While visiting Vegas, Scott and I wanted to explore the Red Rock Canyon National Conversation Area, which was an easy 25 minute ride (17 miles) from the Vegas Strip. We enjoyed a 13-mile scenic drive and stopped at a few different spots to take pictures (no hiking this time, check out when we hiked Zion); and we saw quite a few desert tortoise crossing signs, hoping to catch one, but no luck!You can choose to just drive the scenic route, or park alongside the road or in one of the designated lots and hike or do other recreation activities within the Red Rock formations. The cost to visit the park for one day is $7/Private Vehicle, see all of the other Amenity Fees and Passes here. The Visitor Center was also very informative and houses innovative exhibits to share knowledge about the Red Rock's geology and surrounding area, and has a bookstore (a major plus that there are clean restrooms as well).
This was a great nature detour before continuing onto the rest of our stay at Downtown Las Vegas; can you believe that more than a million people visit the area every year and can experience more than 30 miles of hiking trails, rock climbing, horseback riding, mountain biking, road biking, picnic areas, and nature observing? All in all, Red Rock Canyon should be a definite stop when staying in Vegas; and check out my outfit from this trip here.
