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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That would be a fantastic hike through all that scenery. Is the trail very well known and busy Cathy?
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.
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.
Totally agree – there are so many wonderfully scenic places to visit and hike/bike/drive in the U.S.
The rocks are looking awesome. But for a second there, 127 Hours just flashed my mind 🙂
I didn’t see that movie, but I can understand how you might think that!
Great photos and story about rocks. Rock On!
Thanks! 🙂
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! 🙂
Thanks for the comment, Katrina! Don’t you wonder how we got by with those film cameras??
Looks like a great place to explore. My favorite rock destination so far is Sedona.
Sedona is awesome, too. Haven’t been there in years! 🙂
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.
And it’s so easy to get to from the Strip. Just a few hours there and you’re rejuvenated!
Does Mexico for a margarita on the rocks count? LOL I like this idea and will try to join in the fun when I return in September.
Absolutely that counts, Debbie! Actually sounds pretty good to me. 🙂
I love the color of the rocks and the photo of the last one — that looks like it’s about to fall off.
It does look that way, doesn’t it? Amazing rocks!
Looks awesome! Reminds me of Bolivia
Bolivia’s on my must-visit list!
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!
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!
As your images are stunning, I hope you could also make them sharper and clearer… loved your page 🙂 Thanks for sharing 🙂
Your criticism is well-taken as is your compliment — thank you! 🙂
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.
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.
Who would have thought that rocks could be so much fun!
Rocks can be fun for everyone — not just experienced climbers. Fun to climb around on them and beautiful to see.
Some really lovely shots from a state that doesn’t get enough attention from travelers, for sure (aside from Vegas). Well done.
Thanks, Michael! I agree that many people think of Vegas, period. There’s so much more that Nevada offers throughout the state.
Great article 🙂
Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
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.
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!
Came back to let you know my rock posting is now up. A different take on rocks
A great place to hike, for sure, and some great looking pictures!
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