Red Rock Canyon - The Hidden Treasure Of Las Vegas

By Author: Bonny Kominek
Total Articles: 96
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Red Rock Visitor Center

A Red Rock tour should begin at the visitor center which educates the traveler about the 197,000 acres of Mojave Desert that constitute this natural wonder. Fascinating animal exhibits, recently refurbished, reveal the variety of desert wildlife often missed by hurried, or noisy, travelers. The visitor center also presents educational programs as well as information about the numerous Red Rock recreational opportunities.

An adjacent book store and gift shop offers treasures from local artisans and native American jewelry. It sells Red Rock books and activity maps, valuable resources for local outdoor enthusiasts.

The Lizard Lounge houses displaced desert guests who have been given a second chance in re-created environments. A tortoise preserve abuts the visitor center, offering the desert tortoise protection from the once-rapid Vegas Valley development.

The visitor center supplies the greatest treasure of all for desert adventurers: water. There are no other water sources within the Red Rock recreation area, so visitors must take very seriously the warning to stock up.

Recreation

For ...
... the least adventurous Red Rock guest, a simple drive along the 13-mile scenic loop will provide a close-up view of the majestic and brilliantly colored sandstone rock faces that are Red Rock Canyon''s namesake. Burros, wild horses, snakes, vultures, and other desert inhabitants are frequently sighted. There are plenty of great places for the seasoned photographer to grab a few shots, with the best lighting arguably at sunrise.

Red Rock offers numerous hiking trails, 22 of the most popular venturing directly off the scenic drive. Nearly all abilities will find something to accommodate their hiking desires. A children''s interpretive trail provides an education on local flora, while short walks lead to look-outs and picnic areas. Thrill-seekers will find themselves scrambling over rocks to complete their trails. BLM publications and visitor center staff offer descriptions and difficulty levels so hikers can make informed choices.

For an old-west view of the red sands of the canyon, many prefer to saddle up. Horseback riding is a popular Red Rock activity, whether riders trailer their own horses or book a ride with local stables. Bicycling on the scenic loop or on approved mountain bike trails is also popular. A few prefer four-wheel drive adventures in the two designated off-road areas. All three activities are available as guided tours through local businesses.

Rock climbing on the often fragile sandstone of the Red Rock Canyon walls offers its own set of thrills and challenges. Options for climbing are numerous, and popular routes already sport bolted anchors. Small cliffs and practical guidebooks are available for those unaccustomed to scaling sandstone. Certain rock climbing restrictions apply in order to protect the petroglyphs and to maintain the integrity of Red Rock Canyon''s beautiful natural setting. Climbers must not venture upward after a desert rainstorm which can compromise the sandstone''s stability.

Red Rock Canyon Campground is open from September through May for those who want to maximize their time in Red Rock. Sites are available on a first-come basis and offer amenities such as barbecues and the ever-popular pit toilet.

The canyon is prized for its extraordinary recreation opportunities, varied geology, and diverse wildlife and vegetation. Above all else, it is the simple majestic beauty that makes Red Rock Canyon the true hidden treasure of the Las Vegas Valley. Bonny Kominek wrote this article while on a holiday booked with Dialaflight who provide great deals on flights to America including flights to Las Vegas.