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The .2-mile Fire Ecology interpretive trail in Pine Creek Canyon, Red Rock Canyon NCA, Nevada, was a controlled burn conducted in 1992 to determine how canyon forests could be managed to protect older pine trees from being consumed by brush fire. Following a brush management strategy aimed at controlling excess brush fuel on the forest floor, a controlled burn was conducted that successfully passed underneath the pines without damaging them.
Today visitors can walk this interpretive trail, observe the current condition of the 1992 controlled burn, learn from a number of interpretive signs and picnic at a table near the edge of Pine Creek.
The best time of year to hike this trail is mid-Fall through mid-Spring. Summer temperatures can exceed 110 degrees. Learn more by clicking the image or title above.
From I-215 take the Charleston Blvd exit (at Red Rock Casino) and head upward through Summerlin toward Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. It’s the first right turn after Calico Basin. Take the Red Rock Canyon scenic drive to the West side of Red Rock Canyon. Pine Creek Canyon will be the next major trailhead parking area past Icebox Canyon, about 2/3rds the way around the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive. From the Pine Creek Canyon parking area, take The Pine Creek Canyon Trail about 1/4th mile to the Fire Ecology Loop on the left.
David Smith has devoted the better part of one day each week over the past 20 years to experiencing a mountain trail running adventure. He began in the Pacific Northwest with the Columbia Gorge and Cascade Mountains; then moved to Southern California and experienced the Angeles Crest mountains; then the Northeast where he experienced the Hudson River Valley and Minnewaska; finally in 2016 to Las Vegas where he is experiencing and documenting Red Rock Canyon, the Spring Mountains (Mt. Charleston area), Death Valley and beyond!
Return often to experience one new adventure each week! From the home page scroll to “Most Recent Adventures“. More about David Smith…
The trail adventures on this website require proper conditioning, preparation and safety precautions. There are many factors beyond our control including weather conditions, unstable ground, loose rocks, insects and snakes, people you may encounter, your own level of physical conditioning, the potential of getting lost just to mention a few. While this site offers guidance, helpful tips, direction and training, the reader assumes full responsibility for whatever may occur during their trail adventure. Have fun and be safe!
