It is called a sky island.

It is the term used to describe an isolated mountain range with a drastic elevation changes and diverse life zones while being surrounded by lowland environment.

I see in our case, it's the Mojave Desert.

Today, we are going to explore southern Nevada's very own backyard, sky Island.

Today we're doing it true Vegas style.

We are hiking the showgirl trail, Ray, I love exploring new areas, places I've never been to.

This is one of those areas.

Where are we?

Well, we're on Juniper Trail Head, right next to showgirl Trail, which is a dual purpose trail.

We have people who certainly hike here, but we also have a lot of mountain bikers who use this trail.

So if people are out on the trail, they need to be courteous and respectful of other users and maybe slow down a little bit on the bikes.

If people have dogs, they need to be leashed on this trail.

But it's a nine mile trail.

Starts up here on near Angel Peak and goes nine miles down to Highway 157.

Another great thing about this trailhead is there's actually a resting area, right?

It has a nice parking lot, so you're not right by a highway.

Also, it has bathroom facilities and a little bench and table up there where people can sit.

Explain to us more in detail what is Skye Island?

Well, Mount Charleston rises up out of the Mojave Desert.

It's a forested area that has water streams and springs, which means that we have quite a bit of wildlife.

It provides cooling areas for visitors, and it's also a sacred area to the native people.

So it is very distinguished from other kinds of mountain places.

And in addition, we have over 30 kinds of plants and animals that are found here at Mount Charleston and nowhere else in the world.

So there's a lot of things that go into it that makes us a sky island.

Now that I know what a sky island is, I'm ready to go explore.

All right, let's go Ray, as I look around.

I'm seeing a lot of open spaces here.

Yes.

Here at the start of the showgirl trail, we're actually in a fuel break.

And a fuel break is where we have intentionally cut some of the vegetation and the trees out so that when a fire occurs, it's not going to be as intense and it doesn't spread as quickly, which helps us attack it much better.

So this is a fuel break.

As you can see, we don't cut all of the trees.

And in addition, we actually have some younger trees starting to come in.

This fuel break was cut about 15 years ago.

I'm starting to see quite a few younger pinions and Ponderosa are coming in and it's taken that long to grow.

Right.

But here, the soil is not the best.

We're also at altitude with long winters.

So for those reasons, it does take a long time for some of the trees to grow back.

I get more knowledge from you.

The natural beauty of this area is stunning the sights, the sounds and the fresh air.

I love being able to take it all in when I'm on a hike.

I always like to find a spot and take a few minutes just to enjoy.

It is my own personal respect.

Take advantage of this beautiful sky island.

I know.

I will.

We'll see you soon.

Out on the trail.