Preserving the Past, Building the Future: Summerlin's Newest Luxury Community Rises Near Ancient Petroglyphs

A new luxury enclave is emerging along the elevated ridgelines of western Las Vegas — offering panoramic valley views, custom estate opportunities, and an extraordinary connection to one of Southern Nevada’s most culturally significant natural landmarks.

Astra, developed by Howard Hughes Holdings, is a 170-acre, mountainside community just beyond the Summerlin Parkway and 215 Beltway. The community is made up of custom homesites, designed for buyers seeking privacy, architectural freedom, and a deep connection to the desert landscape. But Astra offers more than views — it borders Little Red Rock, an ancient site etched with history.

A Cultural Landscape Etched in Stone

Little Red Rock is a privately owned expanse of red sandstone outcroppings located on the edge of the Las Vegas Valley. For centuries, this area was a sacred and practical space for Indigenous peoples, particularly the Southern Paiutes. The sandstone walls are marked with petroglyphs (carved images) and pictographs (painted symbols), believed to be thousands of years old.

These images — some faint from erosion, others still striking in form — may represent ceremonial symbols, resource maps, or stories passed through generations. The area also contains agave roasting pits and other archaeological traces that show Little Red Rock was a seasonal home and gathering site for Native communities.

For much of the late 20th century, the site suffered from trespassing, vandalism, graffiti, and neglect. By the 1990s, Little Red Rock had become a remote party spot, littered with spray paint, spent shells, and beer cans. Today, thanks to joint efforts by Nevadans for Cultural Preservation, archaeologists, volunteers, and Howard Hughes Holdings, much of the graffiti has been scrubbed away, and ongoing protection efforts are in place.

Development with Stewardship

While the petroglyphs sit outside Astra’s residential boundary, their proximity to the new community adds both cultural significance and responsibility. Hughes Holdings has reiterated its commitment to protecting Little Red Rock, working in cooperation with tribal leaders, preservationists, and local agencies to preserve and monitor the land.

This is not the company’s first land stewardship effort. In past decades, it has facilitated major land swaps with the Bureau of Land Management, transferring thousands of acres of environmentally sensitive land into public conservation in exchange for more developable parcels elsewhere in Summerlin.

Astra: Elevated Custom Homesites with Panoramic Views

Astra’s location atop the valley’s western edge allows for uninterrupted sightlines of the Las Vegas Strip to the east and close-range mountain vistas to the west. The custom homesites, several of which sold in late 2024 for nearly $23 million total, are positioned to take full advantage of the terrain’s natural contours.

Unlike traditional master-planned communities, Astra offers buyers the freedom to design their own homes, partnering with architects and builders of their choosing to create one-of-a-kind residences. With limited inventory and unmatched views, Astra represents a rare opportunity in Southern Nevada’s high-end market.

Where History and Luxury Meet

For discerning buyers, Astra offers more than location and exclusivity — it offers a connection to place. The presence of Little Red Rock nearby is not only visually striking, but spiritually resonant. It brings a layered history to the land — one that is older than the city of Las Vegas itself.

By building next to this revered terrain, Astra homeowners will live near a preserved piece of Nevada’s past — a landscape that speaks to the stories, craftsmanship, and traditions of those who walked here long before us.

Disclaimer: The Batchelor Hanna Group – Real Broker does not represent Howard Hughes Holdings, the Astra development, or any affiliated parties involved in the sale, design, or preservation of Little Red Rock. All information is provided for general awareness and educational purposes only. Little Red Rock is private property and protected by state and federal law. Unauthorized access is prohibited. The cultural and archaeological significance of the site is recognized and respected, and we encourage all readers to support preservation efforts led by authorized organizations and tribal representatives.