With the stunning backdrop of Red Rock’s towering sandstone peaks and miles of trails that weave through the Mojave desert, a ride into Pine Creek Canyon will have you feeling like you’re the main character in an old Western movie.
To get to the canyon, you’ll follow trails through the open desert. These trails vary from narrow single track to pretty wide (old roads) and are well-maintained. This is classic Mojave terrain, with lots of cholla and other cactus, yucca, and sagebrush. As you get closer to the canyon and gain a tiny bit of elevation, the terrain changes and you’ll ride through scrub oak, juniper, and eventually ponderosa pine.
Approaching the mouth of the canyon, you’ll find the ruins of an old homestead. As a National Conservation Area, Red Rock is federally protected and managed by the Bureau of Land Management and there are very few private land parcels. But in the late 1880s and early 1900s, there were homesteaders and ranchers throughout Red Rock. This one was built by Horace and Glenda Wilson who lived in it from 1922 to 1933.
The two-story home eventually fell into disrepair and burned down. All that remains is the concrete foundation and an apple tree. As you ride around the ruins it’s easy to see why the Wilsons thought this was an ideal spot. There are lush meadows of thick grass, water is just a short stroll away at Pine Creek, there are big trees all around, and captivating views in all directions. Who wouldn’t want to homestead here?!
Because of its iconic landscape, many movies have filmed scenes in Pine Creek and Red Rock. The 1968 western, The Stalking Moon, starring Gregory Peck, is almost entirely filmed in Pine Creek!
Pine Creek Canyon is identifiable by Mescalito, the pyramid-shaped and red-capped monolith that looms large at the entrance. Horses can’t make it further into the canyon as it requires rock scrambling. But from Pine Creek, you can connect to a network of single-track trails that span the base of the mountain range or meander through the desert, so there are lots of mileage options.
This area is consistently a smidge cooler in temperature than Las Vegas proper but is best ridden in the fall, winter, and spring. Keep an eye open for deer, wild burros, and the occasional bighorn sheep. These trails are popular with hikers, dog walkers, and bicyclists.
Getting Here
Where to Park: Horse trailer parking in Red Rock is limited. Do not go to the main Pine Creek Trailhead! The best place to park a horse trailer in Red Rock is the Lower Red Rock Parking Area. This is a big gravel lot with space for several trailers. From here you can easily access the Pine Creek, Oak Creek, and First Creek trails. Because of how busy this area can get, you should get there early to make sure you can get a spot.
Trail Maps
