It’s no secret that Las Vegas is one of the most epic places on the planet. Pulling in tourists from around the world with its vibrant nightlife, unparalleled adult fun and star-studded shows, it also contains one of the best natural recreation areas in the southwest USA. Red Rock Canyon is the perfect day trip from Las Vegas as it supplies visitors with hundreds of miles of trails and a scenery worth escaping the Strip for.
Getting to Red Rock Canyon from Las Vegas
At just 17 miles west of the Strip, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is an easy day trip from Las Vegas. Beings it’s in close proximity to the city, it’s easy to rent a car and drive out to explore the park on your own. Click here for current entry rates into the park. If you’d rather take a tour to Red Rock Canyon, check out the Canyon Tours company or Pink Adventure Tours.
For a complete brochure to Red Rock Canyon, click here
Why Red Rock Canyon is the Perfect Day Trip from Las Vegas
With nearly 200,000 acres, a 13 mile scenic drive and 26 different trails, here’s why Red Rock Canyon is the perfect day trip from Las Vegas.
Looking for another day trip from Las Vegas? Check out Nevada’s Valley of Fire State Park here!
The Landscape
Trading in the architecture on the Strip for the geological formations in Red Rock Canyon is the breath of fresh air you needed for your trip. The stark red Aztec sandstone is a huge contrast from the bright lights of Vegas, a welcoming sight after spending time in an urban environment.
The Visitor Center
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area has one of the best visitor centers I’ve seen for a park. Open daily from 8 AM to 4:30 PM, it’s complete with a multitude of in-depth indoor and outdoor exhibits. Learn about the geological history behind this area, as well as information about the various plants and species found here. Don’t miss the outdoor desert tortoise habitat that spans the length of the visitor center!
The Geological History
Red Rock Canyon’s name derives from the fiery Aztec sandstone you see within the park. These rocks, most towering thousands of feet high, are actually 180 million-year-old sand dunes. As water trickled through the dunes from above, carrying along with it iron oxide and calcium carbonate, the grains began to harden into stone. Wind and rain have contributed to the erosion of the rocks, forming them into what we see today.
Nearly 500 million years ago, this area was completely submerged under water in the Panthalassic Ocean. Over time, the marine life sunk down to the ocean floor and compressed, creating limestone. Those outcrops can be found in various areas throughout Red Rock Canyon.
The Archaeological History
Among the limestone outcrops, we can find various forms of fossilized marine life, like corals and sponges. If you dig a bit deeper into Red Rock Canyon, you may also find prehistoric foot prints of dinosaurs and mammals, like the Wooly Mammoth. Be sure to follow the Leave No Trace Principles and leave all fossils or rocks behind.
The Scenic Drive
While it’s much different than driving down Las Vegas Boulevard, the 13-mile Scenic Drive around Red Rock Canyon is a welcoming sight from the high-rise buildings and bright lights. For those wishing to witness the incredible landscape without having to hike, experience the park this way. You’ll find various scenic overlooks, picnic areas and dozens of trailheads along this drive, accessible daily from 6 AM until sunset.
The Hiking
Although you may get your fair share of walking on the Las Vegas Strip, the hiking in Rock Red Canyon is unmatched with those sidewalks. Within the park itself, there are 26 official trails that will dive deeper into Red Rock Canyon. The majority of the trailheads are accessible via the Scenic Drive (click here for a full list). While most of the trails are rated as moderate, there are a variety of easy and difficult options too.
The Rock Climbing
Instead of climbing stairs all day on the Strip, come out to Red Rock Canyon for some rock climbing. With more than 2000 different routes, it’s actually rated as a top 5 climbing destination in the U.S.
The Camping
Although Red Rock Canyon is the perfect day trip from Las Vegas, it’s also a pretty epic place to spend the night. If you feel like spending more than a day here, consider camping out at the park’s campground. Check out the link here for reservations.
Before heading into natural areas, it’s imperative that you’re familiar with the “Leave No Trace” principles. Read More: Leave No Trace: The 7 Rules of the Backcountry. Learn more about Leave No Trace on their website here.
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