Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Description
ed
Rock Canyon National Conservation Area presents awe-inspiring views
most wouldn't expect to see near a major metropolitan city. In contrast
to the bright lights and hype of the Strip, Red Rock offers desert
beauty, towering red cliffs and abundant wildlife.
The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area receives 1.2 million visitors a year.
The
mountains in the Red Rock area were formed by a number of geological
forces including fractured faults where the earth's crust collided over
millions of years and fossilized sand dunes. Some cliffs reach up an
astounding 3,000 feet.
The sandstone rocks in the conservation
area get their color from iron oxide. Over centuries the iron oxide
built up, producing the vibrant, crimson color the canyon illustrates
today.
One of the more scenic parts of Red Rock Canyon is the
Keystone Thrust Fault. Here, millions of years ago, two of the earth's
plates collided with such force that part of one plate was shoved up and
over the other. This created a magnificent contrast between grey
limestone and red sandstone.
This amazing conservation area is
also home to about 200 different mammals which include burros, rabbits,
coyotes, bighorn sheep, red tailed hawks, golden eagles, hummingbirds
and even a few wild horses, bobcats and mountain lions.
The
13-mile scenic loop drive exposes visitors to the geological history and
splendor of the canyon. There are chances for photo opportunities at
various locations including Calico Hills' colorful sandstone, limestone
Indian roasting pits, Indian "handprints" and pictographs at Willow
Springs.
Since Red Rock Canyon is so isolated and quiet, many like
this recreational area as a temporary getaway from the craziness of the
Las Vegas Strip. It's also a popular location for weddings.
On certain trails, hikers can even witness waterfalls cascading into the canyon.
Red
Rock is open year-round and a favorite among many tourists, sightseers,
joggers, hikers and rock climbers. Visitors can also go horseback
riding.
Red Rock Canyon is part of the Mojave Desert, which stretches out to the corners of California, Utah, Arizona and Nevada.
Make
sure to check out the Red Rock Visitor Center, which is is bigger than
you can ever imagine. The massive outdoor exhibit may be hot during the
summer months, but there are plenty of areas in the shade as well as
water fountains at every corner.
The area is divided into four
large sections: Earth, Air, Fire and Water. Within these four sections,
you'll get a chance to read about history, geography and animal and
plant life. One of the fascinating facts about Red Rock is that it has
10,000 years of human history. You'll see artwork (petroglyphs) as well
as fire pits, giving you an idea how native people lived.
If
you're lucky, you might get a peek at Mojave Max, the center's desert
"spokes" tortoise. There are also seven female tortoises outside, so if
Max is hiding you might see one of them. On certain days of the week,
the workers give them ground-up plants with water, packed with plenty of
nutrients.
The exhibit also features enlarged maps of the 19
different hiking trails, complete with highlights of each one.You can
have a picnic at Willow Springs, or even see springs and waterfalls at
Ice Box Canyon and Lost Creek. There is also a list of hiking tips just
outside the gift shop.
You'll learn that this area is a lot more
colorful than ever. The interactive stations also include information on
several different animals including deer, sheep, squirrels, burros,
kangaroo rats, kit foxes, rabbits, roadrunners and much more. You'll
also read a slew of fun animal facts. For instance, did you know that
the ground squirrel uses its white fluffy tail like an umbrella to cool
off his back? There is also information about creatures you may not have
heard of, like the ring tail cat. This unique animal looks like a small
fox with a raccoon tail. You'll even learn more about all the
vibrant-colored birds (like hummingbirds and partridges) that dwell in
the desert.
In addition to all the creatures, there is more to
Red Rock than just cactus trees and sage bushes. The visitor center also
provides information about all the types of flora, from the desert
wildflowers to the purple mats and desert marigolds. Other desert plant
life includes coyote tobacco, buckhorn cholla and the famous Joshua
tree, home to birds, lizards, mice and more.
The gift shop sells
hiking sticks (complete with bells), Southwest-inspired artwork, a
variety of stuffed animals and much more. Make sure to stop by the front
desk before you leave to grab free pamphlets and more information about
the different hikes.
0 comments:
Post a Comment