Category: Red Rock

Red Rock canyon, located 10 miles due west of the Las Vegas Strip

On This Date: January 16, 1942, Carole Lombard Dies in Plane Crash Near Las Vegas

January 16, 2018

On this date, January 16, 1942, a Douglas DC-3 Propliner left Las Vegas and crashed in to nearby Potosi Mountain.

TWA Flight 3

TWA Flight 3 Crashed in to Mount Potosi on January 16, 1942 near Las Vegas

After taking off from now named Nellis Air Force base, TWA Flight 3 flew for 15 minutes and slammed into a sheer cliff on Potosi Mountain, 32 miles southwest of the airport, at an elevation of 7,770 ft. and was destroyed.

All nineteen passengers on board, including movie star Carole Lombard, who was married to husband Clark Gable, her mother, and all three crew members, died in the crash.

Potosi Mountain can be seen from the Las Vegas valley and has a elevation of 8,517 ft.

GPS: 35° 57′ 3.71″ N, 115° 29′ 25″ W
Photo by: Wikipedia

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Sunday Drive: Summerlin – Red Rock to Blue Diamond Nevada

June 5, 2016

A quick drive from Summerlin throught Red Rock to Blue Diamond.

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White Rock Loop- Hiking in Red Rock Canyon

January 8, 2013

White Rock Loop Trail at Red Rock Canyon

Duration: 3-3.5 hrs

Length: 6.3 miles

This 6.3 mile hike at Red Rock Canyon near Las Vegas, Nevada is a great fall/winter/spring hike. Located on the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Loop, the White Rock Loop trail is a great way to spend 3-4 hours. You will experience diverse terrain and plant life.  For much of the hike, you’re in the typical Mojave Desert surroundings.  When you get to the back side of White Rock Mountain, it’s like Red Rock Canyon’s hidden forest.  That side is wetter and there are a large number of pinyon pines, juniper trees, and desert plants such as yucca and cactus of various types.  It has a little of everything.

White Rock at Red Rock Canyon

White Rock Loop Trail

Up in the higher parts of the hike with the Pinion trees

I recommend starting at the Willow Springs picnic grounds- there are restrooms and parking and heading uphill going clockwise around the mountain.  Once at the saddle, most of the hike is downhill from there. You will have about a 1000 ft. elevation change with this hike and expect 3-3.5 hours to complete the loop. I don’t recommend this hike during the hot summer hours, if you are going to hike during the summer, make it a early morning hike as for it can get quite hot on the return portion.

Wear sturdy shoes, bring water and a little food for this hike.

Coming down the backside with Las Vegas in the background

Directions: Take Charleston West to the entrance to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Enter the through the fee area and follow the Red Rock Loop. The turn off (right-turn) is about 1/2 through the loop at the Willow Springs Picnic Area. Start your Hike there.

Happy hiking.

Photos by Lasvegas360.com

 

 

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Red Rock Canyon

July 4, 2011
Click for Hi-Res 360: Red Rock Canyon

Click to view hi-res photo 360: Red Rock Canyon

Red Rock National Conservation Area

To observe the true beauty of the high desert you should make the trip to Red Rock National Conservation Area. Head west on Charleston Boulevard about 16 miles from Las Vegas. The Bureau of Land Management operates a visitors’ center where they exhibit plant, animal and desert life. Don’t miss the drive around the 13 mile scenic loop (toll booth payment required) as it winds through the colorful red rocks, Joshua trees and the unusually beautiful desert scenery.

White Rock in Red Rock Canyon

White Rock in Red Rock Canyon

White Rock in Red Rock National Conservation Area. This is a good hike to do on cooler days. View White Rock Loop Hike

Photos by: LasVegas360.com

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