Red Rock Canyon

This little jaunt was not planned, but it was definitely worth the drive. We were having lunch with friends in Las Vegas when they suggested we take a drive out to Red Rock Canyon. Just about half an hour away, and with nothing to do but pack to go home, we decided to take the trip.

We spent New Year's Eve in Vegas, we were not prepared for a hike of any kind on the first day of the year. Our shoe selection alone prevented us from walking on anything other than a solid, flat surface (we won’t mention the other things in Vegas that don’t go well with hiking on big rocks). But we could totally go for the 13-mile drive that loops around the canyon!

Our friend recommended that we go online to purchase tickets, which was a great tip because the line to get in was looonnnggg. Fortunately, we paid the $22 entry fee on the website, merged over to the right "online reservation" line, and drove in a little faster than the other lines.

After passing through the gate, the road turns right, and you come upon the entrance to the Visitor's Center. This is the only opportunity to stop, as the loop ends on the main road. Being late in the afternoon, our goal was to beat the setting sun, so we passed on the chance to buy souvenirs and followed the road to the left where we saw these gorgeous red rocks.

Just as I was wondering if I would be able to pull over and take some pictures, we saw a giant parking lot, complete with a bathroom. We pulled in, zipped into the first open spot, and walked over to the viewing area. At this initial stop, there is a long fenced area with benches, informational signs, and a few access points to trails. There might have been a picnic table as well. People were climbing all over these rocks, from down in the canyon all the way to the top. We will definitely have to bring more functional shoes next time.

Returning to the drive, we got behind a car that was going really slow. The road is paved and goes only one direction, but there is enough space for two lanes, so some people chose to zip by on the left (we might have made this choice a couple of times, too), while others meandered on the right. That's a long sentence to tell you that you can go at your own pace. There are several parking lots that allow you to get out of your car to take in the view, take pictures, look up, absorb the energy, and tell the rocks how gorgeous they are. Some lots are large, some small, some have bathroom facilities, some have walking paths, and some even have doggy bags and a trash can. They really thought of everything.

The sun was setting behind the mountains so we couldn't see many colors on the west side of the loop. It was gorgeous, nonetheless. The layers in the rocks are fascinating and all of the mountains had horizontal lines that looked like they were made with a giant paintbrush. And there were plants everywhere. To survive in such a harsh environment with little soil is another example of nature's resilience and determination.

As we headed out of the park, we came across another parking lot on the main road. This one offered a panoramic view of the canyon. So, if you don't want to pay the fee or see the rocks up close, you could just pass the entrance and stop here for a picnic lunch. I suggest going in though. We will definitely visit again, but earlier in the day to go into the visitor's center, see more colors, and let other people pass us on the walking trail.