by Alex Gugel , all rights reserved
![]() | Red Rock CanyonNature |
featured in
![]() | Nevada Pocket Maps | ![]() |
covered parks
Red Rock Canyon
NAT U RA L WOR L D
NATIONAL conservation area
The Natural World
Red Rock Canyon’s spectacular sandstone escarpment, the desert tortoise
at the visitor center, and the thickets of Joshua trees herald the natural world
of geology, animals and plants to be experienced in the nearly 200,000-acre
national conservation area. Spend some time here and you’ll see plants that
put on spectacular flowering shows in the springtime and provide lasting
sources of water, food and shelter to the birds, reptiles and mammals that
make the southern Mojave Desert their home. This guide will also introduce
you to the cultural and historic uses of Red Rock Canyon before its special
designation as a Bureau of Land Management National Conservation Area.
Geology of Red Rock
The passage of millions of years is written on the sandstone cliffs and limestone outcrops of Red Rock
Canyon. The geological record reveals an area that was at the bottom of an ocean basin and its emergence
from the sea when dinosaurs roamed the earth.
Limestone Outcrops
More than 500 million years ago, this area was underwater and for more than 250 million years limestone sediment accumulated
which contained the fossils of sea life that flourished during that time. Early- to mid-Paleozoic Era limestone is exposed on the
escarpment on the west and north sides of the national conservation area. Later Paleozoic Era Permian limestone outcrops can
be seen on the east side; especially on Blue Diamond Hill and its extension to the north, Fossil Ridge.
Photo: Red Rock Escarpment
by Mark Rekshynskyj
What’s Inside
[1] Geology of Red Rock
Aztec Sandstone Escarpment
[2] Explorers at Red Rock
About 250 million years ago, during the Mesozoic Era of geological time – the Triassic Age of Reptiles and the Jurassic Age of
[3] Native People at Red Rock
Dinosaurs – Southern Nevada emerged from the sea and millions of years of continental deposition began, culminating in the
[4] Birds
formation of the Jurassic period Aztec sandstone. The great sandstone cliffs at Red Rock, thousands of feet high, are made up
[5] Plants and Insects
of Aztec sandstone. This formation, about 180 million years old, represents lithified sand dunes that formed in a vast desert
[6] Carnivores and Herbivores
that covered a large part of the southwestern United States during Jurassic time. The sand slowly changed into sandstone as
[7] Small Mammals and Wild Horses
and Burros
subsurface water percolated through the sediments and deposited cements of iron oxide and calcium carbonate in the pore
[8] Insectivores and Reptiles
spaces between the grains. These sandstone rocks were slowly uplifted thousands of feet to their present elevation, and exposed
to weathering and erosion.
Photo: Up a Hill
by Jeff Yost
a public land administered by the
Page
[2]
Colorful Sandstone
The red color of many exposures of the Aztec sandstone is from
the presence of iron oxide. Exposure to the elements caused some
of the iron minerals to oxidize or “rust,” resulting in colorful red,
orange and brown rocks. Areas where the sandstone is buff colored
may be places where the iron has been leached out by subsurface
water, or where the iron oxide was never deposited. Red spots are
iron concentrations that are more resistant to erosion than the
surrounding sandstone. They eventually erode out of the sandstone
as little balls or “desert marbles.”
Photo: Grallator track
by Brent Breithaupt
Did Dinos Roam Red Rock?
Paleontologists have confirmed fossilized tracks (footprints) made 180 to 190 million years ago in sandstone within Red Rock
Canyon National Conservation Area. This is the first documented dinosaur tracksite in Nevada.
Dubbed the Red Rock Tracksite, dozens of tracks from the Early Jurassic period have currently been documented.
