RED ROCK CANYON, THE BEST DESERT ESCAPE IN NEVADA
After living overseas for two years on a sub-tropical island, my job took me to the Mojave Desert. It is an area that mostly encompasses southeastern California, with some small areas that creep into Utah, Arizona, and Southern Nevada. It is considered one of the dryest parts of the North American Continent.
In the Mojave Desert, there is the oasis that is Las Vegas. The metropolitan city with over 2.4 million people has a very unique vibe, flow, and characteristics to it that you sometimes forget that you are in a desert until summer hits. To escape that city and enjoy a different perspective of the surrounding area, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is the place to go.
RED ROCK NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA
One of the best places to appreciate the Mojave Desert is about 20 miles from the Las Vegas Strip. The only way you will enjoy this is by having a vehicle. I don’t think an Uber will drive you around here.
There are fees & passes associated with entering Red Rock. Prices vary depending on the type of vehicle and length of the pass. A portion of the proceeds stay within the park and help fund the Visitor Center and other programs that are offered to the public.
There are various outdoor activities to do at Red Rock. It offers lots of hiking trails, areas to rock climb, horseback riding, mountain and road biking, various areas to sit down and picnic, nature, and a visitor center that offers some exhibits and a souvenir shop.
RED ROCK’S VISITOR CENTER
Getting to the Visitor Center is easy. You will see a fork in the road as soon you go through the gate. Follow the signs to the left.
The Visitor Center is full of information and has both indoor and outdoor exhibits. You can learn about the plants you will encounter throughout your hike as well as some of the wildlife, such as the Desert Tortoise. There is also a great panoramic view of Red Rock
After leaving the Visitor Center you can exit the park or take you back to near the entrance where you can start the scenic route.
RED ROCK’S SCENIC ROUTE
The easiest way to enjoy Red Rock is by car. I suggest you take a map at the entrance or from Visitor Center. They are free! Phone reception isn’t the greatest at Red Rock. If anything, download the digital guide.
Alright, let us get back in the car. Taking the right on the fork starts the 13-mile scenic drive. The top speed is 35 miles per hour and is often shared with cyclists and the occasional pedestrian. Some drivers will also be going slow taking in the scenery. Just be careful when passing.
The first stop, Calico I, is probably one of the most popular. Next to the parking lot, you can walk down towards the Aztec Sandstone.
What makes this part of Red Rock one of the favorite stops is its ease to climb around the sandstone and explore the area. There are various heights you can climb up to and interesting crevices.
Calico II is the second stop which gives you a front seat view of the reddest part of the Calico Basin. Its redness is due to the presence of iron oxide. Due to its exposure to the climate the iron minerals have “rusted” giving it that red, orange, and brown-colored rocks.
As you keep driving you will pass the over Sandstone Quarry which gives you access to some nice hiking trails. Further down the scenic route, you will arrive at the High Point Overlook parking. It is on a curve that comes up and can be easily missed.
The High Point Overlook sits at 1,445m (4,771ft) and it’s on the westernmost point of the scenic drive. It is a great place to oversee the park and take some great photos of the canyon.
The next stop I recommend, is stopping at Ice Box Canyon. This is a trail worth doing, but since we are just talking about the scenic route. It is great to stop and enjoy its beauty. You could walk down a few meters in the trailhead and take some wonderful photos.
The last point worth stopping at is Pine Creek Trailhead. Here you can see the green foliage that grows around the creek. There is a pine forest at the mouth of the canyon that makes you forget that you are in a desert.
RED ROCK’S TRAILS
There are 27 marked trails you can explore ranging from easy, moderate, to difficult.
- Easy Trail – Minimal uphill sections and some uneven terrain
- Moderate Trail – Uphill sections include up to 500 ft elevation gain; single-digit mileage; uneven terrain and some rock scrambling
- Difficult Trail – Generally, lots of uphill sections; possibly more than 1,000 ft of elevation gain; double-digit mileage and /or difficult terrain and rock scrambling
Five of those trails are outside of the scenic drive and can be accessible by State Route (SR) 159.
ROCK CLIMBING AT RED ROCK
Red Rock offers over 2,000 climbing routes making it one of the top five destinations in the United States. There are routes for all experience levels with plenty of boulders to climb.
One thing to consider is the weather. Though it rarely rains, try avoiding rock climbing 24 to 48 hours after rainfall. Since a lot of the climbs are on Aztec Sandstone, it tends to become fragile and brittle when it is wet, which can cause break off and rockfalls.
CAMPING AT RED ROCK
Want to stay at Red Rock? About two miles away from the visitor center, heading towards Las Vegas, you will find the campground. You will have to reserve your stay through the Recreation government website.
You should be prepared to experience temperatures that go below freezing in the winter and go above 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the summers. You should also be mindful that you could encounter rattlesnakes, coyotes, rodents, and various sharp vegetation. Also, cellphone coverage is very limited.
Depending on the amenities you can pay from $10 to $60 a night. Be sure to have a reservation, since the campgrounds tend to be a busy place.
DESERT SAFETY
The desert can be a dangerous climate and can be extremely hot during the summer. During the cold temperatures, the winter can be cold and can get very windy. Be careful if you are in high altitudes during those windy days.
Watch out for desert wildlife. You could encounter rattlesnakes, scorpions, and venomous spiders. Be careful where you place your hands and feet.
Water! Stay hydrated! Summer temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Hats and sunscreen can help you survive the exposure of the sun. Even in winters sunscreen can be useful.
Use proper hiking gear. Walking or running shoes might not be the best to use on these trails. A good pair of hiking shoes that can provide the stability, comfort, and protection from vegetation. Also a good pair of clothing can help you protect your skin.
And of course, watch out for the cliffs. There can be loose rocks and stones that can cause someone to slip. Be mindful also of throwing rocks over the cliffs. People can be underneath and they could get hurt.
CONCLUSION
Red Rock National Conservation Area is the perfect place to escape the city life of Las Vegas. Its scenic drive offers a beautiful perspective of the Mojave Desert and offers experiences in cycling, hiking, rock climbing, and camping. It has parking and picnic areas to enjoy as well.
What is your favorite thing to do at Red Rock? Leave a comment below.
