In the last few weeks I've been exploring some local trails that are within a fairly short drive from my home in Henderson, NV. The Sloan Canyon Natural Conservation Area within the McCullough Wilderness includes a range of hills that run along on the southern edge of the Las Vegas Valley. This is an ancient volcanic area that yields vistas which are quite different from those found in Red Rock Canyon or the Valley of Fire. By comparison, the landscape is very stark and rocky with with sparse vegetation limited to some scattered creosote and yucca plants, but has a harsh beauty of its own nevertheless. This untouched desert area also includes incredible views of the Las Vegas Valley and its surrounding mountains.
Black Mountain transmitter masts
Colourful cloud formation
Rocky desert landscape in the early morning light
McCullough Hills canyon trail
Las Vegas Valley views
McCullough Hills Range