At this point, two types of tracks and trackways are recognized from the site:
• Grallator tracks are footprints made by small theropod dinosaurs (two-legged, three-toed, meat-eating dinosaurs)
• Octopodichnus tracks are footprints made by arthropods (possibly similar to modern spiders and scorpions)
Keystone Thrust Fault
A cap of older gray Paleozoic limestone resting on top of the younger Jurassic period sandstone can be seen on the escarpment
to the west. Normally younger rock overlies older rock. The occurrence of older rock on top of younger rock is a result of the
Keystone Thrust Fault. About 65 million years ago, compressional forces in the Earth’s crust were dominant in this region. The
older rock was thrust up over the younger rock over a period of thousands, if not millions, of years. The limestone cap covering
the sandstone has protected the weaker sandstone from erosion for millions of years. The compressional thrust faulting at the
end of the Mesozoic Era can be traced all the way up into Canada. But the best exposure of the thrust faulting along the entire
thrust belt is considered to be here in Red Rock Canyon.
Explorers at Red Rock
A Spanish scout, Rafael Rivera, blazed what became known as the Spanish Trail and was probably the first
European to see the Las Vegas Valley. The Spanish started moving through the area in 1776, but it wasn’t
until 1829-30 that Antonio Armijo led the first successful round trip trade caravan from Santa Fe to the
Pueblo De Los Angeles. During that trip, Rafael Rivera, one of Armijo’s scouts got lost but found his way
back. In the process, he mapped out a short cut that became the Spanish Trail. This new route went right
through what is now the Las Vegas Valley, and many off shoots ventured into the Red Rock Canyon where
travelers filled their water kegs. Some of these wagon tracks can still be seen.
Ranching and Mining
More recent historical human activity at Red Rock Canyon was homesteading and prospecting. In 1876,
Sergeant James B. Wilson and his partner, George Anderson, homesteaded for livestock, settling the Sand
Stone Ranch which is now known as the Spring Mountain Ranch. In the early 1920s, homesteader Horace
Wilson settled Pine Creek.
From 1905 to 1912, Sandstone Quarry was worked by three different companies harvesting the sandstone.
All three went bankrupt because of the high cost of transportation. Evidence of cutting is still visible at
Sandstone Quarry.
Photo: Pine Creek Ranch
Photo: Calico Hills
by Javier Sanchez
Red Rock Canyon
Page
[3]
Photo: Serenity
by Janice Phillips
Native People at Red Rock
In the Mojave Desert, the key to survival is useable water. The springs and many natural catch basins at Red Rock Canyon sustain an abundance
of plants and animals, which attracted Southern Paiute Indians, Virgin Anasazi Indians, Spanish scouts, explorers, Mormon missionaries, miners
and settlers.
Native people used this area for thousands of years, living in the valley during the fall and winter and migrating to the hills and mountains during
spring and summer. Some cultures used rock shelters and others built structures. Evidence of their existence includes agave roasting pits and
petroglyphs and pictographs rock art. These cultural resources are considered precious artifacts to respect and protect.
Photo: Agave Roasting Pit
by Jeanne Tinsman
Agave Roasting Pits
Rock Art
Roasting pits are circular areas of fire-cracked, whitened limestone used to roast agave
plant hearts, desert tortoises and other animals. The pits vary in size from five to six
feet in diameter, with some more than 30 feet in diameter.
Petroglyphs are the more common of the two types of rock art and are possibly
thousands of years old. Designs were pecked or scratched into the surface of a rock
revealing the lighter colored rock underneath. The designs stand in contrast to the dark
coating of “desert varnish,” or patina, on the surface.
Where to See Agave Pits
There is a large roasting pit easily viewed in the Willow Springs Picnic Area at the base
of the sandstone cliffs, a short distance downhill from the middle parking lot.
Pictographs were created by an additive process, painting designs onto a rock surface.
The paint used for pictographs consisted of pigment, a binder and a vehicle. The
pigment, typically finely-ground rock, is the paint’s color. Here in the desert southwest,
red, white, orange and black are the most common colors.
