Las Vegas is usually known for its casinos, shows and nightlife. But if you love the great outdoors, the desert city offers a welcome surprise. Just less than 20 miles from The Strip is Red Rock Canyon. Here you can experience the grand beauty of sandstone cliffs and canyons.
Visited by about 1.2 million people a year, Red Rock Canyon is hardly unknown. Still, many have yet to see it as one of Las Vegas city’s best offerings. It should be, as it is amazing to behold.
Rangers here give free guided hikes through the area where you can see beautiful wildlife and flora. Visitors should wear their hiking boots as you walk through the breathtaking scenery. You can hike up to 3,000 foot high cliffs. While you’re at it, you’re bound to meet desert tortoises and big horn sheep along the way.
High above you’ll get a view of petrified sand dunes, cascading waterfalls, canyons and wide stretches of the almost mystical Mojave Desert. If you’re lucky, you might see some Red-Tailed Hawks that usually circle the area looking for prey.
Red Rock Canyon peaks can reach as high as 8,000 feet above sea level. You’ll see enormous bands of red and white rock, with ravines running through the area. The landscape is dotted by Joshua Trees.
There are several notable areas:
Calico Hills is a favorite of climbers. It has some short trails and many views of the canyon with Las Vegas seen in the south. The view is so good, hikers can often spot which casino is which from where they stand.
Lost Creek Canyon is for the hardy climber. As the largest gash through the cliffs, it has a 20 mile dirt track that winds its way through multi-colored hills. The path crosses into the desert town of Pahrump.
Spring Canyon is famous for its 30-foot waterfall. Dry during the summer for most of its length, there is a section where it flows year round. At any time of the year, though, the view is extraordinary.
If you decide to take the trip to Red Rock Canyon, do come prepared for the trek. Remember that deserts are cool at night and scorching hot during the day. Bring an easily luggable backpack with complete supplies and weather-appropriate clothes. Be sure to pack your sunscreen, shades and lots of water, or better yet, a mineral drink to keep hydrated.
And don’t get lost. Nevada has three other areas with a similar name, including the Red Rock State Park. Just follow Charleston Boulevard, which crosses The Strip (Las Vegas Boulevard) a few blocks beyond Stratosphere Tower. The Tower is 1,149 feet high - you can’t miss it. Bend to the left as it becomes Blue Diamond Road/Highway 159.
Here are available tour packages in Red Rock Canyon: Click the links below.
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Escape Vegas on a luxury SUV dat trip to Red Rock Canyon - one of Las Vegas’ best kept secrets! Located just minutes from the Strip, this natural wonder will surely amaze you! Petrified sand dunes, frozen in time, offer you a unique perspective of nature as well as the effects of the passing of millions of years.
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