Search hotels near Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Located just 24 kilometres to the west of Las Vegas, the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area stands in dramatic contrast to the bright lights of The Strip. This landscape of dramatic red rock formations, sandstone peaks and cliffs known as the Keystone Thrust is a result of centuries of iron oxide build-up, and provides a spectacular backdrop for hikers, rock climbers and horseback riders.

The Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area is situated in the easternmost part of the Mojave Desert and home to plant species that include the Joshua tree, Mojave yucca and agave, together with coyotes, ground squirrel and desert bighorn sheep. An outstanding visitor’s centre is located at the park’s loop road, where visitors can access maps and information, as well as view exhibits on its formation, wildlife including desert tortoises and its indigenous history. The Red Rock Canyon itself is located off the main scenic loop and only accessible by 4WD, while the cliffs of the Keystone Thrust can be viewed to the west and the highest peak, La Madre Mountain, towers to the north. Hiking trails traverse the park, with prehistoric agave roasting pits witnessed along the Calico Tanks walking trail and waterfalls cascading over the edge of the canyons during spring. The loop road is also a popular cycling route and with an outstanding rock climbing on offer at the Aztec Sandstone, Calico Hills and Sandstone Quarry.

The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is located just a short drive from the centre of Las Vegas along State Road 159. From the visitor’s centre, a 21-kilometre loop road winds around the protected area and is best explored by either car, motorbike or bicycle.

The area now protected as the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area was originally inhabited as far back as 11,000 BC by around six different Native American groups. Evidence of Southern Paiute, Patayan, Anasazi, Pinto/Gypsum, San Dieguito and Paleo-Indian occupation can be found in petroglyphs, pottery fragments and roasting pits throughout the area. Compared to the surrounding desert, the canyon provided plentiful water resources, as well as plant and animals that could be hunted and gathered.