The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is located just to the west of Las Vegas. Within the boundaries of the 197,000-acre area is a 13-mile scenic drive, many miles of hiking
trails, picnic areas and a visitors center with an exhibit room and bookstore.
Red Rock's most significant geological feature is the Keystone Thrust Fault. About 65 million
years ago, two of the Earth's crustal plates collied with such force that part of on plate of grey
limestone was thrust up and over the younger red standstone. The fault extends from the
Cottonwood Fault north to the vicinity of La Madre Mountain.
Red Rock Canyon is west of the city, easily accessible from Charleston Boulevard. It's about 20 miles from the Las Vegas Strip and downtown area.
Sightseeing can be done in an automobile, hiking, biking and camping. Join a ranger November through April for a talk, walk, guided hike, or evening progam. Join a ranger for a living history costumed tour of the historic Scotty's Castle.
The 13-mile scenic drive is a one-way road that also allows bicycle traffic. Sightseeing and hiking trails can be accessed from the parking areas on the side of the road. Summer hours for the scenic drive are daily, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. (early April to late October); winter hours are daily, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The entry fee is $5 per carload, and you can also purchase a $20 pass that will last you 12 months. Entrance is free for those who walk or ride
their bicycles through the gate. Golden Age, Golden Access and Golden Eagle Passes are all valid at Red Rock.
Red Rock Canyon has a campground with 66 campsites and five group camping areas. The campgrounds have restrooms and water; each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. RVs and fifth-wheels are allowed but there are no hookups. The fee is $10 per night.
Back-country camping is allowed by permit only; there is no fee. Permits can be obtained by calling 702-515-5050.
Bicycles are permitted only on designated roads and trails. The BLM advises cyclers to wear helmets, bright clothing, carry water, obey traffic laws and pay attention to drivers who may be distracted. For more biking information, see Mountain biking in Southern Nevada.
There are two picnic areas: Willow Spring, located along the scenic drive, and Red Spring, east of the entrance to the scenic drive. Both locations have tables, barbecue grills and toilets.
Bonnie Springs - Old Nevada
Bonnie Springs is a privately owned enterprise featuring a reproduction of an 1880 western mining town with gunfights, hangings, melodramas, silent movies, saloons, restaurants and displays.
Spring Mountain State Park
Spring Mountain Ranch, a 520-acre area located at the base of Wilson Cliffs, offers historic tours, picnic sites and summer plays. The main house and historic grounds are open on select days. The picnic sites are open from 8 a.m. to dusk.
Wildlife
Numerous wildlife inhabit Red Rock Canyon. BLM officials ask visitors not to feed any of the wild animals and warn that all animals can be dangerous, especiallty the burros. Feeding the burros encourages them to congregate on the roadways where many have been killed or injured by vehicles.