Photo: Hands Pictograph
by Dillon Aagen
Where to See Rock Art
Petroglyphs and pictographs can be viewed at the Willow Springs where a designated
trail can be found adjacent to an agave roasting pit. At the Red Spring Picnic Area,
petroglyphs may be seen on some of the large boulders adjacent to the boardwalk.
Rock art, while enduring, is fragile and should be observed and not touched. The oils from
human skin cause lasting damage. Defacing any of these artifacts is vandalism and is
punishable by law. Please report any acts of vandalism to the BLM at the visitor center.
N a t u r a l Wo r l d
Page
[4]
Birds
Nearly 200 different species of birds can be found in Red Rock Canyon. These birds range from the tiny
hummingbirds to the large majestic eagles. The birds are found in many different habitats throughout
the national conservation area.
Best Places to Bird Watch
Birds can be seen pretty much anywhere throughout Red Rock Canyon, but areas where there is water usually provide a
greater variety of sightings. Red Spring, White Rock Spring, Pine Creek Canyon, Lost Creek, Willow Springs and Wheeler
Camp Spring have year-round sources of water. Sandstone Quarry, Ice Box Canyon, Oak Creek Canyon and First Creek
Canyon have seasonal water sources and are most active in spring.
Red-tailed hawk
One of the area’s larger birds, the hawk’s name comes from the broad reddish band across the base of its tail. Red-tailed hawks
commonly nest on cliffs, power lines and tall trees. The Red-tailed hawk can be seen year round throughout Red Rock Canyon.
Photo: Red-tailed Hawk
by Katie Kleinick
Say’s phoebe
This small member of the flycatcher family has an orange-brown belly and is light gray on the throat and breast. This year-round
resident is commonly seen perched on the tops of trees and shrubs, waiting for an insect to fly by.
Greater Roadrunner
The greater roadrunner is a member of the cuckoo family, and is found only in the southwestern United States and Mexico. It is
easily identified by its long tail and a crest on its head that can be raised and lowered. It pants to keep cool when it is hot and
exposes a black patch of skin on its back to absorb the sun’s warm rays when it is cold.
Western scrub-jay
This beautiful blue and gray bird was given its name because of its preference to dwell in low scrub-brush and is found in the
higher elevations in Red Rock Canyon. Scrub-jays, like many other birds in the Corvid family, gather and cache (store) food. They
feed on insects and fruits in the spring and summer and seeds in the fall and winter.
Phainopepla
This oddly named bird is the only member of the silky flycatcher family found in the United States. The male phainopepla is dark
black and the female is gray. Both males and females have red eyes and a distinct crest on their head. Its foraging behavior helps
creates its own habitat--the bird eats mistletoe (a parasitic plant) berries found on mesquite and acacia, digests the soft fruit
and passes it onto a branch, where the seed takes root and grows more mistletoe.
Cactus wren
This year-round resident is identified by its downturned bill and heavily streaked
body. The downturned bill, characteristic of most wrens, helps in the capture of
prey (insects.) It builds its bulky nests in the Mojave yucca so the sharp, swordlike leaves protect the nest.
Photo: Cactus wren
by Phil Foil
Common Raven
The common raven is highly intelligent and social bird. These shiny black birds
have a long, heavy bill, with a wedge-shaped tail. This bird is omnivorous, meaning it eats both plants and animals and can be
seen throughout the area including the visitor center. Ravens are a major predator of juvenile tortoises.
For a comprehensive list of birds found in Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area, visit our website at
www.nv.blm.gov/redrockcanyon
Photo: Phainopepla
by Jimmy Linares
Red Rock Canyon
Page
[5]
Photo: Creosote
by Kate Sorom
Plants
A variety of plant species thrive at Red Rock Canyon because of the variations in soil types, alkalinity, soil depth, elevation, exposure,
temperature and precipitation. Vegetation in the area is divided into eight major plant communities: creosote bush, blackbrush, chaparral,
juniper-pinyon, ponderosa pine-white fir, desert wash, cliff community and riparian community.
