Visiting Red Rock Canyon

When you are vacationing in Vegas and you need a break from the casinos, there are many interesting places to see not far away. One is Red Rock Canyon. If you are looking for a place to hike, bike or camp, it’s a popular spot particularly in the early spring and late fall months.

The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (RRCNCA) is 17 miles west of Las Vegas, spanning over 197,000 acres within the Mojave Desert. The area features a 13-mile scenic drive, campgrounds and hiking trails. You can experience the beautiful landscape, interesting wildlife, varied vegetation and unique geology of this amazing desert location. The scenic drive is a one-way road that is open daily from 6:00am to dusk. There’s also a visitor’s center, along with a book and gift shop open from 8:00am to 4:30pm. The camping area is open September through May (summers are much too hot) and are equipped with BBQ grills, pit toilets, picnic tables and other amenities.

Red Rock Canyon

One of the popular geological wonders at Red Rock Canyon is Keystone Thrust Fault where you can see the convergence of grey limestone and red sandstone. It’s believe this event took place over 65 million years ago when two plates collided. Keystone Thrust Fault is a popular location for photo opps.

At Red Rock Canyon, you can hike the canyon, take amazing pictures, climb the sandstone wall and enjoy other activities, but remember to leave the area as you found it. Pick up all your trash and don’t disturb the vegetation. Hikers must stay on the designated hiking trails, while bikers cannot go on the hiking trails but must stay on the paved and unpaved roads. Horseback riding is permitted on the unpaved roads and other marked locations.

When hiking through Red Rock Canyon, a few cool picnic spots and vantage points are available at Red Spring, Willow Spring, Pine Creek Canyon and Red Rock Wash. The hiking trail into Pine Creek Canyon is a popular choice. It’s a two-mile trek that leads to the ruins of a historical homestead near a creek. A 12-month pass to Red Rock Canyon is currently $20, while a daily pass is $5 per car.

Whether you are visiting Las Vegas and just need a break, or plan a trip especially to Red Rock Canyon, the area is one that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Learn more about the Red Rock Canyon at redrockcanyonlv.org.

Image: bredgur – Flickr