Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The Canyon is 10 miles west of Las Vegas. The Conservation Area is one of the top rock climbing destinations in the United States, with dramatic limestone and sandstone cliffs, some with vertical drops of nearly 3,000 feet, displaying layered bands of red, gray, purple, pink, and yellow, among others. |
| Fees: |
$5.00 per car per day fee |
| Visitor Center: |
The Visitor Center (phone: 702-363-1921) includes interpretive displays, books, a gift shop, and various programs. Hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from April through October, and 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. the rest of the year. The Visitor Center is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. The Scenic Drive opens daily at 6:00 a.m. all-year. In Winter the drive closes at 5:00 p.m.; in Spring and Autumn it closes at 7:00 p.m.; and, in Summer, it closes at 8:00 p.m. |
| Facilities: |
13-mile scenic loop drive, more than 60 miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, and a Visitor Center. Sites for picnicking are located at Willow Spring (along the Scenic Drive), and at Red Spring (in the Calico Basin area). Both areas have tables, barbecue grills, and restrooms. Drinking water is available only at the Visitor Center. |
| Directions: |
From the northern part of Las Vegas, take Charleston Boulevard (Highway 159) to the National Conservation area heading due west to the Visitor Center. From the airport or the Strip, faster access is available by taking Interstate 15 south to Highway 160 (the Blue Diamond Highway). Exit west, drive 10 miles to the intersection of Highway 159, then head north another 10 miles to the Visitor Center.
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| Coordinates: |
Map Coordinates (NAD83): 36 09.617N; 115 27.022W. |
| Weather: |
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is part of the Mojave Desert. It averages 294 days of sunshine per year. Annual rainfall averages between four and 10 inches.
- From June to September temperatures often range above 100 degrees F. during the day, with lows between 60 and 70 degrees F. at night.
- Brief afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August.
- Winters are mild but can be cold in the canyons.
- Occasional snow can be expected, especially above the escarpment.
- See Canyon Country Weather for more information.
- Sunrise/Sunset
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| Regulations: |
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| Precautions: |
- Watch for snakes on the rocks.
- Temperatures can exceed 105 degrees F. It is suggested that you drink four liters of water per day in the Summer, but do not drink untreated water as it may be contaminated.
- Avoid drainages after thunderstorms or sever weather because of flash floods. Stay away from high points during thunderstorms; lightning can kill.
- Watch children closely; they often do not recognize potential dangers.
- See Backcountry Considerations.
- See Backcountry Emergencies.
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