The primary reason we
treasure Red Rock is the
intrinsic beauty of the
area. Beyond that, it is a
haven for urban dwellers
that is literally next door
to Las Vegas.
It is
internationally known
to rock climbers and it
provides much-needed
opportunities for hiking,
bird watching, cycling
and camping"
Senator Dina Titus
Chair, Legislative
Commissions Committee to
Study the Protection of Nevadas
Natural Treasures
For more information contact
Lisa Mayo-DeRiso
Scenic Nevada
7311 Falvo Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89131
(702) 259-0452
mayoderiso@aol.com
Heather Fisher
Nevada Scenic Byways Coalition
P.O. Box 281
29 Cerrito Street
Blue Diamond, NV 89004
(702) 875-4803
Photos by
Paul Arnold
Las Vegas Outdoors
Sunsetcities Photo
Sunsetcities.com/redrock
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Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area — Southern Nevada
Summary
Rising about 3,000 feet from the valley floor, the massive sandstone cliffs of Red Rock Canyon, which once attracted ancient people, today continues to beckon visitors with the promise of peace and relaxation, as well as a myriad of recreational opportunities.
Special federal legislation in 1990 declared the region a National Conservation Area, the seventh to be designated nationally. The law's mission is “to conserve, protect and enhance [the area] for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations ... Red Rock Canyon is host to 1.25 million visitors annually, more than any of the other 13 national conservation areas in the country.
As many as six Native American cultures might have been present in the region during the millennia; numerous petroglyphs remain today. Recreational activities include hiking, bicycling, camping, horseback riding and stargazing.
The Landscape
Red Rock Canyon is a narrow valley of 198,000 acres that lies just about 15 miles west of downtown Las Vegas in the eastern Mojave Desert. The valley includes a number of yearround springs. The red sandstone is part of the Navajo Formation, a geologic feature found in Zion National Park. 
The layered strata can be seen from almost anywhere in Las Vegas. Iron minerals in the rocks that have been altered and concentrated give the rock its striking red color. About 600 species of plants are known in the area.
Common types on the canyon floor include the Joshua tree, Mojave yucca, banana yucca, creosote and black brush. Higher up, the Utah juniper and scrub live oak dominate and ponderosa pines are found along the canyons and cliffs. Red Rock is home to the endangered Blue Diamond cholla. Wild burros are a familiar sight, along with rabbits and ground squirrels. The conservation area also is protected habitat for the desert tortoise.
The Threat
The scenic byway through Red Rock Canyon often is clogged with construction vehicles and commuter traffic. Encroaching development has pushed up against the two entrances of the conservation area,
creating unwanted traffic.
This growth has resulted in traffic that is uncommon to other conservation areas in the United States, so much so that cyclists, hikers and wildlife are at risk on a daily basis.
Further, more traffic flows through the canyon because nearby developments have been approved without adequate roads. The southwest commuter road, State Route 160 from Pahrump, has become congested, forcing some drivers to go as many as 30 miles out of their way, through Red Rock Canyon's once peaceful
and scenic byway, to find a quicker route to Las Vegas.
The Solution
Build a limited-access connector from State Route 160 to County Route 215 at the southwest corner of the beltway as a bypass for commuters and construction traffic (The Regional Transportation Commission is studying this option.)
Increase education and awareness by adding monument-style park entrance gates at both canyon entrances on State Route 159, with mandatory stop and toll, weight limit, 45-mile speed limit and educational materials.
Implement a series of improved pullouts and educational trailheads at canyons accessed by State Route 159 and connect them with a multi-use path running the length of the road.
Switch control from the federal Bureau of Land Management to the U.S. National Park Service, which is more equipped to handle the safety and protection issues at the park and along State Route 159.
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