Red Rock Canyon - Las Vegas, Nevada

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. Red Rock is also home to the Desert Tortoise, an endangered species who is considered an "indicator species" of the health of the desert environment, and is a treasure for nature lovers. Once here, visitors should also be sure take advantage of the Super Summer Theater, the Park's outdoor theater productions, which are a treat in the cool of the desert night.

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.The layers red sandstone in the mountains that surround Red Rock Canyon can be seen from almost anywhere in Las Vegas. While the tops of the peaks are visible from the Las Vegas Valley, much of Red Rock Canyon is nestled below them and out of sight from the city of Las Vegas. The red sandstone that makes Red Rock so distinctive, and red, is part of the same geologic formation, the Navaho Formation, found in the Valley of Fire, Zion National Park and throughout parts of the Southwest United States and Southern Nevada. The contrast of red sandstone layered through gray limestone is impressive against the tall sheer cliff faces of - as high as - 600 meters or about 1,800 feet. There are a lot of things to do in Red Rock Canyon. If you like to hike, take spectacular pictures or if you want to learn more about the desert, plan to spend some time here. Red Rock Canyon has a lot to offer.The easiest way to see Red Rock is to just drive through the place. Any kind of weather will work for a drive through. When stormy the visual effect of the clouds against the mountains and cliffs is dramatic. When the weather is good, hiking and picnicking are recommended because you will have a lot to choose from.