A visit to the Red Rock Canyon is usually not one of the main reasons to visit the US. But it’s a well worth visit. When you are staying in Las Vegas, the visit to The Grand Canyon is a must (more: Visit The Grand Canyon – make the most of your visit). But what if you have just a half-day? It definitely is not enough for a quality visit to The Grand Canyon, as well as the drive to and from takes close to 4 hours each way.
This situation happened to us, and I’m so glad that Google Maps (yes, only Google Maps, not other guide books or guiding websites) pointed out that there is a small national park right outside Las Vegas. Half-day is the right amount of time to visit the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
Getting there and around
The Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area is right outside Las Vegas, almost 20 miles from the center of the city – strip. The full scenic area’s road is a 13 mile long round trip along the paved road. Driving through all of it you will see many parking areas to stop and access to explore the many small canyons and sandstone hills in the heart of the Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area. There are many different trailheads to begin your next outdoor adventure.
The entry is possible with America the Beautiful National parks pass, as well as a 1-day entry without a pass for 1 vehicle, which would cost $15. And as a usual outdoor place in the USA, the visit to the Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area can be made between the sunrise and the sunset.
Hiking is a must on your visit to the Red Rock Canyon
The Red Rock Canyon can be super convenient for just driving through in a car and stopping to enjoy the views and take amazing pictures. So it will be so much appreciated by lazier travelers. You can find the map of the whole area here.
But for the active visitors, there are more than enough choices for a new adventure behind every corner. Hiking is very popular in all the national parks of the USA, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is not an exception. There are 26 numbered hikes and trails for every hiker’s taste. To read more about the trails, and to choose one or a few favorites, visit the official website, where you will find details and maps for each trail. Most of the trails are suitable for biking as well, those that don’t include rocky roads and small climbing, and also there are many off-roads that you can choose on your own safety.
Climbers will also enjoy the visit to the Red Rock Canyon
If hiking and biking are not exciting enough on your visit to the Red Rock Canyon, the Canyon is also famous for all the possibilities to rock climbing enthusiasts. There are few hiking trails that lead to the rocks that are suitable for beginner to advanced rock climbers: Mt. Wilson, Levitation Wall, Rainbow Wall, Bridge Mountain, Hidden Wall, and the Buffalo Wall.
Either climbing or hiking, always prioritize your own safety. Like many national parks in the South West of the USA, you may encounter venomous snakes, especially when walking/cycling off roads (we met one crossing the main road). Always look where you are placing your foot, beware of bushes and under rock places.
Extremely photo-friendly place
But most important of all, you can not avoid beautiful red rocks on your visit to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. It is one of the most Instagram-friendly places near Las Vegas for all those red rocks and amazing landscapes and mountains. This is my type of activity, so I indulged myself in it completely.
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