Red Rock Legacy Trail

Paved, Shared-Use Path

About

Project Details

The Red Rock Legacy Trail project (Legacy Trail) proposes the construction of a paved multi-use path to improve safety and recreational opportunities for non-motorized users in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (RRCNCA) and the surrounding area. Visitation to the RRCNCA has increased greatly in recent years, and there is a need for safer shared access for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles. The proposed trail would improve safety along State Route (SR) 159 by providing an alternative to using the highway’s shoulder. The route will connect approximately 20 miles of trail between the residential community of Summerlin with the Hualapai Trailhead parking lot just off SR-160, as well as provide upgrades to approximately six trailhead parking lots. The project is being delivered in five unique ‘Phases’ (see map below), with construction of Phase 1 anticipated to begin as early as 2025. The Federal Highway Administration-Central Federal Lands Highway Division (FHWA-CFLHD) is the lead agency for the project, partnering with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Clark County, and the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) to plan, design, and implement the trail.

BLM Project Website

Official Documents

The Red Rock Legacy Trail Partnership

Save Red Rock is a non-profit organization committed to the preservation and enhancement of the natural, recreational, educational, scientific, and scenic resources of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (RRCNA).

The Red Rock Legacy Trails Partnership (RRLTP) is a committee of Save Red Rock designed to facilitate public-private partnership collaboration with managing agencies, government entities and stakeholders, to advance and assist planning and support for the Red Rock Legacy Trails project. RRLTP committee participants include representatives from local, state and federal agencies including:

…and private citizens and stakeholders

Background

What is the Legacy Trails Project?

Save Red Rock’s advocacy of safety began in 2005, in response to a tragic and highly public accident involving Don Albietz, a husband and father, Metro Police Officer, little league coach, community leader and experienced Ironman cyclist. The community response to this accident sparked an emergency grass roots effort to address safety and sustainability for local and visiting outdoor enthusiasts.

Over the years, Save Red Rock has been successful in improving safety for cyclists and drivers through state and federal legislation and facility improvements, such as lowering the speed limit, stopping urban development, diverting semi truck traffic and adding an 8 foot bike lane to the SR 159 Scenic Byway.

In response to the public outcry for safety, SRR hosted a Nevada Department of Transportation public series of Red Rock Safety Charettes. The number one public safety alternative that came out of that series was a separated, multi-use bike path for families and active trail users. Save Red Rock formed a committee called the Red Rock Legacy Trails Partnership to provide public/private support and advance the community vision to increase safety, reduce traffic and connect Las Vegas communities and visitors to the Canyon in a safe, organized and sustainable manner.

Don Albietz’ legacy inspired a movement that is ongoing to this day, and that we are closer than ever to fulfilling.

Don and Minta Albietz

Goals and Significance

The Legacy Trails Project addresses three major community goals, making it one of the most significant outdoor recreation projects of our time.

  1. Safety + Inclusion
    Ensuring that locals and tourists of every skill level, background, or recreational usage (biking, walking, running, etc.) are offered the opportunity to enjoy a free, safe and easy-to-follow trail experience, without the danger of automobile traffic. The trail will make it possible for everyone — especially families with children or pets, those who are differently-abled, older, or from any background or economic threshold — to enjoy the scenery and majesty of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
  2. Economic Impact
    As visitation in national parks soars (both due to COVID-19 and general interest acceleration), and outdoor sports such as biking and running gain in popularity, positioning Red Rock Canyon as a leader among its nearby recreational lands such Zion or Bryce Canyon would offer a greater share of tourism dollars in Las Vegas, in a time when we need it most. The time has never been better for Vegas to diversify and offer safe, outdoor recreation.
  3. Sustainability
    Investing in sustainable infrastructure would not only meet current visitation demand for locals and tourists alike, but provide room for visitor growth while protecting the integrity of the sensitive lands surrounding the project. As traffic naturally increases, visitorship is encroaching upon and disrupting this sacred environment. This project would address the issue of unbalanced and concentrated impact by dispersing the recreation, a proven BLM strategy, in a responsible, organized, and channeled manner. And in future phases, we intend to create enticing RRLT Park-and-Ride facilities at the city’s edge to encourage drivers to leave their cars to visit the canyon by biking or running and lessen the impact even further.
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