VALLEY OF FIRE
Vibrant Colors and Sci-Fi Scenery

Hosting some of the most scenic and well-known filmmaking in the country, the Valley of Fire was the “film set” for such Sci-Fi classics as Star Trek and Star Trek Generations. It was here that Captain Kirk fell to his death, with Lake Mead clearly visible in the background. This is also the backdrop for the Criss Angel Mindfreak episode in which he performed his famous suspension feat. Hanging from hooks that pierced through the skin of his back, Angel flew above the Valley of Fire, dangling from wires attached to a helicopter. Transformers filmed a scene where the Autobots drive in military vehicles along the Valley at sunset. Total Recall, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, was almost entirely shot there.

Located 50 miles northeast of Las Vegas in the Mojave Desert, Valley of Fire derives its name from the brilliant sandstone formations that appear to be on fire when the sun’s rays hit them. It’s hard to imagine that for billions of years, this area was once the bottom of a deep ocean basin that existed 150-180 million years ago. 42,000 acres of fiery red rock, as far as the eye can see, was once a sacred place for the Indians and a place where men came to test their manhood.

Both spring and fall are wonderful times to visit the Valley of Fire, without the intense heat of the summer. Still this is the desert, and while visiting any time throughout the year you will need to be prepared. Bring: plenty of water, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a full tank of gas. There is plenty of hiking and sightseeing to be had both by foot and by car, as well as camping. There are also semi-shaded picnic areas where you can bring your own food and sit back and enjoy the beautiful views.

Make sure to take a moment to stop in the Visitor’s Center, where you can learn about the history and wildlife that inhabit this wonder of beauty. You can experience the Valley of Fire via Interstate 15-North, off exit 75. Entrance fees are $6.00 per vehicle per day. Open year-round from dawn to dusk. SLV

RED ROCK CANYON
Horseback Riding in Red Cliffs and Desert Flowers

Red Rock Canyon is located 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip. The area covers almost 200,000 acres and is visited by more than one million people each year. The Canyon offers natural beauty and enticements including a 13-mile scenic drive, more than 30 miles of hiking trails, rock climbing, horseback riding, mountain biking, road biking, picnic areas, nature observing and maybe even the location for a wedding.

During most of its history, Red Rock Canyon was below a warm, shallow sea. Massive fault action and volcanic eruptions caused this seabed to begin rising some 225 million years ago. As the waters receded, sea creatures died, and the calcium in their bodies combined with sea minerals to form limestone cliffs studded with ancient fossils. In the latter part of the 19th century, Red Rock was a mining site and later a sandstone quarry that provided materials for many buildings in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and early Las Vegas.

This amazing conservation area is also home to about 200 different mammals which include burros, rabbits, coyotes, bighorn sheep, and even a few wild horses, bobcats and mountain lions. There are about 100 species of birds including red tailed hawks, golden eagles, and hummingbirds. 30 reptiles and amphibians also inhabit the area, taking advantage of the abundance of plant life. Ascending the slopes from the valley, you’ll see cactus and creosote bushes, aromatic purple sage, yellow-flowering blackbrush, yucca and Joshua trees, and, at higher elevations, clusters of forest-green pinyon, juniper, and ponderosa pines. In spring, the desert blooms with extraordinarily beautiful wildflowers.

Red Rock Canyon offers hiking trails and internationally acclaimed rock-climbing opportunities. Especially challenging is the 7,068-foot Mount Wilson, the highest sandstone peak among the bluffs.

Cowboy Trail Rides are located in the heart of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. With miles of riding trails in a magnificent desert setting, you can almost sense how the Southwest must have appeared to its original inhabitants and early settlers. There are several different rides you can take depending on how experienced a rider you think you are. Then, after your ride, enjoy a cowboy barbeque. SLV

Issue 46 featuring: Jeska Vardinski, Jana Cova & the "Happy" Feature