You will need to hike about an hour across the open desert in order to reach the cooler area, so be sure to plan accordingly and still bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and protection from the sun. The canyon gets its name because the deep canyon receives almost no sunlight, so the area stays refreshing and cool despite the blazing heat outside, particularly with the nice breeze funneling down the canyon walls. Ice Box Canyon is the perfect place for a great Las Vegas hike on those hot days. ![]() You can access the most common routes from First Creek Trailhead, which is along Blue Diamond Road, just beyond the Scenic Loop Drive. ![]() This peak towers to an altitude of 7,071 feet, approximately 5,000 feet above the city of Las Vegas, where you can enjoy more moderate temperatures compared to the valley floor.īut if you want to get a whole other perspective on Vegas and the surrounding area, you can scramble up to the top of Mount Wilson on a number of less technical routes that range from Class 3 to Class 4, or a few technically challenging rock climbing routes. Mount Wilson is the highest sandstone peak in the Spring Mountains, and it is a striking peak that you can enjoy from afar while visiting Red Rock Canyon. Read More: Most Scenic Drives in America Check Out Mount Wilson Not just for humans but also for little animals crossing the road, like desert tortoises. The Red Rock Canyon Scenic Loop Drive is also popular among bicyclists so be sure to watch the road. The best time to visit Red Rock Canyon is definitely during those hours unless you’re visiting in winter when temperatures are more moderate and you can enjoy the area throughout the day. Be sure to visit early in the morning or before sunset, that way you’ll get the best light and avoid the hottest part of the day. You’ll find pullouts for numerous hiking trails of various lengths and difficulties and plenty of photo ops of the stunning terrain. This road provides access to many of the most popular features and attractions of the reserve, but it’s also great to just drive the loop and take photos. Within the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, you will encounter a one-way loop road that is 13 miles long. The simplest and most accessible way to take in the beauty of Red Rock Canyon, even if you’ve only got a few hours on your Las Vegas Vacation, is to hop in a rental car and head west. And I’ve also been back to the area on subsequent visits, so I’ve gotten pretty familiar with Red Rock Canyon and what it has to offer.įor the first time visitor, here’s what you should be sure to do while visiting Red Rock Canyon. I spent many weeks in and around the Las Vegas area while I was living in my truck following my attendance at the Red Rock Rendezvous, an annual climbing festival that takes place in Red Rock Canyon. It is also one of the quickest and easiest road trips from Las Vegas, making for an ideal day trip if you’ve got wheels. Or maybe you’re just looking for a break from the madness of the Strip and want to explore a bit of Las Vegas nature? Then a visit to Red Rocks Canyon is definitely in order. This sandstone rock is striated in all shades of red - thus the name - and is truly a captivating area to explore if you enjoy hiking, rock climbing, or just the simple beauty of mother nature. ![]() The highlight of the conservation area is a large set of sandstone peaks and walls known as the Keystone Thrust. The Red Rock Canyon is Federal land, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and protected as a National Conservation Area. If you love nature and wild spaces, then you should definitely plan on visiting Red Rock Canyon, located just 15 miles west of Las Vegas and easily seen from the Las Vegas Strip. The hustle and bustle of the Las Vegas Strip are at the top of many traveler’s lists, and while it can be captivating for a while, I think there are far more incredible things to explore beyond the sprawl of Las Vegas. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This article may contain affiliate links.
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