Las Vegas is a vision of contrasting wonders, from the Strip’s dazzling, star-studded entertainment to the peaceful tranquility of the surrounding Mojave Desert. When you’re ready to explore beyond the glitz and glamour of vibrant Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon awaits those seeking serenity, stargazing and outdoor adventure.
Located 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip, Red Rock Canyon covers nearly 200,000 acres. The site was designated as Nevada’s first National Conservation Area in 1990 “to conserve, protect, enhance, and manage public lands for present and future generations,” explains Park Ranger Chad Hoing.
Public Domain
Red Rock National Conservation Area
Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the region is a geologist’s playground, featuring distinctive rock formations created by volcanic activity and erosion over millions of years. Massive red sandstone cliffs (whose color derives from iron oxide exposed to the elements), deep canyons, jagged mountains and boulders, and desert plains are among the resulting natural geologic wonders.
Make your first stop the Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center. Besides a showstopping view of the Calico Hills from inside the center, here visitors can pick up a visitor guide, trail maps, special permits and important safety tips from on-site staff (“When thunder roars, stay indoors”). Ranger Chad also advises visitors to “always make sure you are prepared for the weather; it can be brutally hot in the summer, so bring lots of water and sun protection.”
Learn more about Red Rock Canyon in a 17-minute video, and shop for a favorite souvenir at the Elements Gift Shop. Stroll through outdoor themed interpretive exhibits, highlighting the elements of earth (geology), air (night sky), fire (agave roasting pits), and water (as a precious resource). View the Desert Tortoise Habitat showcasing Nevada’s official state reptile, found on the endangered species list.
From October 1st through May 31st, timed reservations are required for vehicle entry of the popular 13-mile one-way Scenic Loop. Start your drive outside the Visitor Center. We opt for a Pink Jeep Tour, but before hopping aboard, our insightful Adventure Guide Zachary points to a nearby sign advising: “CAUTION. Watch for Tortoise. Check Under Cars before Moving.” We do. With nary a desert tortoise in sight, Zach lingers a moment longer, identifying for us a red barrel cactus, “also called a compass cactus because it always points south.”
Public Domain
Red Rock National Conservation Area
By the end of our several-hour tour, Zach had pointed out numerous examples of Red Rock’s desert flora and fauna: creosote bush with its signature earthy scent after a rainfall; green Mormon tea plant (Ephedra viridis), so-called because early Mormon settlers adopted the practice by Indigenous peoples of brewing tea from the plant for medicinal purposes; and the desert trumpet that blooms in small yellow flowers in Spring. We catch sight of a sun-bathing lizard and a rock squirrel scampering between rocks, but larger mammals like the Canyon’s mule deer and bighorn sheep remain elusive.
Pull-out stops along the road afford gorgeous photo ops and close-up views of the stunning landscape. We pass High Point Overlook with its elevation of 4,771 ft. and pause for short, easy hikes, one of which leads to the Petroglyph Wall Trail, where we find rock carvings and pictographs (paintings) estimated to be 800 years old. The entire Loop is an invitation to slow down and look closely because, as Ranger Chad notes, “Red Rock changes, and I feel like I see something new and beautiful every time I go out on one of our trails.”
Whether exploring the rich cultural history and heritage of Indigenous peoples who first settled here, touring the 13-mile scenic trail, or engaging in hiking, biking, climbing or camping adventures, Ranger Chad wants visitors to remember most of all: “This is their public lands,” adding, “Red Rock Canyon NCA is a truly special place. It offers tons of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, but it is also up to each one of us to do our part. I want people generations from now to be able to experience this unique environment for themselves.”
Plan Your Trip
Red Rock Canyon Las Vegas
Las Vegas
Pink Adventure Tours