Red Rock Canyon NCA, Las Vegas, NV

I’ve already touched on the amazing geology found over at Valley of Fire, but if you need a nature fix a bit closer to Sin City, you’re in luck. A very short drive from The Strip is Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, and you definitely should not miss it when in Vegas. For hikers, there are a wide variety of trails; for those who were over served the night before, there is a scenic driving loop. The dramatic red outcroppings can be seen from almost every window in town, but to truly appreciate the dramatic rock formations you must visit the park.

Red Rock Canyon is located only 20 miles away from The Strip, but it feels worlds away. No smoke, no slot machines, and no celebrity restaurants, which is exceedingly rare in the greater Las Vegas area. For those that argue those are the only reasons to visit Las Vegas, you clearly have not visited Red Rock; and, it is so close, you will be able to partake in all of those things after your visit, if you must. For the casual visitor, there is a 13 miles scenic loop that will take you past all the park highlights. You need never leave your car. For those ready to explore, there are 26 hikes to choose from, which are much more enjoyable in the late fall-early spring. You should probably just drive the loop in the summer, or you might die.

The first two stops on the loop are Calico I and Calico II, which are pretty easy, relatively short trails. They wind through vibrant red outcroppings of Aztec Sandstone, that exude a rugged Martian beauty. If you only have a few hours, and want to get out of the car, these trails are a good option.

Formed between 180-190 million years ago, Aztec Sandstone formations are comprised of lithified sand dunes from the Jurassic era. Shifting wind direction across the ancient sand dunes created the beautiful cross bedding found in these outcroppings. Exposure to the elements over the years caused iron minerals to oxidize, resulting in red rocks; lighter colored rocks either never had iron deposits, or have had their iron leached out by subsurface water.

The next stop on the loop is the Sandstone Quarry. This is a fun area for those who like to mountain goat; there are plenty of rocks to scramble over, several with gentle slopes. The views from this area are fabulous. As its name would suggest, from 1905 to 1912 this area was the site of a sandstone quarry, where large blocks of unique sandstone were extracted for export to Los Angeles and San Francisco. Eventually it became cost prohibitive, and the quarry closed.

From the Sandstone Quarry parking lot you can also get on the Turtlehead Peak trail, if you are in the mood for a strenuous 5 mile hike, that gains 2000 feet. For those who make this hike, you are rewarded with an excellent view of the valley. I imagine. I actually have never attempted this hike, but I am sure it is fabulous. For everyone else, the peak is just as awe inspiring from below.

Turtlehead Peak Red Rock — Turtlehead Peak

Turtlehead Peak’s stolid gray stands in sharp contrast to the adjacent colorful Aztec Sandstone. In this area of the park, thrust fault events that occurred 65 million years ago resulted in old limestone rock being pushed above younger sandstone layers. So dramatic. You can actual hike out to the Keystone Thrust, and if you have time you absolutely should.

Just down the road from the Sandstone Quarry is the the High Point Overlook, which offers a fabulous vantage point of the rock outcroppings you have already hiked/driven past, as well as the desert floor below. Parking is somewhat limited in this area, and it is very popular, but you should stop. The panoramic views are worth the wait, and it is not uncommon to stumble upon photo shoots at this location.

Over on this side of the park, you can pick up the La Madre Spring trail, which starts along a rock 4X4 road, then winds it way up to the spring. Although you are lead to believe this is a good spot to view wildlife, we saw none. It was a busy trail, and any wildlife in the area surely would have been chased off by all the hikers.

If you are up for a challenging hike, head over to Icebox Canyon. It crosses over a lovely arroyo, before heading back into the box canyon. A careful eye will reveal hidden wildlife, including ringtailed cats. This hike involves a lot of rock scrambles, and is challenging in places. At the end, you are rewarded with a waterfall, and some dramatic ice formations, at least in the winter. If you only have time for one hike, and are in reasonably good shape, this is the one I would recommend.

This side of the park offers excellent views of the desert floor. Suessian Joshua Trees grow alongside creosote and yucca. Depending on the season, wildflowers join the mix.

Joshua Trees, Creosote and Yucca — Desert Flora

There is so much to see in Red Rock, it would be impossible to do it all in one day. Even several visits will leave the park largely unexplored, but that just leaves more for your next visit. And, unlike your favorite casino, restaurant or show, you can rest assured it will be around when you make it back to town.