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Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (NCA), is a U.S. Bureau of Land Management area located on
the western edge of the Las Vegas Valley (map). In addition to other lands, the conservation area includes the spectacular red and white sandstone
cliffs that can be seen from town. The cliffs lie up against the Spring Mountains, and as the name implies, there are many springs out there.
The better birding is associated with springs, but there are no especially hot birding spots. The springs, however, are surrounded by Mojave
Desert scrub habitat, so they bring in desert species seeking water and insects associated with the riparian vegetation. While the birding at
Red Rocks rarely is spectacular, the scenery certainly is, and the place is worth a visit even for non-birders. Except for weekend afternoons
when it is too crowded, the Willow Springs Picnic Area usually has good birding.
For More Information and details of getting to Red Rocks, fees, hours, and other information, see the
Red Rock Canyon Overview Page.
Note that while the Red Rocks National Conservation Area is a very large place, locals refer to the Scenic Loop area as "Red Rocks."
When locals say they are going to Red Rocks, they are usually going to the Scenic Loop Drive area.
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Willow Springs Picnic Area.
Located in a deep canyon surrounded by red and white sandstone cliffs, surface water supports cottonwood trees, scrub oak, and
other vegetation that attracts a variety of birds. Just down the road from the picnic area, the Lost Creek Trail leads to
another spring with a willow thicket and creek. Walk the trails and bird the canyon, keeping an eye out for petroglyphs.
Calico Basin.
Red Spring and several smaller springs emerge from the base of red and white sandstone cliffs, supporting ash trees, scrub oak, and a
meadow. Birdwatch along the cliffs and meadow from a boardwalk.
Spring Mountain Ranch State Park.
This historic homestead has lawns, pastures, cottonwood and ash trees, springs, and a pond. The different habitats attract a wide
variety of birds.
Wheeler Camp Spring.
This Audubon area preserves springs with cottonwood trees, willows, and mesquite thickets along a wash. Water usually flows during
spring, and water always is present in the wash at the lower end of the preserve. A trail run through the desert around the backside of the
preserve, and a bushwhack trail runs along the wash. |
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