The Sunrise Mountain Recreational Area is composed of a very deep and large gypsum sedimentary deposit, pyroclastic rock, sandstone clays, sulfides and other mineral deposits. The area is also known to be called “Rainbow Gardens”. Pabco a gypsum board factory is North, Nellis Air Force Bases’ Storage Area 2, stocked with nuclear munitions, is north-east. East is a large expanse of walkable desert that reveals an incredible variety of diminutive plants that I have never seen elsewhere in the Southwest. It is an area crossed north to south by high tension wires owned by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power that connects a Utah power plant to the Southern California power grid. The road leading to the area, Lake Mead Boulevard East, is scattered with memorials, the beautiful lands that surround you can be a great distraction. The often-stereotyped image of southwestern abandonment is present complete with mountains of broken glass, abandoned boats on the side of the road, metal burn offs (stolen copper wire melted down into ingots), bullet casings and other refuse. The meteorological conditions eat away at these remnants, a steady grind on a timeframe that humans rarely have patience for. To the West is Frenchman’s Bluff, the mountain that separates this serene postindustrial landscape from Las Vegas, Nevada. This space lies in perfect contrast with the spectacle, it strips away any glitter and reveals itself in profound humility, but only if you step out of your car. 

The best way to get to and from the Sunrise Mountain Area is to head East on Lake Mead Boulevard, through North Las Vegas. There is an exit past Downtown Las Vegas on I-15 North, you will drive through North Las Vegas, keep an eye out for one of the best Las Vegas neon signs, the Lawless Center on the left. Keep going all the way up the mountain, once you reach the top you will find several dirt roads on the descent to park your car, the best one is right before the high tension wires cross the road to the right, if you reach the Lake Mead National Recreational Area you’ve gone too far. On the way back you will pass one of the greatest Las Vegas look out points at the top of the hill. Lake Mead Boulevard is also known as NV Route 147.