While the Grand Canyon itself is only a few hour’s drive from Nevada, there’s also a stunning canyon in Nevada to visit!
The Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area is located just 17 miles west of Las Vegas.
Red Rock Canyon is the first National Conservation Area designated in Nevada in 1990.
This popular recreation area has more than 2 million visitors each year, and it’s not hard to see why.
Adventure and sports enthusiasts can find tons of things to do in Red Rock Canyon. Rock climbing, hiking, mountain and road biking and horseback riding are some of the fun activities.
One popular hike is the Calico Tanks, which includes lots of rock scrambling. Make it to the top for an incredible view of Las Vegas and the rest of the canyon.
There are also several hikes with seasonal waterfalls, such as the First Creek Canyon Trail, an unexpected treat in the desert.
For more sedate visitors, you can enjoy a meal in some of the many picnic areas, take some guided nature walks, and drive a 13-mile route through the park with some stunning views.
Red Rock Canyon is part of the Mojave Desert and it’s known for its unique red, orange and brown rocks. The color comes from iron in the rocks that “rusted” when exposed to oxygen and the elements.
The Red Rock Canyon is home to many types of desert wildlife and you can often see burros, foxes, lizards, toads, sheep, deer, the desert tortoise, and several types of birds.
You can also see some beautiful examples of desert wildflowers. Many people expect the desert to have boring sage brush type plants and are surprised to see the rainbow of colors.
The Conservation Area is open year-round.
You can get more information on things to do at the Red Rock Canyon Interpretative Association website. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is located west of Las Vegas on W Charleston Blvd/SR 159. Go 5 miles on Charleston Blvd., then turn right on Scenic Loop Drive which will take you to the visitor center. There is a day use entrance fee.
Red Rock Canyon Interpretive Association
1000 Scenic Loop Drive
Las Vegas, NV 89161
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