Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area lies in Nevada’s Mojave Desert. It’s known for geological features such as towering red sandstone peaks and the Keystone Thrust Fault, as well as Native American petroglyphs. Panoramic viewing spots dot the 13-mile Scenic Drive. The sheltered Ice Box Canyon has seasonal waterfalls. To the south, Spring Mountain Ranch State Park features historic buildings and hiking trails.
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Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area In Las Vegas for a concert we wanted to do something besides gamble. We drove about 45 minutes west of The Strip and enjoyed an afternoon at the Red Rock Canyon. It’s a National Conservation Area, managed by the Bureau of Land Management and has a visitor center with a 13-mile scenic drive. From October-May you need to have a timed entry pass, I did this easily on their website on my iPhone (you can also apparently call for the reservation pass). Once past the entry gate we drove to the Visitor Center which has some simple exhibits, restrooms, and friendly staff to answer your questions. We picked up a good map in the Center and asked about a few trails.
It was upwards of 90* (F) on the day we visited so we were not eager to hike very much - instead we pulled up to each trailhead/vista point and got out of the car to enjoy the views and take some photos of the scenic canyon.
We stopped at the first 3 trailheads: Calico 1 and Calico 2. You can take even a short walk/hike into the red rocks and get a glimpse of the beauty of this canyon.
Also recommend stopping at the High Point Overlook which provides a 180-degree view of the surrounding area. At the sharp bend in the scenic byway, about 1/2 way through take the road and drive the short distance to the parking lot for the Petroglyph Wall trail. This is the only trail we hiked (or really walked) that hot day and it’s only about 1/10th of a mile to the base of the rock walls where you can see some well preserved Petroglyphs. When we were there in May there were also some nice wildflowers blooming. Ice Box Canyon is also said to be an interesting hike.
It’s a short drive from downtown Vegas and provides a great natural experience that is definitely a contrast of the glitzy, neon spirit of the Strip. Highly recommended if you enjoy getting...
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Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, located approximately 15 miles west of Las Vegas, Nevada, is a stunning natural preserve spanning over 195,000 acres. Renowned for its striking red sandstone formations and towering cliffs, some reaching up to 3,000 feet, the area offers a diverse range of outdoor activities. EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG
Key Features:
Scenic Drive: A 13-mile one-way loop road provides visitors with breathtaking views of the canyon's landscapes, with multiple pullouts for photography and observation.
Hiking and Rock Climbing: The area boasts numerous hiking trails catering to various skill levels, from easy walks to challenging climbs. Its high sandstone walls make it a popular destination for rock climbers. EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG
Wildlife Viewing: Home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, desert tortoises, and over 100 bird species, the conservation area offers ample opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts.
Visitor Information:
Operating Hours: The Scenic Drive is open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Entrance Fees: A daily pass costs $15 per vehicle. Annual passes and other fee options are also available.
Visitor Center: Located at the start of the Scenic Drive, the center provides educational exhibits, maps, and information on current conditions.
Recommendations:
Preparation: Carry ample water, wear appropriate footwear, and be mindful of desert temperatures, especially during summer months.
Leave No Trace: Help preserve the natural beauty by staying on designated trails and packing out all trash.
Whether you're an avid hiker, climber, photographer, or simply seeking a serene escape from the city, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers a memorable experience amidst Nevada's captivating...
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This place was amazing to take pictures 📸 and explore mother nature. When you drive 🚗 to this place there are one way roads and you enter where there you pay an entry fee. I had a truck 🛻 size vehicle so I ended up paying $15. Depending on your vehicle it can vary.
Once your there the agent gives you a map to know where you are and explore by foot, bike 🏍, motorcycle or vehicle 🚕. It was way too hot that day to walk 🚶♂️ 🚶♀️ but we did more driving than walking to get as close to the mountain ⛰️ as possible which is worth it.
Please, bring sunscreen 🌞, water 💧, hat 👒 and food and/or snack. Parents, please hold your children's hand ✋️ to prevent them from falling down when trail 👣 walking and leash pets 🐕 if you decide to bring them along. There are bags for you to use in case you forget.
Be aware of not just the heat hot 🔥 😎 but wild animals snake 🦔🐍🦎🐢🐜🐝🪲🐞🦗🕷🪳🕸🦂🦟🪱🦠
Bathrooms 🚻 are in every parking spots but if I would recommend having your phone 📱 around or someone with you because some of them are hard to open or get out when finishing. NO sink. Bring extra cleaning hygiene products in case.
Distance of this activity is between 13 to 16 miles. Nearest gas station ⛽️ is after leaving Blue Diamond which is Evvon gas ⛽️ but it is expensive so fill prior to coming if that makes any difference.
Have fun and enjoy the beauty of nature 😎 I did since I am...
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