Creosote bush
Cactus
The creosote bush community is prominent on the lower, drier and hotter areas extending
up gentle slopes of a mountain. It bears small yellow flowers and is very efficient at
absorbing water; so much so that few things grow around it, even a creosote seedling
trying to take hold too close to an established bush.
Cacti are common plants in the area, including the beavertail cactus, hedgehog cactus
and prickly pear. They have thick skins that allow them to retain water. Another feature
of the cactus family is their spines and fuzzy glochids at the base of their spines. The
spines are actually leaves, and they drop just like other plants shed their leaves. Desert
tortoises eat the flowers, fruit and pads.
Joshua tree
The Joshua tree is an iconic symbol of Red Rock Canyon. The tree is related to the lily
family, along with the Mojave yucca, banana yucca and the agave.
Photo: Joshua tree
by Kate Sorom
Beavertail cactus
The beavertail cactus can be identified by its blue-gray flattened and fleshy pads,
which are covered with clusters of hair-like spines or glochids. Be careful not to touch
the small, fine glochids; they detach easily and are troublesome to pull out of skin. In
spring, the bright pink flowers add a splash of color to the desert.
Wildflowers
Among the wildflowers at Red Rock Canyon, the yellow bi-colored penstemon is very
important to the area. This white and yellow flower is known to grow only in the Las
Vegas Valley and surrounding areas. It is a rare plant, and its presence is thought to
be declining.
Mojave aster
Indian paintbrush
This wildflower is commonly seen during the spring blooms. Native Americans used the
plant to treat rheumatism, as a hair brightener and as a food.
With abundant growth in the Mojave Desert, the Mojave aster puts on a show of purple
and yellow flowers in the spring. It’s typically found growing near creosote bushes.
After blooming, the plants die back.
Insects
Insects and spiders play important ecological roles in the Red Rock Canyon ecosystem, providing food sources and plant pollination.
Mojave yucca moth
Arachnids
This moth is one of the most important insects in the area. The Mojave yucca plant
depends on the Mojave yucca moth for pollination. The moth collects pollen from the
yucca flowers and carries it on to other flowers, pollinating them for reproduction.
Moths lay their eggs in the flowers after fertilizing them, and the larvae then feed on
the developing yucca seeds.
Scorpions and tarantulas both are arachnids, a class that includes spiders,
scorpions, ticks and mites. They have two body segments and eight legs.
Assassin bug
Photo: Assassin bug
by Jim Cribbs
Assassin bugs are a family of insects
and are cunning and swift predators
that eat other insects. Ranging in
color from green to black, they can
grow to an inch and a half in length.
This family of insects has a tube-like
beak used like a dagger that it drives
into its victim’s body. They inject lethal saliva that dissolves the victim’s tissue, and
then they suck their victims dry. Assassin bugs can inflict a very painful bite to humans
if handled carelessly, and can cause a severe reaction in some people. They can defend
themselves by squirting venom at an attacker’s eyes. The venom can cause temporary
blindness in humans.
Tarantula
The tarantula is a large spider, and may seem harmful, but will bite only when provoked,
and is not deadly to humans. It lives mostly underground, in a burrow that it lines with
webbing. From this burrow, it spreads a fine web of trip lines that it monitors from the
opening of its burrow. When an unsuspecting victim trips one of its lines, the tarantula
leaps out and overpowers the prey with a venomous bite. It then drags the prey back
into its home and eats it. The most likely time to see a tarantula around Red Rock
Canyon is in late September to mid-October, when the males are in search of a mate.
Scorpion
Scorpions are closely related to spiders, but do not spin webbing. Scorpions are
nocturnal carnivores living under rocks and other desert debris during the day, and
come out at night to look for prey. They have pincers and distinctively long tails tipped
with a stinger. The native giant desert hairy scorpion can grow up to 6-inches long, but
is not deadly to humans.
