Page 15 - winter 2020

Friends oF red rock canyon 15

Lake Harriet is not the only water
you will find at the ranch. Two of our
three hiking trails also offer a glimpse
of water. Sandstone Canyon Loop
Trail, which leads visitors one mile
into Sandstone Canyon, takes hikers
through three distinct plant communi-
ties which support the wildlife that
calls Red Rock Canyon home, includ-
ing mule deer and bighorn sheep. The
other trail that has a touch of water is
the North and South Ash Grove Loop,
named after the endemic velvet ash
(Fraxinus velutina) that grows here.
This trail starts at our visitor center
and winds through an ancient grove
of velvet ash trees. The grove is the
largest of its kind in Nevada and is
home to the largest velvet ash tree
in the state. Our third and final trail
system, the Overlook Loop, is a short
walk to a high point that offers full
views of the ranch property and the
surrounding canyon lands.

Throughout the year, a variety of
monthly programs are scheduled al-
lowing people to see their park in a
new way. We offer ranger-led night
and day hikes where we explore
the ranch property and learn about
our backyard, the Mojave Desert. A
ranger-led archery program teaches
not only the history of our indigenous
cultures but also how to safely and
competently handle bows and ar-
rows. Finally, a monthly Paint With a
Ranger program offers a quiet after-
noon where participants paint sur-
rounded by the grandeur and history
of our park.

Along with these monthly pro-
grams, there are special events that
take place throughout the year. We
host a Pioneer Day, a Halloween
Spook-tacular and an Old Time (Continued on page 17)
Ranch Christmas. These events offer
themed crafts, games and activi-
ties for the whole family to enjoy,
especially young children and are

Winter 2020