Red Rock Canyon: Nevada on the Rocks

"Red Rock Canyon near Las Vegas, Nevada"a

Red Rock Canyon, Nevada

"Climbing the rocks at Red Rock Canyon, Nevada"On a trip to Las Vegas this summer, we decided to take a break from the Strip one afternoon and get some fresh air and exercise at Red Rock Canyon, just 15 miles west of downtown.

There are 19 hiking trails and plenty of rock climbing opportunities for all levels of fitness. But you can also enjoy the area by driving the 13-mile scenic loop and spending time at the very educational and interesting Visitor Center.

Whether you hike, climb or drive around Red Rock Canyon, these colorful and unusual rocks tell stories about nature’s forces from ancient times.

Where have you been on the rocks?

You might also like this guest post about Red Rock Canyon that I wrote for the Easy Hiker website: The Hangover Hike

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38 thoughts on “Red Rock Canyon: Nevada on the Rocks

    1. Cathy Post author

      Although Red Rock Canyon certainly isn’t a secret, manyLas Vegas visitors don’t know about it or that it’s so easy to get to from there. The trails range in level of difficulty from easy to strenuous. We were on a moderate trail, Calico Tanks, and came across several people, but it still had a remote feel. Probably less busy early morning.

  1. Angela

    The US does have wonderful mountain trails, every time I see the pictures I’m stunned. You are really right, natural forces give us breathtaking views.

    1. Cathy Post author

      Totally agree – there are so many wonderfully scenic places to visit and hike/bike/drive in the U.S.

  2. Katrina

    On my 2nd trip to Vegas (the only one I’ve made as an adult), the madness of the city center was getting to me. I went with a hiking companion out to Red Rock Canyon for a bit of fresh air and adventure. It was a looong time ago, so I didn’t take any photos (only film cameras back then ;). Really nice to see your photos and reminisce. Thanks! 🙂

    1. Cathy Post author

      Thanks for the comment, Katrina! Don’t you wonder how we got by with those film cameras??

  3. Renee

    Oh, I loved Red Rock Canyon and it was so refreshing to get off the strip and just enjoy the quiet ride and commune with nature.

    1. Cathy Post author

      And it’s so easy to get to from the Strip. Just a few hours there and you’re rejuvenated!

  4. melissa

    It’s amazing how places could look so similar. As I shared North Africa, my mind’s still there… but coming to your page is like going back there and yet this is already Nevada.

    I love your images of the rock… yourself and the scenery of the place.

    Bellissimo panorama!

    1. Cathy Post author

      Our world is rich in amazing scenery. I think there are often similarities, but each place has its unique feel when you’re there. Thanks for your comment!

  5. melissa

    As your images are stunning, I hope you could also make them sharper and clearer… loved your page 🙂 Thanks for sharing 🙂

  6. Jade

    We went to Red Rocks last November and really loved our time there… the hikes were amazing and we even saw some deer walking around. I love this new series! I’ll have to check out the other ones too.

    1. Cathy Post author

      There is a lot of different varieties of wildlife (e.g. jackrabbits, coyotes, roadrunners) that you can see at Red Rock. Unfortunately, we only saw a desert tortoise and that outside the Visitor Center.

    1. Cathy Post author

      Rocks can be fun for everyone — not just experienced climbers. Fun to climb around on them and beautiful to see.

    1. Cathy Post author

      Thanks, Michael! I agree that many people think of Vegas, period. There’s so much more that Nevada offers throughout the state.

  7. Sailor

    That is indeed a perfect place to get some fresh air and chill out after couple of busy days in Vegas. You got some wonderful shots too.

  8. Leo

    Great photos you got there. Especially the 4th photo that looks like faces too. Like 2 old people with the other one at the right, smiling. It might be hard climbing up on those rocks but I would like to give it a try!

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