Stunning Scenery Off the Strip

At Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

By Brian Hurlburt

Red Rock Canyon, located about 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip, is a treasure that more locals and visitors are discovering with each passing day. It was Nevada’s first national conservation area and is visited by 2 million people annually. From the history to the wildlife, and all of the outdoor activities available, it’s impossible not to love it.

The Loop

The Red Rock Scenic Drive is a breathtaking, 13-mile loop that features several stops along the route. Visitors are free to hike, rock climb and picnic during the journey. Limited camping is also available.

The scenic drive can also be enjoyed from the comfort of a vehicle with the windows down. Biking is also available, but this isn’t a beginner’s pedal journey.

Timed vehicle entry reservations are required Oct. 1 - May 31. Vehicle fees are $20 while a season pass is $50. Seniors over 62 are $20, and entry is free for military. A reservation may apply.

Hiking

Red Rock Canyon is a favorite spot for hikes,

Canyon ranging from easy to difficult. The visitor center provides descriptions for each trail, giving visitors the means to explore routes like the “easy” Willow Spring Loop, a 1.25 hour trail hike that passes pictographs and agave roasting pits, or the “difficult” Bridge Mountain Trail, which spans 14 miles and is said to take six to seven hours hours to complete. Guided hikes are available as well.

CLIMB IT!

Said to be one of the finest rock-climbing destinations in the world, Red Rock Canyon has climbing routes for beginners, experts and everyone in between.

Climbers that are new to the area can pick up a climbing guide with photos, route descriptions and directions to already established climbing routes. Some of the more popular routes are known to get crowded so