State: Nevada
Location: Las Vegas
Length, Round Trip: 1.5 miles
Trail Type: Loop
Minimum Elevation: 4400 feet
Best Season: Spring, Fall, Winter
Difficulty: Easy
Truckee River
Directions
The Willow Spring Loop trail follows the left (northeast) side of the canyon past Native American roasting pits to the Lost Creek parking area. The right hand trail then crosses Red Rock Wash, branches to the right and parallels the Red Rock Escarpment and returns to Willow Spring. Roasting pits were used by the ancient inhabitants for slow-cooking. Agave plants, other vegetables and meats were placed in a bed of hot coals mixed with cobbles and covered with plant materials and earth. After enough time had passed, the cooked food, ash and fire-cracked rock were dug out. The discarded rock and ash forms a doughnut shaped ring often several feet high. Also known as mescal pits, these cooking sites are common in the Southwest.
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 Willow Spring Picnic Area and park.
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