RED ROCK CANYON - A Rock Climber's Dream

For anyone who appreciates natural beauty and being one with nature, I strongly recommend that you visit Red Rock Canyon. It is approximately 30 minutes away from the Las Vegas Strip. Red Rock Canyon or "Red Rock " as it is known to the locals, got its name from the 3,000-foot high red colored sandstone formation embedded in the mountains of the Mojave Desert.

The view from any part of the park is breathtaking!!! If the temperature is extremely hot ( like the day when I together with my friends went to the park )----- climbing, hiking  or biking throughout the park is not recommended. Another way to get around this park is to take the 13 mile paved loop around the whole  area...  there is a small entrance fee ( $7.00/car ) at the gate. This scenic 13 mile loop goes only ONE WAY -- so I would advise you -- when you reach the view points along the way -- make sure you take all the pictures right away....

After you pass the entrance gate of the park--- you will have to drive up to the Visitor's Center where you will be provided with information on the area history, geology, flora and fauna of the Red Rock Canyon. Here you can pick up a map of the park with detailed hiking routes ( beginner, intermediate and advanced levels ). The ratings are based on the ability of a person who hikes frequently. Your ability may also be affected by the weather, the condition and steepness of the trail, having enough water and your physical condition on the day of your hike.  In case you are interested in climbing at Red Rock you will have to get a permit ( at least 7 days in advance to advise them of your  climb ). To date, Red Rock Canyon has 19 hiking trails which ranges from Easy --- Moderate --- and Strenuous. There are Rangers at the Visitor's Center who offer guided tours at no charge.

Inside the Visitor's Center you will see the panoramic view of Red Rock Canyon.. No matter how wide your lens are-- you will never be able to capture the whole scenery in your camera. At least I tried... but didn't quite get the whole picture.

There are a lot of things to do in Red Rock Canyon. If you like to hike, take spectacular pictures or learn more about the desert ---- you need to plan to spend more time here. Red Rock Canyon has a lot to offer. Some of its activities are horseback riding, go on a picnic in one of the view points  ( during cooler months ) but the most popular sport is rock climbing.

At one of the view points on the scenic drive --- I even watched a rock climber climb to the very top of the mountain and got down as quickly as he climbed. If you look well at the picture below you will see the climber on his way down from the mountain.

Even if you don't rock climb or hike --- Red Rock Canyon is still a good place to visit especially when you want to get away from the casinos on the Strip and explore. Red Rock is beautiful!!!!! This place has got to be one of the most beautiful natural places I have ever seen. No camera can capture the beauty of Red Rock Canyon... It is definitely a MUST SEE on a trip to Vegas.

The scenery is breathtaking! It was hard for me to believe that this natural wonder existed. I could not stop thinking about the way the mountains were formed...

I would say this visit will stay with me always. The most simple pleasures in life are the BEST... " Don't Miss This !! ".... Red Rock Canyon is for those who love nature and need a break..This is a trip everyone should make!


RED ROCK  CANYON

13-mile Scenic Drive
Red Rock Overlook on State Route 159

operating hours:  6:00am - 7:00pm ( March to October )
                           6:00am - 5:00pm ( November to February )