As far as destinations for south-western outdoor adventures go, it’s hard to beat Red Rocks Canyon. The national conservation area has something for every kind of outdoor enthusiast. World class rock climbing, desert hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and camping. It’s just 25 minutes away from a little city called Las Vegas—maybe you’ve heard of it? Whether you’d prefer to spend your day casino hopping or maybe you’d rather set up your tent away from the never-ending glow of neon lights, Red Rock Canyon has got you covered.
The 200,000 acre Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is located in the Spring Mountains, home to a surprising amount of natural springs, tinajas, and waterfalls. The sandstone and limestone cliffs give the rock its stunning red appearance. Elevations fluctuate between 3,000 and 6,000 feet, meaning that while you can expect it to be a few degrees cooler than it is under the neon canopy on Fremont Street, you should still expect summer temperatures to reach 110 degrees, making this a destination best suited for fall or spring.
The most popular part of the area is the Scenic Loop, a 13 mile one-way drive with opportunities for hiking, climbing, and snapping legendary photographs along the way. This is the only part of Red Rock Canyon that has official hours (these change depending on the time of year), so make yourself aware of them before you go. The Scenic Loop also charges a small entrance fee, but if you already have an annual pass for the national parks, you’re good to go.
If at first glance of the red and white sandstone mountains doesn’t have you lacing up your hiking boots, I don’t know what will. The mere fact that you can stroll through crimson canyons to desert springs just moments from Sin City is nothing short of a miracle. Trails in Red Rock Canyon range from casual walks to tough scrambles. Many hikes will only take up to an hour or two of your time. Prepare appropriately for the weather, summers are hot and winters are cold in the Mojave desert. Bring plenty of water and layers if your planning on hiking for several hours.
The top hiking trails are:
- Calico Tank Trail
- Ice Box Canyon Trail
- Lost Canyon
- Calico Hills
- Keystone Thrust Trail
- White Rock – Willow Spring Loop
- Turtlehead Peak Trail
A quick stop by the visitors center will get you a free map of the area, including all the available hiking trails.
Red Rock’s only campground is located two miles from the visitor center outside of the Scenic Loop and just off of SR-159. It has 72 sites and is closed in the summer.
michelle in the wild 