N a t u r a l Wo r l d
Page
[6]
Mammals
More than 45 species of mammals also make their home at Red Rock Canyon. Most of these desert
mammals are nocturnal, meaning you’re not likely to see them active during the day. Being active at
night helps the animals stay cool and conserve water.
Carnivores – the meat eaters
Kit Fox
Playful and cute, the kit fox is among the smallest of the canine carnivores in Red Rock, weighing about five pounds. You can
recognize these foxes by their tan coats and unusually large ears which aid in releasing heat. Good eyesight allows them to see
the small mammals, such as mice, that they prey upon.
Gray fox
The gray fox has a salt and pepper colored coat with a black stripe down its long, bushy tail, and weighs seven to 13 pounds. This
secretive canine mostly dines on small mammals, but it has a varied diet which can include amphibians, reptiles, insects, fruit
and birds. The grey fox is an adept climber, and will climb trees to avoid predators.
Coyote
The coyote looks like a medium-sized dog, but it has a more pointed
nose and a bushier tail. The coyote is both omnivorous and a
scavenger meaning it eats plants, animals, and decaying organisms.
The coyote has become a pest in many western cities because it
Photo: Coyote
by Barron Haley
has learned to rummage through human made garbage to find food.
Bobcat
The bobcat, a member of the Lynx family, the smallest wild cat found
in the area, and is about twice the size of the average housecat. It is
easily recognizable by its short stubby tail and tufts of hair on its ears.
It can jump more than 10 feet, especially when in pursuit of a meal. It
feeds mainly on small rodents, insects and ground-nesting birds.
Photo: Bobcat
Bobcat by Roger Hembree
Mountain lion
The mountain lion is North America’s largest predator cat, and is known by many names, panther, cougar, puma, mountain cat,
and mountain lion. This large cat usually hunts deer, elk and desert bighorn sheep, but will eat small mammals and insects.
They are shy animals that like to stay in the high country and generally avoid humans. It is one of the few predators of adult
desert tortoises.
Herbivores – the plant eaters
Bighorn sheep
The bighorn sheep are one of the most majestic of the large animals seen in Red Rock Canyon. They prefer steep, rocky terrain,
which provides escape from predators. Both male and female sheep have horns atop their head, although male sheep have bigger
horns. A bighorn’s horns are made of keratin, the same material of human fingernails. The horns reach full size in about 10 years,
and they stay with the sheep throughout its life.
White-tailed antelope ground squirrel
This mammal is one of the most commonly seen animals at
Red Rock Canyon and is usually confused with chipmunks.
Squirrels are diurnal, meaning they are active during the
Photo: Antelope ground squirrel
by Rose Steffen
day, is often seen from the 13-Mile Scenic Drive with its
white tail held close over its back as it runs about. To
escape the harsh sun and heat in the desert, it may go
underground into its burrow, but will also flatten its body
against the cooler soil in a shaded area.
Photo: Big Horn Sheep
by Alejandro Gallo
Red Rock Canyon
Page
[7]
Photo: Jackrabbit
by Jimmy Linares
Kangaroo rat
Blacktail jackrabbit
The kangaroo rat is named for its method of movement because it hops rather than
walks like most small mammals. Scientists say that kangaroo rats are not a rat at
all, but more closely related to mice. It is a nocturnal animal, meaning it is active at
night. Kangaroo rats spend their days underground where the temperature is up to
30 degrees cooler and the humidity is much higher. The kangaroo rat gets some of
its water from drinking morning dew or eat succulent plants, but has another unique
adaptation to get water. Air passes through their nasal passages and cools. As the
air cools, water in the air condenses and concentrates on the mucous membranes,
where it is eventually absorbed.
The blacktail jackrabbit, contrary to its name, is a hare. Hares differ from rabbits in
that a hare’s young are born with fur and sight, whereas a rabbit is born hairless and
blind. The blacktail jackrabbit escapes heat by sitting in shallow depressions near
the base of plants, where soil and air temperatures are cooler. Its enormous ears also
provide a large surface over which heat loss can occur.
