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 Reporter |
Summary: Possibly the most spectacular & most accessible display of polychromatic pictographs found in the area. The canyon is filled with both pictographs & petroglyphs -- look high on cliffs with desert varnish to see the petroglyphs. Agave roasting pits in this canyon are in almost pristine condition and dot the landscape. The route I've outlined takes you walking through sand & gravel along the "main" trail to the old dam. Filled with water year round (ice in winter), this dam is critical to support the big horn sheep, deer, mountain lions, and other game in this canyon. Please do not linger at the dam or any other water source to minimize the impact on the animals. You can actually continue hiking up the backside of Turtlehead Peak, along the ridgeline, over & down to Sandstone Quarry (all day for full loop). I won't publish the lat/long for the picto/petro; but email me if you're willing to respect the canyon & I'll help you find them. Trailhead: Do NOT attempt to reach this TH by passenger car, or if you're towing anything! You must cross the Red Rock wash and follow a dirt road for 5 miles before reaching the TH. Brownstone Canyon Archaeological District is completely protected & is listed in the Natl Register of Historic Places. Do NOT drive across the desert or follow the many illegal routes made by careless off roaders -- this is sensitive habitat and easily damaged. Head W on Charleston Blvd. (SR159) as if going to Red Rock Canyon NCA. After you pass the concrete detention basin, turn R (N) off the paved road at 36.15328/-115.36615, cross the wash (NOT IF RAINING !!) & follow the main dirt road to the TH at 36.18421/-115.42770. Access is blocked by boulders & fencing. No bikes or off road vehicles allowed in Brownstone Canyon !! Foot or hoof only. The BLM patrols this area regularly & it is critical to respect the rules here !! You can also take dirt road #214 to reach the TH to Brownstone. (Lat:36.18421 Lon:-115.4277) Trail Guides for Brownstone Canyon (Archaeological District): Hiking Around Las Vegas by Jim Boone (Jim L. Boone) Hiking Las Vegas by Branch Whitney (Branch Whitney) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Horses, Ranger Contact: Red Rock (BLM) ranger at entry to Red Rock Canyon NCA (fee station) 702-515-5950 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Kat Green, who has posted 86 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by EP on 6/18/2009 Is there public access to this area? Where should we park??? 
Reviewed by Jolene on 3/14/2009 I was just wondering if anyone knows how to access the trail from red rock. Last weekend I wnt out with a group and got seperated. They started at Sandstone Quarry and headed towards Turtle Head Peak. Any info would be appreciated.
Reviewed by Kenneth on 1/19/2009 Access as described is now blocked. Went to the Visitor Center, which confirmed that access is blocked and rangers are negotiating public access with the landowner. Expected to take "a while."
Reviewed by mg on 11/20/2008 Is this trail still public accesss? Not listed as public on rock art websites. 
Reviewed by michelle on 10/22/2005 This was a great hike. We saw 5 bighorn sheep watching from above as we drove to the trailhead. Awesome Indian art. It was severely disappointing to see evidence of visiting swine (i.e. beer bottles and other trash). If you cannot respect the natural world, you should avoid this hike.
Reviewed by Leah on 3/20/2005 Our Field Ecology class took this hike up to the pools for plankton specimens. This hike was gorgeous and enjoyable, even in the rain! The petroglyphs were a welcoming surprise, as were the abundant waterfalls, pools, and rapids. I recommend this hike after a rain (but not during!!) in the area but be sure to be careful for flash flooding for much of the terrain can leave you stranded. Please respect the natural the surrounding ecosystem for its beauty and uniqueness. Many organisms depend on the ephemeral pools for survival and any modifcation of the habitat from pollution, litter, or other human activities can affect the biological community. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Nevada Hiking, Nevada Trails, Nevada Hikes, Clark County Hiking, Clark County Trails, Clark County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||