Wilderness next to bustling Las Vegas
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a 799 km2 protected area located just west of Las Vegas, Nevada. It is a wilderness oasis in the heart of the Mojave Desert that offers visitors a variety of activities, including hiking, rock climbing, biking, horseback riding, picnicking, and nature watching.
Natural wonders on the outskirts of Las Vegas
This protected area is famous for its dramatic red rock formations that rise to a considerable height above the surrounding desert.
Scenic Drive
The park features a convenient scenic road that allows visitors to explore the beauty of the canyon from the comfort of their vehicle. There are plenty of parking lots along the way, from which it is possible to go on hiking tours. The road is also widely used by cyclists. This 21 km route goes around most of Red Rock Canyon and offers wonderful views of the surrounding countryside.
For safety reasons, the route is one-way.
Escape from the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas
Red Rock Canyon is a great place to take a break from the hectic life of Las Vegas and enjoy the natural beauty of Nevada. The reservation offers something for everyone, from families with children to experienced outdoor enthusiasts.
Interesting geological formations
Red Rock Canyon is made up of red sandstones that were formed millions of years ago. These sandstones were deposited on the bottom of a shallow sea and were later lifted into the air by tectonic movements.
Walking
There are more than 200 km of hiking trails available in Red Rock Canyon for all fitness levels. The area is located in the Mojave Desert, so it is essential to have plenty of water with you at all times.
Nature of Red Rock Canyon
Although the area is a desert, it is home to many different species of plants and animals. The most common plants in the area include cacti, succulents, grasses, and trees such as cedar and juniper.
The canyon is also home to a variety of animals, including beasts, reptiles, birds and insects. The most common animals in the area include rabbits, coyotes, foxes, snakes, lizards, owls and crows.
Desert tortoises
An interesting fact is that turtles live in this desert area. It is a desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii).
Desert tortoises can survive in areas with temperatures above 60°C, thanks to their ability to dig deep underground burrows to escape the heat.