Red Rock Canyon - An Outdoor Family Playground
Just Minutes from Las Vegas Families Can Hike and See Wildlife
Dec 9, 2008
Red Rock Canyon covers over 195,000 acres in the Mojave Desert in Southern Nevada. Amid the stunning rich, red backdrop is a 13-mile one-way scenic loop, over 30 miles of hiking trails, picnic areas and a visitor center, complete with exhibit rooms and a gift shop. Red Rock Canyon is ultimate outdoor adventure for families and is only 25 minutes west of the busy Las Vegas Strip.
Hikes for All Skill Levels and All Ages
Red Rock Canyon offers hiking trails for most everyone, which makes it an ideal place for families. Lost Creek Trailhead leads up to a seasonal spring. Along the Children's Discovery Trail is a bridge that serves as both a short rest-stop and an opportunity to learn about the elusive spring snail. All visitors will receive a map and trail listing at the entrance gate.
Keep On A Look-Out for Wildlife
At first glance it may seem that the desert would offer little in the way of wildlife, but Red Rock actually is home to a large and diverse population of wildlife. Sandstone canyons provide a perennial water source for a number of wildlife. Predatory birds, like red-tailed hawks and loggerhead shrikes, can be easily spotted during visits. During the visit, wildlife watchers are also sure to spot wild burros. Thousands of these burros roam freely about the land. Visitors will also find a number of reptiles, small mammals and insects.
Primitive Rocks Sit Over Newer Rocks
Red Rock Canyon's stunning shapes and colors are directly tied to amazing historical geologic events. One of the most intriguing parts about visiting Red Rock Canyon is realizing that the exposed rocks are primitive. This is a result of a massive earthquake that shook the area over 65 million years ago, which pushed older rocks over younger rocks.
Points of Interest Show How Early Settlers Lived
Along the trails, hikers will come across petroglyphs and pictographs, which are paintings that were carved and/or painted on rocks by Native Indians. One particular pictograph, which depicts a series of handprints, can be seen on a canyon wall along the scenic loop. Hunter-gatherer Indians may have created them by coating their hands in natural paint material such as minerals, clay and plants. Along Calico Tank Trail, hikers will see an agave roasting pit, which was used as a seasonal cooking oven by early settlers.
The Visitor Center is the Hub of Red Rock's Orientation
The Visitor Center offers exhibit rooms where people can learn about Red Rock Canyon's native plants and animals. Multimedia exhibits show the geological evolution of Red Rock Canyon and some of the old west's history. A small gift shop sells books, maps, hats and other collectibles relating to Red Rock Canyon. The Visitor Center also provides children the opportunity to become Junior Rangers. Families can pick up a booklet, which describes a variety of engaging youth-friendly activities they can participate in during the visit. Upon completing the minimum number of activities, participants will receive a certificate and badge.
Getting to Red Rock Canyon is easy by car. It is located 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip on Charleston Boulevard/State Route 159. The daily entrance fee is $5 per vehicle.
Red Rock Canyon is a marked contrast to the Las Vegas Strip, which is primarily geared to entertainment and gaming. This is why spending a few hours at Red Rock Canyon is a perfect outdoor adventure for the entire family.
