If you love outdoor activities, Ascaya is the perfect place to call home. It boasts a collection of 313 luxury custom estate homesites located nine miles south of the Las Vegas Strip in the McCullough Mountain Range above Henderson, Nevada. Rising nearly 1,000 feet above the valley floor to a total elevation of more than 3,000 feet, Ascaya presents the most breathtaking views of the entire Las Vegas valley, including the iconic lights of the Las Vegas Strip.
Ascaya has been diligent in its sustainability policies. They are committed to preserving the desert through water conservation and use indigenous materials in the landscape. The 80° average temperature for eight months out of the year makes it a hikers paradise. Our elite residents enjoy hiking in their backyard or taking in many of the local favorites.
McCullough Hills Trail Park shares the same range as Ascaya and is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. It offers 2 acres of soft surface trails for hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians. The shaded resting areas and picnic tables make it a perfect daytime activity.
Henderson has the Union Pacific Railway Trail for outdoor lovers who do not want to go up a mountainside. The trail is 7 miles of asphalt and runs adjacent to the existing rails. Recently has had bridges added to go over Highway 11, allowing trail users to continue their journey on the existing River Mountains Loop Trail.
The River Mountains Loop Trail is the backdrop for Henderson and Las Vegas Valley. The trail is approximately 35 miles and circles around the River Mountains, making it a favorite of bicyclists.
During the warmer months, many local enjoy day trips to Mount Charleston. The mountain is part of the Spring Mountain Range, and the peak stands at 11,918, offering cooler weather and outdoor excitement.
Mary Jane Falls is located near Mount Charleston offers a 3.1-mile moderate trail that snakes up the mountain. The crescendo of the hike is at the top. When hikers round the last bend, they are met with a natural waterfall that comes off the rocks. The water levels are dependant on the snowfall each year.
Red Rock Canyon is the most well-known National park in the Valley and admired by both locals and tourists. Its 195,819 acres in the Mojave Desert and the setting is a geological wonder of rock formations formed 190 million years ago. The Aztec Stone formations lend to the skyline giving glimpses of amber that is visible throughout the Valley. The canyon features 13-miles of scenic drive and 26 numbered trails for all levels of hikers.
Red Rock Canyon is not the only national park frequented by locals. Zion National Park is an approximately 3-hour drive from Ascaya and can be a day trip or a fantastic vacation spot. The park is set amongst massive sandstone cliffs and offers several trails for all levels of hikers. One of the most popular trails in the park is the Narrows.
The Narrows offers a retreat from warm weather because about 60% of the hike is wading the Virginia River. The Narrows, in its entirety, is 9.4 miles long and gets its name because it passes through the narrowest part of Zion Canyon. The river is used as the guide, as there is not a designated trail.
The Valley is more than just bright lights. With so many outdoor wonders to explore, the outdoor enthusiast will never be bored.
What is your favorite outdoor activity in the Valley? Let us know in the comments.
Resources
https://cityofhenderson.com/henderson-happenings/parks-and-trails/trails-and-bike-lanes
https://www.traillink.com/trail/union-pacific-railroad-trail/
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/nevada/mary-jane-falls-trail
https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/zion-canyon-trail-descriptions.htm
