Red Rock Canyon
Las Vegas literally sprung up in the desert. Not the sand-sea Sahara sort of desert, but a colorful, living, extraordinary ecosystem. While you are in Las Vegas you might want to consider taking advantage of the many day trips that will take you out of the city into another world. The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is just a short ride from Las Vegas. Visit Red Springs, a beautiful oasis with ancient Indian writings. This was a very sacred and spiritual place for the ancient Native Americans.

It is also the site at which many old American western movies were filmed. You'll see mustangs (wild horses), burros, bighorn sheep, and spectacular sandstone formations. Stepping out of the air-conditioned bus, you will be able to see that the desert is alive with many varieties of cacti and other plants. Get a glimpse of the desert from mountain ridges 5000 feet above sea level, where you may be surprised to find lush vegetation. On the way back down you will marvel at nature's palette when you see the magnificent color of cliff walls and stone formations. It's not all stone and cactus here. Ancient sand dunes stand 3000 feet tall, and Joshua Trees form their own desert forests.

Website www.redrockcanyon.blm.gov/