Red Rock Canyon is a source of fresh air when you need a break from the noise and bright lights that characterize Sin City. It’s located at the west edge of the valley.
Important Facts About Red Rock Canyon
- It was established in 1990 as a National Conservation Area.
- It contains 195,819 acres (306 sq miles)
- It averages 2 million total visitors every year.
Reasons to Visit
There are many reasons why you should visit Red Rock Canyon.
First, it’s beautiful. Red Rock has evolved over the last 600 million years from an ocean to a desert environment. The changes, coupled with the harsh climate that characterizes the Mojave Desert, helped shape the striking and dramatic landscape.
Next, it has a unique geological and cultural history. For example, there are dinosaur tracks that were created between 180 and 190 million years ago (the first ever documented in Nevada). There are also cultural artifacts like broken pieces of pottery and stone tools.
Lastly, it has something for everyone. To prove it, let me give you 13 things you can do when you go to Red Rock Canyon this year.
#1. Marvel at the unusual flora
Red Rock Canyon is a part of the Mojave Desert Drive and is under the federal government’s protection. The beautiful environment gives you a unique opportunity to see many plants, some of which you can’t find anywhere else in the world.
#2. Hike the many trails
One of the most popular hiking trails is the Calico Tanks Hike which is approximately 2.5 miles from Sandstone Quarry, a 450 feet elevation gain. You will see vibrantly colored rock formations. You will also have an option of hiking to turtlehead Peak from the atrial fork. Other hikes in Red Canyon that you should consider include the Calico Hills Trail, Ice Box Canyon Trail, Pine Creek Trail, and First Creek Canyon Trail.
#3. See the Red Spring and Calico Basin
The Red Spring and Calico Basin are only a few miles from the Scenic Drive. The Calico Basin has an array of colorful landscapes. You will find the gray limestone La Madre Mountains to the north, the desert ridge to the south, and the red sandstone Calico Hills to the west. It has the three permanent springs, the Ash Spring, Calico Spring, and Red Spring, which are unique to it. The presence of water makes this place a haven for wildlife.
#4. Visit the Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center
It’s located at the entrance of the scenic drive and open daily from 9:30 am to 4 pm. There are so many exhibits that you can see here, and you can learn a lot of information. Three trailheads start by this center, including Moenkopi Loop (2 miles), Calico Hills (2.6 miles), and the Grand Circle Loop (11.3 miles).
#5. Drive through the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive
The Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive is a 13-mile one-way loop that takes approximately 30 minutes if you don’t have many stops. But you will need a lot of time to explore the many wonders the park offers.
#6. Go backpack
If you are the adventurous type, you can do backcountry camping within Red Rock Canyon at over 5000 feet in the Rainbow Mountain Wilderness and over 6500 feet in the La Madre Wilderness. But you must know that these remote areas have neither drinking water nor developed trail systems.
#7. Join fellow visitors on a tour
If you want to escape the Strip, you can pay for a guided tour. There are many available, lasting from only a couple of hours, to a full day. There are 4×4 tours, e-bike trips, and the luxurious helicopter rides. To make it better, you can include other destinations like the Seven Magic Mountains and the Valley of Fire. Some of the top-rated guided tours include Las Vegas: Valley of Fire and Red Rock Canyon Day Trip, Red Rock Canyon Sunset Tour, Red Rock Helicopter Landing Tour, and Red Rock canyon 4×4 Adventure.
#8. Go off-roading
Off-roading is quite popular within Red Rock Canyon. You can experience the thrill of an off-road adventure up the Rocky Gap Road in an open-air Jeep Wrangler.
#9. Cycle
If you are the kind of person that enjoys the two wheels, then there are a lot of riding opportunities for you here, both mountain biking and road biking. There is 13 miles of paved undulating rod to explore, and although bikes are not allowed on any of the trails, you can cycle along the scenic drive. There are many bike trails to consider, especially the Cottonwood Valley and the Blue Diamond Loops.
#10. Horseback ride through the canyon
You can opt to experience the Red Canyon in a true Western fashion by horseback riding. There are many local operators that offer horseback rides.
#11. Spot the wildlife
There are many species of wildlife that you can see here, including ground squirrels, burros, and the endangered desert tortoise., among many others. But you should consider going early in the morning or later in the evening if this is what you want to experience.
#12. Go rock climbing
There are over 2,000 designated climbing routes in the area. The best weather for this occurs between September and May when the temperatures are comfortable.
#13. See petroglyphs
These are situated a short 0.15 miles along the Petroglyph Wall Trail. This historical wall of art is estimated to be over 800 years old. The petroglyphs are said to have been carved by the Pauite people who inhabited the area since 900 A.D.
