
This is a land of mountains, canyons, and springs, with an abundance of animal life -- 45 species of mammals, 100 birds and 30 reptiles and amphibians -- and no fewer than eight major plant communities, The four-hour tour takes you from one spectacular viewpoint to another, each one seemingly as impressive as the last. Surprisingly, though, there are very few vehicles on the roads, and most of the people we do see are on bicycles.
One of the first stops is at the newly opened Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Visitor Center. Most of the exhibits, which focus on the four themed elements: Earth, wind, fire and water, are outside, where the Red Rocks provide a scenic backdrop and the solar-powered air conditioner keeps visitors cool.
For most of its history, Red Rock Canyon was below a shallow sea. As the waters evaporated over time, the limestone ocean floor emerged and became a dry land mass due to earthquake activity. Sand, started to accumulate creating dunes, and at some stage, iron in the sand rusted, resulting in the red hues you see today.
While you're here, look for the tortoise, the state reptile. Seven of them live in an enclosure including, "Mojave Max," who every year awakes from months of slumber to signal the arrival of spring. Max and three of his pals make an appearance during our visit.
Back in the jeep, we head out on a 20-km scenic loop, stopping at the brilliantly coloured Calico Hills, where our guide hands us binoculars to watch the daring rock climbers up close. The area is considered one of the top five climbing destinations in the U.S. and has more than 2,000 climbing routes.
There are hikers too, who have 19 trails from which to choose. These range from the easy one-hour return Willow Springs Loop, to the strenuous four-hour hike to Turtlehead Peak.
Continuing on the loop road, we learn of the dangers of flash floods -- something that's hard to imagine on such a dry, hot day. Guide Carol Keane, relays the story of a woman who was stranded during one of these sudden events. Searching for higher ground, she stood on the roof of her car and called for help. A fire truck arrived on the scene, but soon the firemen became stranded, too. Eventually, all had to be airlifted to safety.
Another scenic stop is at High Point Overlook, elevation 1,445 metres, where we're surrounded by the Spring Mountains. Off in the distance is the 65-million-year-old Keystone Thrust -- the result of two of the Earth's crustal plates colliding, forcing older limestone and dolomite plates from the ancient seas over younger red and white sandstones. Sit back and enjoy the view from one of the benches made of recycled plastic.
At Willow Springs, the next destination, we see our first pictograph.
Halfway up a large boulder are five handprints painted on the rock surface. Nearby is another prehistoric feature -- a roasting pit, which I'd read about at the visitor centre. The circular areas of fire-cracked, whitened limestone, were used to roast agave hearts, desert tortoise, and other foods.
So far, we've been travelling on paved roads, but now we veer off onto gravel for some off-road driving on the Rocky Gap Route. The guide shows us where you can get a photo of yourself rock climbing. (If you frame it right, no one will know you're just half a metre off the ground and not dangerously high on a precarious cliff!)
Most people would think it was a sure bet -- this is gambling country after all -- that the Vegas "strip" and Red Rock Canyon have nothing in common. But I beg to differ. Both are awe-inspiring -- albeit for different reasons.
writer@interlog.com
Go wild
Animals that can be seen at Red Rock Canyon include bobcats, mountain lions, desert bighorn sheep, badgers, coyotes, scorpions, tarantulas, ground squirrels and rattlesnakes. The area is also home to several groups of wild burros and wild horses (Nevada has more wild horses than any other state). These live in groups called bands that range in size from three to 13 animals. The bands originated from animals that escaped or were abandoned by settlers, ranchers, prospectors and/or Native American tribes. The best chance of seeing wild horses is south of State Route 160, while most of the burros live north of State Route 160.
More information
Check PinkJeep.com or call 888-900-4480 or 702-895-6777. The four-hour Red Rock Canyon tour is $94 US per person and is offered in the morning and afternoon. For Nevada tourism information, check travelnevada.com.
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