State: Nevada
Location: Las Vegas
Length, One-Way: 2.5 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 4000 feet
Maximum Elevation: 5000 feet
Best Season: Spring, Fall, Winter
Difficulty: Easy
The Hoover Dam
Directions
Follow the Pine Creek Canyon Trail downhill to the closed dirt road that leads to the old Horace Wilson homestead site; nothing remains except the foundation. The canyon divides above the homestead site; either fork can be followed, but the left is preferable.
Pine Creek was named for the unusual occurrence of ponderosa pines at this elevation in the desert the trees thrive here because of the moisture and cooler temperatures. Here the microclimate supporting the tall pines is caused by the high canyon walls that increase the amount of shade, the moisture from the Pine Creek drainage and the cool air flowing down the canyon at night. After sunset on calm clear nights, the ground in the high mountains rapidly cools by radiating heat to the open sky.
Directions
From Las Vegas Boulevard:
Go west on Charleston Boulevard for 17 miles. You will see a sign on your right hand side that says Red Rock Scenic Drive. Then continue on the loop road (one way) to the Pine Creek Canyon Overlook and park.
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