What happens in Red Rock Canyon, Stays in Red Rock Canyon

Did you know that just a short twenty-minute drive west of Las Vegas will lead you to a desert oasis? The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area sits on just under 200,000 acres of land which feature beautiful canyons and scenic vistas. The conservation area has a one-way 13-mile scenic drive that takes you through the highs and lows of the canyon where you can view wild horses and burros.

Get the best of both worlds on your next trip to Las Vegas and consider taking the short drive over to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area to learn more about the tortoises that inhabit the area, or just to stretch your legs on a short hike. Here is our list of 5 things to do in the Red Rock Canyon area.

Hiking:

Getting off the beaten path never disappoints. Red Rock Canyon provides 26 different hiking trails to do just that. Immersing yourself in the natural world opens up avenues of curiosity and allows you to experience a part of the area that the people in the cars will never experience.

The next time you’re visiting try out the Calico Hills Trail. It’s a 2-6 mile hike that will have you traversing from the Calico Basin to the Sandstone Quarry.

Camping:

The Red Rock Canyon Campground is the only campground within the conservation area. Located 2 miles east of the Visitor Center on Moenkopi Road, the campground is a great base for exploring the surrounding area. To make a reservation, visit https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/250877.

Climbing:

Rock climbing has become increasingly popular among outdoor enthusiasts. The Red Rock Canyon Recreation Area has many established routes amid the Navajo Sandstone rock of the area. If you are unfamiliar with the area and the climbing routes, you can hire a guide that will assist you with better understanding the terrain by providing photographs and route descriptions. You can find more information about rock climbing in the canyon by visiting the Bureau of Land Management website and clicking on the climbing tab. https://www.blm.gov/nevada/red-rock-canyon-nca/recreation

Become a Junior Ranger:

The visitor center at Red Rock Canyon is operated by the Southern Nevada Conservancy. The conservancy “creates opportunities for people to discover, understand, and enjoy your public lands.” The Conservancy provides many learning opportunities within the park, one of those being the popular Junior Ranger program. The hour-long program provides insight for children into conservation, wildlife management, and Leave No Trace principles. https://southernnevadaconservancy.org/activities/interpretation

13 Mile Scenic Drive:

If you’re wanting to get away from the city for a short but sweet journey into nature, consider driving the one-way Scenic Drive through the canyon. Enjoy scenic overlooks, hiking trails and picnic areas along the way. A reservation is required to access the road from October 1st – May 31st. To acquire a reservation visit: https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10075177.

So, the next time you’re visiting “Sin City” take a break from the nightlife by visiting the open spaces of Red Rock Canyon. There’s so much to do and see away from the bright lights!