Spring activities planned for visitors to nearby Red Rock Canyon

     Springtime is a delightful season in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Creation of the large tract of desert, canyons, and foothills set aside and protected a region of great natural beauty and varied recreational appeal.
      With the outskirts of Las Vegas sweeping right up to the conservation area boundary, this vast resource is truly right in our own back yard.
      You can be in the heart of Red Rock within minutes of leaving downtown when you follow Charleston Boulevard westerly and then southerly in front of the dramatic red-and-white cliffs that set the region apart.
      If you follow this highway, state Route 159, past Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, Bonnie Springs -- Old Nevada and the little village of Blue Diamond, it will take you to a junction with state Route 160, the Blue Diamond -- Pahrump Road. Turn left and you can get back to Las Vegas on Interstate 15 or on Rainbow Boulevard.
      Starting April 1, an entrance fee of $5 per vehicle will be charged as part of a new fee schedule nationwide that institutes new charges or increases existing fees at many national parks, monuments and recreation areas.
      If you use Red Rock frequently or visit national parks often, consider obtaining a Golden Age or Golden Eagle Passport. A one-time fee gains you discounted fees or no fees when you use our national parks and other federal lands. These passports are available at any national park or may be purchased at Bureau of Land Management offices locally or at the Lake Mead visitor center near Boulder City. User fees generated by visitors to Red Rock are supposed to be part of the conservation area's budget for maintenance and improvements.
      Conservation area staff has planned an ambitious schedule of hikes, outings and instructional sessions for spring. Sometimes two or three programs will be offered on the same day. Reservations are required for all such activities at Red Rock, so call 363-1921 right away if you are interested in participating in events in upcoming weeks. The schedule for April will not be ready until the end of March when you can phone for details.
      A sampling of activities for the remainder of the month include a three-mile nature walk in Oak Creek Canyon Saturday. This moderate hike will start at 9 a.m. and return about 1 p.m. On Saturday and March 16, a special introduction to moths and butterflies for children aged 5 to 12 years will be offered from 10 a.m. to noon. Parents of younger children should accompany their little ones. Also on March 16 is a two-mile orientation hike for those interested in becoming conservation area docents or volunteers. Friends of Red Rock Canyon will sponsor this event from 1 to 3 p.m.
      On March 19, explore beautiful Pine Creek Canyon where a remnant forest of ponderosa pines spills out of the canyon onto the desert along a well-watered wash. This meandering hike will introduce participants to many types of plants, animals, and birds common to the area. The hike will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude about noon.
      On March 22, a strenuous hike will challenge participants along a six-mile route known as the White Rock Circle. There will be an altitude gain of more than 1,000 feet within the first couple of miles. The hike begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m.
      There will be two outdoor experiences for children on the weekend of March 22-23. On March 22, youngsters and accompanying parents will learn about the ancient American-Indian pictographs and petroglyphs found in the conservation area. The session from 10 a.m. to noon will culminate in each child creating a sample of rock art of their own. On March 23, children from 5 to 12 years will hike three miles round-trip to a sandstone tank. The hike begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 11 a.m. Parental participation will be expected for younger children.
      March 23 will be a very busy day with two other events also planned. "Man, It's Hot!" is the title for the stroll in Lost Creek Canyon from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Participants will learn about the adaptations plants and animals have made in order to survive the desert's heat and dryness. On the same day, those who are interested in learning about backpacking and distance hiking will want to attend the session planned for 1 to 3 p.m. It is aimed at both newcomers and experienced backpackers.
      On March 29, the day before Easter, participants will learn basic map and compass techniques needed for safe back-country travel. Materials will be furnished for this morning session from 9 a.m. to noon.
      Participants should dress for the outing and be mindful of changeable spring weather. Wear comfortable, sturdy clothing; hiking boots or other sturdy footgear with rubber soles; and bring a small pack to carry such items as a camera, trail snacks, tissues, a small first-aid kit and lightweight jacket. Use plenty of sunblock and wear a hat. Perhaps most important of all, carry a quart of water in an unbreakable container. A sports bottle with a liter of water in a net carrier with a shoulder strap is ideal. Freeze the container before your outing for a supply of cold water during the hike. Ask rangers at the time you make your reservations about any other gear you may need. Only fit hikers should attempt any of the longer or more strenuous hikes. All outings assemble at the visitor center.
      Participating in any of these planned outings will help you to learn more about the wonderful recreational potential of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. It is an area worth appreciating and experiencing. At the very least, plan a little time for seeing more of Red Rock during the spring.