An agave roasting pit along the Calico Tanks Trail, Red Rock Canyon, Las Vegas, Nevada.

These seasonal cooking ovens were built by the Southern Paiute, Mojave and possibly Anasazi Indians that frequented the Red Rock Canyon and Spring Mountains areas.  For the Southern Paiute the roasting pit was much more than a place to prepare food.  It was a time to gather and feast, prepare for the winter and gather for dancing and religious ceremonies.