Red Rock Canyon - Turtlehead Peak

Turtlehead Peak - Calico Tanks Photos

During a rain, snow or both, water will collect in these circular shaped low spot or depressions on the flat tops of some of the sandstone formations.

A kind of algae grows in these holes when they have water in them. They lie dormant when it is dry, waiting for the next snow or rain, whenever that will be.

This area lies to the north of almost everything else in Red Rock Canyon.

The higher elevation and proximity to the nearby Spring Mountains, channels more snowfall into this immediate area.

When rain falls or snow melts, it collects in pools and puddles in the higher places. Sometimes, enough water will collect to allow the water to flow allow the cracks and crevasses. As the water flows through these spots it also soaks into them giving life to the plants which live around these temporary and unreliable threads of water.

Trails, Details, Photos:

Red Rock Trails & Map

Spring Mountain Ranch

Each Place has its own unique features. They sometimes change with the seasons as different plants and animals take their turn gaining and giving sustenance to their environments.