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The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is located just a few miles west of Las Vegas and encompasses 197,000 acres within the Mojave Desert. Red Rock is an area of world wide geologic interest and beauty including wildlife, unique vegetation and cultural resources. A Scenic Drive offers numerous stops for sightseeing and photography. Hiking, biking and climbing options vary difficulty, but all offer spectacular views of the Spring Mountains and the Las Vegas Valley. Red Rock Canyon NCA is an oasis in the desert. Its deep sandstone canyons provide a perennial water supply, cool temperatures and a wide variety of vegetation which serves as ideal habitat for many birds species. In fact, over 100 bird species have been identified within the conservation area. Many birds, such as birds of prey, although not exclusively found in the desert, exhibit specific behavioral traits which allow them to survive in arid lands. Eagles and hawks conserve water by soaring in high altitude air currents where strong winds allow them to stay aloft with little exertion, and temperatures can be 20 degrees cooler than at ground level. Obtaining water is no problem for these birds, their water needs are satisfied by eating the moisture-rich flesh of small animals. The dark silhouettes of the red-tailed hawk, Cooper's hawk, golden eagle and other raptors can be seen against the blue sky above the conservation area.
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