Desert cottontail
The desert cottontail, a true rabbit, prefers areas with more vegetation than the jack
rabbit, including rocky canyons, floors of dry washes and river beds, and mesquite and
catclaw thickets. It is crespuscular, meaning more active at dusk and dawn, so the
chances of seeing one during the daylight hours are low.
Wild Horses and Burros
The wild horses and burros at Red Rock Canyon originated from horses and
burros that escaped or were abandoned by settlers, ranchers, prospectors and
Native American tribes. These are primarily palominos, white, black and buckskin
horses and wild burros that are well adapted to the local environment. They know
where to forage and where the springs are located. They move throughout Red
Rock Canyon, following new growth vegetation and temporary water catchments.
These animals graze on native grasses and shrubs. As summer progresses, the
animals stay closer to the perennial spring sources. Several of the watering holes
date back to the area’s ranching days, and recent improvements provide water
storage at some of these sources, ensuring that the wild horses and burros have
adequate water even in the hot season.
Herd Management
The habitat at Red Rock Canyon can support small numbers of wild horses and wild
burros. BLM monitors the bands of wild horses to ensure their numbers stay within a
population range of 16 to 27 animals. About 29 to 49 wild burros can live in the area.
Those are the numbers supportable with the amount of water and forage for wild
horses, burros and other wildlife.
Photo: Wild horse
by Tara Kilpatrick
Photo: Burros
by Ihla Crowley
A fence was installed along both sides of the highway that runs through Red Rock
Canyon to keep the wild horses and burros off the road. You may see them on the wrong
side of the fence, but do not be alarmed, they know how to get back to the other side.
Please do not feed, harass, or pet the wild horses or burros. Any interaction with these
wild animals causes them to lose their normal, wild instincts and encourages them to
hang around the highway. This creates a safety hazard for the animals and for people
traveling the highway. Remember these are wild animals and can be unpredictable.
Where to See Wild Horses and Wild
Burros
The wild horses are primarily south of State Route 160. Wild burros can be found north
of State Route 160. One of the best places to look for burros is between Spring Mountain
Ranch State Park and Blue Diamond on State Route 159, where they frequently drink at
the springs and graze by the road.
It is illegal to feed, pet, or otherwise harass a wild horse or burro, individuals will be
cited and could be arrested for those activities. If you see one of these Living Legends,
take photos and enjoy watching them from a safe distance.
When the BLM removes excess numbers of wild horses from herd areas, they become
available for adoption. For information on the BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro Adoption
Program, call 866-4MUSTANG (866-468-7826) or go to www.blm.gov and click on any of
the wild horse and burro links.
N a t u r a l Wo r l d
Page
[8]
Insectivores – the insect eaters
Bats
Bats are mammals, but are separated from other mammals in that they possess the power of flight. Bats are commonly
found roosting in caves, overhangs, deep crevices in rock faces, under the bark of trees or wrapped in leaves. They are
normally active only at night. Bats can see, but they rely on echolocation to find prey and avoid obstacles while flying around
in the dark. Bats echolocate by making a series of clicks and chirps which reflect off nearby objects and guide the bat to
moving insects or around fixed objects. Their hearing is so sensitive they can tell what kind of insect they are chasing.
The Western pipistrelle, is the most common to Red Rock Canyon , and is one of the smallest bats in the United States.
The adult male’s body averages 2.5 inches long. They are found throughout the desert southwest, will typically hibernate in
caves or abandoned mines during winter months, and live an average of 10-13 years.
Reptiles
The reptiles, snakes, tortoises and lizards, are land dwellers, have protective scales and are adapted to life in the desert.
Within Red Rock Canyon, there are 20 species of lizards, 25 species of snakes and one species of tortoise. Many reptiles
are nocturnal and stay secluded in rock crevices, burrows or bushes during the day to avoid the intense summer heat.
