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Sunday, March 8, 2015

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area - NV 159 Overlook and Visitor Center


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.

Rainbow Mountain from NV 159 pullout

Calico Hills from NV 159 gravel pullout

Pine and Bridge Mountains from NV 159

Pine Creek and part of Bridge Mountain from NV 159 pullout

Visitor Center

Large gift shop in the Visitor Center

View from the Panorama Window

Calico Hills

View from outside on the patio

Red Rocks

Bridge Mountain

Rainbow Mountain

Mount Wilson

Spring Mountains

Turtlehead Mountain and the Calico Hills

Eons of erosion

Tilted and folded sandstone strata

The Red Rock Wash drains a large area

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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