While the Grand Canyon itself is only a few hour’s drive from Nevada, there’s also a stunning canyon in Nevada to visit!
The Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area is located just 17 miles west of Las Vegas.
Bureau of Land Management
Red Rock Canyon is the first National Conservation Area designated in Nevada in 1990.
IndianaLady/Trip Advisor
This popular recreation area has more than 2 million visitors each year, and it’s not hard to see why.
Diego L/Trip Advisor
Adventure and sports enthusiasts can find tons of things to do in Red Rock Canyon. Rock climbing, hiking, mountain and road biking and horseback riding are some of the fun activities.
Sam B./Yelp
One popular hike is the Calico Tanks, which includes lots of rock scrambling. Make it to the top for an incredible view of Las Vegas and the rest of the canyon.
Red Rock Canyon Interpretative Association
There are also several hikes with seasonal waterfalls, such as the First Creek Canyon Trail, an unexpected treat in the desert.
Red Rock Canyon Interpretative Association
For more sedate visitors, you can enjoy a meal in some of the many picnic areas, take some guided nature walks, and drive a 13-mile route through the park with some stunning views.
Blue A./Yelp
Red Rock Canyon is part of the Mojave Desert and it’s known for its unique red, orange and brown rocks. The color comes from iron in the rocks that “rusted” when exposed to oxygen and the elements.
SunshineFL221/Trip Advisor
The Red Rock Canyon is home to many types of desert wildlife and you can often see burros, foxes, lizards, toads, sheep, deer, the desert tortoise, and several types of birds.
Cowgirlkc/Trip Advisor
You can also see some beautiful examples of desert wildflowers. Many people expect the desert to have boring sage brush type plants and are surprised to see the rainbow of colors.
SteveMOxfordshire_UK/Trip Advisor
The Conservation Area is open year-round.
LAL25/Trip Advisor
You can get more information on things to do at the Red Rock Canyon Interpretative Association website. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is located west of Las Vegas on W Charleston Blvd/SR 159. Go 5 miles on Charleston Blvd., then turn right on Scenic Loop Drive which will take you to the visitor center. There is a day use entrance fee.
Bureau of Land Management
IndianaLady/Trip Advisor
Diego L/Trip Advisor
Sam B./Yelp
Red Rock Canyon Interpretative Association
Blue A./Yelp
SunshineFL221/Trip Advisor
Cowgirlkc/Trip Advisor
SteveMOxfordshire_UK/Trip Advisor
LAL25/Trip Advisor
Red Rock Canyon Interpretive Association 1000 Scenic Loop Drive Las Vegas, NV 89161
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