Summerlin framed by natural desert amenities

Among the first of Southern Nevada's master-planned communities, Summerlin is framed on its western edge by Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Red Rock brings as many as 1.2 million visitors annually for climbing, biking and hiking among the desert landscape, according to the Bureau of Land Management, administrator of public lands in the west.

Covering 197,000 acres and offering 130 miles of hiking, biking and horseback trails, Red Rock features a 13-mile scenic drive, picnic areas, a visitor center with exhibit rooms and a gift shop.

According to Tom Warden, vice president of government and community relations for The Howard Hughes Corp., Summerlin's proximity to Red Rock Canyon, along with Mt. Charleston and Lee Canyon, make it an ideal location for those who consider outdoor recreation and natural landscape a priority.

"Many Summerlin residents like to think of Red Rock as their own natural playground," Warden said. "Cyclists, hikers, rock climbers and even outdoor explorers truly appreciate the community's location so close to one of the best outdoor recreation areas in Southern Nevada. Skiers, snowboarders and other wintertime sports enthusiasts also appreciate Summerlin's proximity to the snowy Mt. Charleston to the northwest of Las Vegas that beckons them during the winter months."

More than 6,000 acres of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area once belonged to The Howard Hughes Corp., developer of the master-planned community. In two separate exchanges -- one in 1988 and another in 2002 -- the developer gave more than 6,000 acres to the Bureau of Land Management in exchange for property inside the Las Vegas Valley.

According to Warden, The Howard Hughes Corp. recognized the value of preserving and protecting the Red Rock Canyon area.

"Red Rock Canyon is the most beautiful natural landmark in Southern Nevada," Warden said. "The Hughes organization is extremely proud of the role it played in creating a gateway and buffer zone for the conservation area."

Developed by The Howard Hughes Corp., an affiliate of General Growth Properties Inc., the community began to take shape in 1990.

Summerlin is a 22,500-acre master-planned community featuring a variety of dining, shopping, educational and cultural amenities.

Home to more than 95,000 residents, and with as many as 7,500 acres still to develop, including its urban core, Summerlin Centre, the community is home to more than 100 neighborhood and village parks and more than 150 completed miles of the Summerlin trail system.

Homes are available in a variety of styles -- from single-family homes to townhomes, condominiums and lofts -- priced from the low $200,000s to more than $2 million.

Custom home sites in The Ridges are priced from the $500,000s. Luxury apartment homes offer monthly rents starting from the low $1,000s.

For more information on the community, call 791-4500 or visit summerlin.com.