A Guide to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Red Rock Canyon lies just 15 miles from Las Vegas and boasts many attractions for both hikers and rock climbers, as well as those interested in discovering its surrounding Spring Mountains landscapes. It can easily be explored in one day, though if you want to experience all its splendors fully then more time may be needed. With this guide at your side, make the most out of your visit to Red Rock Canyon!
Each year it draws over two million visitors!
What to Do at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Red Rock Canyon is an idyllic outdoor destination offering an array of recreational activities, from hiking trails and horseback rides to rock climbing and picnicking – just to name a few!
This park is ideal for anyone who enjoys nature and wants to discover the Las Vegas desert landscape. From stunning scenery, hiking opportunities and wildlife sightings, this experience promises an unforgettable adventure.
The park is open all year round and offers an abundance of natural habitats, home to species like Agassiz’s desert tortoise, Mojave ground squirrel and various birds of prey.
Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center
Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center is an excellent source of information about Red Rock Canyon Park. Conveniently situated at the entrance to its 13-mile scenic drive, this center is open daily from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm.
It also features a Desert Tortoise habitat and plant specimens from across the park and offers visitors a chance to connect with staff regarding hike recommendations or grab souvenirs.
No matter what your hiking experience level may be, this 197,000-acre national park has something for you! Springtime is an ideal time to visit as temperatures are pleasant and wildflowers bloom all around you.
Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive
Are you searching for a unique way to experience Red Rock Canyon? Consider booking one of the park’s guided tours, with options ranging from half-day excursions up to full-day tours available for purchase. Make the most out of your visit!
A scenic drive is an excellent way to explore the area and appreciate its stunning vistas of the Mojave Desert while providing ample photo opps!
Red Spring and Calico Basin
Red sandstone Calico Hills, desert ridge and the gray limestone La Madre Mountains surround this picnic area which is supplied year-round by water from three permanent springs. The water supplies plants such as large cottonwood trees, ash trees, scrub live oak, honey mesquite and saltgrass meadows for flourishing growth.
Red Spring Boardwalk Trail offers an easy, family-friendly hike featuring Native American petroglyphs and stunning views toward Guardian Angel Canyon. Additionally, this is an excellent place to view its namesake spring which emerges through a tunnel in sandstone rocks along its route.
Wildlife spotting
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a beloved wildlife hot spot, home to over 45 mammalian species including bighorn sheep, mule deer and elk as well as over 280 bird species.
Wildlife tends to be most active during morning and evening hours when temperatures are at their lowest, making waking early or staying late the best way to spot animals that remain active.
Hiking in Red Rock Canyon
No matter your skill level or experience level, Red Rock Canyon offers 26 trails designed to suit hikers of any skill set and experience level. Some are short and easy, while others may take more time.
History lovers will appreciate the Petroglyph Wall Trail for its impressive petroglyphs created by Native American tribes hundreds of years ago; these carvings serve as beautiful reminders of their rich past.
Horseback riding
Horseback riding is an exciting way to enjoy Red Rock Canyon National Park, providing many people with an opportunity to relax from their busy lives and find respite in Red Rock Canyon’s scenic beauty. It is a beloved tradition among many and provides them with an enjoyable way to unwind.
As part of your training regimen, it is also wise to learn to communicate with your horse through both natural and artificial aids, in order to gain better control and improve coordination with them.