Ranger Rick: Red Rock Canyon - Las Vegas

Greetings from the great outdoors!

I want to introduce you to one of the most serene and beautiful spots in the Las Vegas valley, Red Rock Canyon.  Located 15 miles west of the heart of Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon is the perfect spot for a scenic drive, morning bike ride or a nature hike.  As the temperatures keeps rising I can’t stress enough that if you decide to visit Red Rock Canyon, early mornings and lots of water are two key details to remember.  Now on to what makes Red Rock Canyon so special and why 1.2 million people visit the grounds every year!

If you set your sights on a hiking adventure, Red Rock Canyon has 19 hiking trails for you to explore with each ranging from easy to moderate in difficulty.  One of my personal favorites is Calico Hills which spans in distance 2.2 miles up to 6 miles depending on which access point you start from.  What is great about all this hike along with the other 18 is an up close look into the history and geology of what has made people marvel Red Rock for years.  From the stunning rock formations and flora to the encounters with animals in their natural habitat, makes for a fun filled day enjoying the outdoors.  An added bonus of the hiking trails, if you are a rock climber, an abundance of facades await.

I also love the 13-mile scenic route which is great for those just looking to escape the city and set out on a serene drive.  While seeing Red Rock Canyon via car is great, I recommend bringing your bike out with you and being at one with nature.  There really is nothing like a peaceful and relaxing bike ride as you peddle side-by-side with the beautiful scenery and breathtaking views.

Also something not to overlook, stop into the visitor center which offers information about the wildlife, vegetation, geology, cultural resources and more including a wonderful staff able to assist you with hiking and climbing questions before you start adventuring.

Red Rock Canyon is open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. while the visitor center hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Admission to Red Rock Canyon is $7 per car (so carpool) and $2 for motorcyclists.  For bicyclists and hikers who park at the entrance, admission is free.  The best deal however is an annual pass for $20.

I leave you with a quote from the great John Muir, the father of our National Parks System:

“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.”

Now get out and enjoy the great outdoors!

Ranger Rick