Red Rock Canyon
Once the home of ancient Indian tribes, this magnificent canyon was formed by a thrust fault — a fracture in the earth’s crust where one rock plate is thrust horizontally over another. Red Rock Canyon is home to wild horses and burros, as well as various species of wildlife including desert bighorn sheep and antelope. Stop at the visitor’s center for tour information. There is no fee for normal activities in the canyon area.Red Rock Canyon is a narrow valley that lies just about 15 miles west of downtown Las Vegas and is one of the most scenic places to visit in the Southern Nevada area. ‘Red Rock’ as it is known to the locals in Las Vegas, gets its name from the red colored sandstone formations found throughout this small valley. The layers red sandstone in the mountains that surround Red Rock Canyon can be seen from almost anywhere in Las Vegas.
Red Rock Canyon takes its name from the red colored sandstone formations which can be seen from all around the nearby city of Las Vegas. These rocks are distinctive of the southwestern United States and their contrast with the surrounding grey-colored sandstone is striking. Aside from its beauty, Red Rock Canyon boasts a multitude of activities, including rock climbing the red cliffs and hiking the 22 trails.
The most significant geologic feature of Red Rock Canyon is the Keystone Thrust Fault. A thrust fault is a fracture in the earth’s crust where one rock plate is thrust horizontally over another. About 65 million years ago, it is believed that two of the earth’s crustal plates collided with such force that part of one plate was shoved up and over younger sandstones. This thrust contact is clearly defined by the sharp contrast between the grey limestones and the red sandstones.
Exhibit Area
The Exhibit Area features displays funded and created by RRCIA. Interpreters have created displays depicting the cultural and natural resources of the Conservation Area. This area has recently been upgraded and is quite nice. There is a small Lizard Lounge where two rescued lizards were lucky enough to find a home. This is a picture of Chucky, a chuckwalla. Other desert dwellers are also on display.
Red Rock Canyon was designated as Nevada’s first National Conservation Area. Red Rock Canyon is located 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip on Charleston Boulevard/State Route 159. The area is 195,819 acres and is visited by more than one million people each year. In marked contrast to a town geared to entertainment and gaming, Red Rock Canyon offers enticements of a different nature including a 13-mile scenic drive, more than 30 miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, and visitor center with exhibit rooms and a book store.
Charleston Boulevard
The canyon is easily reached, as one of the busiest east-west routes through the centre of the city leads directly to the park entrance - this is Charleston Boulevard, which crosses Las Vegas Boulevard (’The Strip’) a few blocks beyond the Stratosphere Tower, northernmost of the large casinos. The look-alike suburbia extends for a long way - the road passes miles of seemingly identical shops and houses, and finally a number of large, luxurious walled estates. More of these are under construction and the most recent development is now just a few miles from the mountains - properties here enjoy sweeping views in both directions, since the whole city of Las Vegas is spread out to the east, and the cliffs and canyons are visible to the west.
Red Rock Canyon Activities
You can go horseback riding in the morning and have a Red Rock wedding in the afternoon; you can bring the family out for a picnic, and pet the wild burros that line the road just at feeding time. The Red Rock Canyon area is, arguably, the most beautiful area in Nevada—perhaps the southwest. Whether you are a rock climber, a hiker, a rock hound, or just appreciate the beauty of wild horses, bighorn sheep, and wild burros roaming free, this part of Nevada is just for you.
