We visited Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area on our February 2015 trip to parks in southern California. This national conservation area was created by Congress in 1990 and is the first of its kind in Nevada and seventh in the nation. It is 17 to 25 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip depending on the route chosen and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The canyon includes a 13 mile scenic drive, several side canyon hikes, as well as opportunities for rock climbing, and bicycling.
This visitor center has only been open since 2010. It has the only potable water in the park. In addition, there is an information desk, gift shop and restrooms. The small theater shows an excellently produced video every half hour. Outside is a shaded picnic area and interpretive exhibits about wildlife, vegetation, geology, culture and more.
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| Rainbow Mountain from NV 159 pullout |
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| Calico Hills from NV 159 gravel pullout |
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| Pine and Bridge Mountains from NV 159 |
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| Pine Creek and part of Bridge Mountain from NV 159 pullout |
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| Visitor Center |
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| Large gift shop in the Visitor Center |
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| View from the Panorama Window |
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| Calico Hills |
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| View from outside on the patio |
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| Red Rocks |
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| Bridge Mountain |
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| Rainbow Mountain |
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| Mount Wilson |
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| Spring Mountains |
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| Turtlehead Mountain and the Calico Hills |
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| Eons of erosion |
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| Tilted and folded sandstone strata |
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| The Red Rock Wash drains a large area |
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| Parking and picnic area at the NV 159 overlook |
A daily entrance fee of $7 per vehicle is collected at Red Rock National Conservation Area. An annual pass for Red Rock is available for $30. Another option is to purchase the America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass valid for one year for $80. A lifetime Senior Pass is available for $10 for those 62 years of age or older.
The park website is http://www.nv.blm.gov/redrockcanyon.
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