Nevada Has Its Own Grand Canyon And It’s Too Beautiful For Words
While the Grand Canyon itself is only a few hour’s drive from Nevada, there’s also a stunning canyon in Nevada to visit!
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The Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area is located just 17 miles west of Las Vegas.
Adventure and sports enthusiasts can find tons of things to do in Red Rock Canyon. Rock climbing, hiking, mountain and road biking and horseback riding are some of the fun activities.
One popular hike is the Calico Tanks, which includes lots of rock scrambling. Make it to the top for an incredible view of Las Vegas and the rest of the canyon.
For more sedate visitors, you can enjoy a meal in some of the many picnic areas, take some guided nature walks, and drive a 13-mile route through the park with some stunning views.
Red Rock Canyon is part of the Mojave Desert and it’s known for its unique red, orange and brown rocks. The color comes from iron in the rocks that “rusted” when exposed to oxygen and the elements.
The Red Rock Canyon is home to many types of desert wildlife and you can often see burros, foxes, lizards, toads, sheep, deer, the desert tortoise, and several types of birds.
You can also see some beautiful examples of desert wildflowers. Many people expect the desert to have boring sage brush type plants and are surprised to see the rainbow of colors.
You can get more information on things to do at the Red Rock Canyon Interpretative Association website. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is located west of Las Vegas on W Charleston Blvd/SR 159. Go 5 miles on Charleston Blvd., then turn right on Scenic Loop Drive which will take you to the visitor center. There is a day use entrance fee.
Red Rock Canyon Interpretive Association
1000 Scenic Loop Drive
Las Vegas, NV 89161
Mychelle Blake is a freelance writer, website designer and social media consultant. She happily tolerates the insane Las Vegas heat with her three wacky pit bulls, one fish, one bird and one husband.
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