Red Rock Canyon Wildlife and Wild Burros
Burros, bighorn sheep, wild horses, birds and ground squirrels
The herd area and where burros gather
The Red Rock Herd Management Area, which holds wild horses and burros, covers 220,000 acres in southern Nevada. Wild horses may be seen at the extreme northern end of Red Rock, near Cold Creek. Burros cope with desert heat by being most active in the early morning and late afternoon. For water, they seek out the natural springs and hidden waterholes found throughout Red Rock Canyon.
Burros often gather near Bonnie Springs, Spring Mountain Ranch and the town of Blue Diamond along State Route 159, and they are easier to see there. Coming from State Route 160 (Blue Diamond Road), the last leg is 10.5 miles east on SR 159/Charleston Boulevard. Wild burros, rabbits and ground squirrels are familiar sights.
Watching burros from a distance
Wild burros are generally less than half the size of a horse. People are injured every year when they try to feed or pet burros. Feeding burros makes them lose their natural fear of roads and cars.
- Visitors should watch burros from a distance.
- Drivers should be careful near animals on or near the road, as burros may step out in front of cars unexpectedly.
Other animals of Red Rock Canyon
- More than 100Bird species identified within Red Rock Canyon
- More than 45Mammal species in Red Rock Canyon
More than 100 bird species have been identified within Red Rock Canyon, and more than 45 mammal species occur there. Desert bighorn sheep can be seen on rocky cliffs throughout the area, and they are occasionally seen at higher elevations. The antelope ground squirrel is often seen from the 13-Mile Scenic Drive during the hottest parts of the day.
Parking, buses and permits
No fee or reservation is needed to park at Red Spring Picnic Area, but parking is likely to fill up on busy days. Commercial buses, motorcoaches and vans must make timed-entry reservations on Recreation.gov. Guiding for pay, large groups and weddings need a Special Recreation Permit from the BLM.
Tours
Questions about wildlife
Frequently asked questions
How large is the Red Rock Herd Management Area?
The Red Rock Herd Management Area, which holds wild horses and burros, covers 220,000 acres in southern Nevada.
Where do burros often gather?
Burros often gather near Bonnie Springs, Spring Mountain Ranch and the town of Blue Diamond along State Route 159, and they are easier to see there.
When are burros most active?
Burros cope with desert heat by being most active in the early morning and late afternoon. They get water from the natural springs and hidden waterholes found throughout Red Rock Canyon.
Is it safe to feed or pet burros?
People are injured every year when they try to feed or pet burros, and feeding burros makes them lose their natural fear of roads and cars. Visitors should watch burros from a distance.
Where may wild horses be seen?
Wild horses may be seen at the extreme northern end of Red Rock, near Cold Creek.
How many bird and mammal species are there?
More than 100 bird species have been identified within Red Rock Canyon, and more than 45 mammal species occur there.