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Located under 30 mins from the Vegas Strip is the beautiful Red Rock Canyon of Las Vegas. A National Conservation Area, it offers hiking, camping and an amazing scenic drive.
When we visited Las Vegas this year, we spent a couple days at the Vegas strip and then we headed out on day trips to Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. There are so many things to do in Las Vegas, but we love to mix city visits with a good dosage of nature as well.
Red Rock Canyon Las Vegas is very similar to the Red Rocks Park we have close to home in Colorado, but it’s always nice to see the different geological formations and ecology.
This is a great place to drive through if you are not really prepared to hike in the Nevada desert, but it’s also a great place to camp if you are driving through to some of the larger National Parks. In fact, you can use the National Parks Pass at the Red Rock Canyon Las Vegas to pay for your entrance fee.
Red Rocks Canyon Hikes
There are several easy hikes to do with the family and specially with children. The Oak Creek Canyon, Moenkopi Loop, and Petroglyph Wall Trails, are all under 3 miles and fairly flat.
The petroglyphs are a hit with school-aged children and the creeks and wildlife will keep all other ages entertained during the hikes. Just be careful as the area is known for rattle snakes, poisonous spiders and scorpions, so teach children not to put hands in cracks or under rocks.
Before hiking in Red Rock Canyon, check with the visitor center for weather and trail conditions upon your arrival and always carry more water, food, sunscreen and protective clothing than you think you will need.
The desert is dry and hot and not a forgiving place if you get lost or dehydrated.
Keep an eye out for wild burros (donkeys), desert tortoises, chuckwalla (lizard), bighorn sheep and the fossils of dinosaurs!!
If you enjoyed this post, you might also enjoy these:
- Things to do in Las Vegas with Kids
- Hoover Dam and Lake Mead
- Dinosaur Ridge Near Denver
- The Best Beaches in Southern California
- Yosemite Valley Guide
- Things to Do Near Mammoth Lakes
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Post originally written June 2019 and last updated July 2020.
This website contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and participant in other programs, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.
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