Desert tortoise
The desert tortoise is brown with a high-domed shell and stocky, scaly
Photo: Mojave Max Desert Tortoise Mascot
limbs. It’s found throughout the Mojave Desert below 4,200 feet in elevation,
but a wild sighting at Red Rock Canyon is rare. One tortoise easy to see
from April to October is Mojave Max. He lives in an outside pen, adjacent to
another pen that houses eight female tortoises behind the Red Rock Canyon
Visitor Center. From November to March, the tortoises typically are in a type
of hibernation called brumation and aren’t seen much. The desert tortoise
is on the endangered species list and is considered a threatened species.
There are laws that protect these tortoises. Please do not touch, harass,
collect, kill, feed or move desert tortoises unless they are in imminent danger (i.e. about to get hit by a vehicle).
Snakes
Keep an eye out for snakes and give them room to evade you. Please don’t harm the snakes at Red Rock Canyon.
Northern Mojave rattlesnake
Photo: Mojave Rattlesnake
by Kate Sorom
The Northern Mojave rattlesnake, is about three to four feet long and is also
known as Mojave green because of its green hue. It has a potent neurotoxic
and hemotoxic venom. Its preferred habitat at Red Rock Canyon are the areas
of scrub brush, low areas of sparse vegetation, among the Joshua trees and
open, arid areas. Mojave greens are most active from April to September.
Desert speckled rattlesnake
Red Rock Canyon
Contact Information
The venomous desert speckled rattlesnake is active from about April to October. As the days get hotter, the rattlesnake
becomes active during dawn and dusk. It prefers Red Rock Canyon’s rocky areas, steep hillsides and other areas offering
rocky cover.
Great Basin gopher snake
Emergency or Fire
The Great Basin gopher snake is a non-venomous constrictor. Constrictors are snakes that squeeze their prey to death. It
is often confused for a rattlesnake based on its appearance, but the gopher snake has no rattle at the tip of its tail. It is a
commonly found snake, seen on roads and trails, and is considered harmless to humans.
BLM Southern Nevada District Office
Common kingsnake
www.nv.blm.gov/redrockcanyon
[702] 293-8932 or 911
[702] 515-5000
Climbing Permits
The common kingsnake is typically brown and yellow or black with white rings around its body. An adult can grow from three
to six feet long. It’s not venomous, but is exceptionally adaptable and can live in a variety of habitats. The kingsnake will prey
on just about anything it can overpower with its constricting coils, including rattlesnakes. Kingsnakes get their names from
being able to eat venomous snakes.
Gift & Book Store
Lizards
Red Rock/Sloan Field Office
[702] 515-5350
[702] 515-5050
[702] 515-5379
Friends of Red Rock Canyon
[702] 515-5360
Red Rock Canyon Interpretive Association
Organized Hikes
[702] 515-5367
This publication was made available
through a partnership with Bureau of
Land Management, Friends of Red Rock
Canyon and Red Rock Canyon Interpretive
Association.
BLM/NV/LV/GI/11-15+1800
Photo: Antelope Ground squirrel and
Desert Tortoise (Luice)
by Sue & Roger Kolar
At least 20 species of lizards are found around the area. The most commonly seen include side-blotched lizard, horned
lizard, Great Basin fence lizard, desert spiny lizard, Desert banded gecko and collared lizard.
Common chuckwalla
One of the most familiar reptiles at Red Rock Canyon is the common
chuckwalla, which grows to about 15 inches in length. They have
stocky, wide bodies and thick tails that taper to a blunt tip. Often
seen scurrying over rocks, they will flee for protection in crevices.
To protect themselves from predators, they hide in crevasses and
swallow air to inflate themselves. Once inflated, it is difficult for a
predator to pull them out of the crevasse. Active both day and night,
the chuckwalla mostly feeds on leaves and flowers but will feast on
insects too, when they’re available. Chuckwallas typically hibernate
during the colder months, and can live for 25 years or more.
Photo: Chuckwalla
by Susanne Rowe
Red Rock Canyon