The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Red Rock Canyon is only a few miles west of Las Vegas. You can explore part of the 195,819-acre facility on a 13-mile scenic drive. Reservations are required to go on the drive from October 1 to May 31. There are numerous hiking trails through the Mojave Desert to explore, and park staff often host guided tours and plan other events. The Visitor Center and the Elements Gift Shop are great places to start your visit. There is one developed campground at this location. The campground offers no hookups or other services, but vault toilets are available. As you travel, you will always want to watch for Bureau of Land Management camping opportunities. Staying at Bureau of Land Management campgrounds is a great way to save money, and you can often stay for up to 14 days at little or no cost. Therefore, when traveling, always search for "BLM camping near me."
This trail starts at the visitor center and follows a limestone ridge along an open-country trail. One of this trail's highlights is seeing the Wilson Cliffs, a massive escarpment on the facility's west edge. This trail is relatively flat, but there is no shade, so hiking it early in the day is recommended.
Length: 2 miles
Intensity: Easy
Park in either of the Calico parking lots to begin this family-friendly hike. After climbing over sandstone rocks, you will be rewarded with stunning views of Las Vegas. The sandstone can be slippery, so be sure to watch your footing.
Length: 2.2 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This family-friendly trail has signs along its edge to teach you about plants and wildlife in the Mojave Desert. It winds its way past pictographs thought to be about 800 years old. This trail is an excellent option in December when it often ends at a seasonal waterfall.
Length: 0.8 miles
Intensity: Easy
Lake Mead is about 44 miles southeast of Red Rock Canyon, and it is an excellent place to go fishing. This lake, covering more than 244 square miles, lies partly in Nevada and partly in Arizona, and you need the correct fishing license. Anglers have caught striped bass weighing over 40 pounds at this location.
Most routes at Red Rock Canyon are rated between a 5 and a 5.14. Sports climbs are available at Calico 1 and 2 and in the Sandstone Quarry. You will be climbing on quality sandstone. Black rocks are the hardest, making them the easiest to climb.
The scenic drive, with its numerous pullouts, is a fabulous place to spot wildlife. Since this is a desert environment, most animals are small, like lizards and reptiles. You may also see mule deer, gray foxes, and burros.
There are four picnic areas at Red Rock Canyon, with the one next to the visitor center having 12 picnic tables. About halfway through the scenic drive is the Willow Springs Picnic Area, and there are about 20 tables at this location. Located along State Route 159, there are about 10 covered picnic tables and nine uncovered picnic tables at the Red Rock Scenic Overlook Picnic Area. Grills and picnic tables are available at the Red Springs Picnic Area located in Calico Basin.
You can go primitive BLM RV camping at Red Rock Canyon. The Red Rock Canyon Campground is usually open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Only about five of the 53 campsites are suitable for an RV. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance and are highly recommended.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is limited in this area, but you can find other great free campgrounds. There are three campgrounds in the Spring Mountains Recreation Area. The Fletcher View Campground offers primitive sites and flush toilets, Hilltop Campground has vault toilets and no water access, and McWilliams Campground offers potable water and seven flush toilets. You can also boondock at Desert National Wildlife Refuge. Vault toilets are available at the Desert Pass Campground, but camping is allowed along this refuge's roads.
The temperature at Red Rock Canyon can reach almost 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, and the desert environment offers very little shade. Therefore, you need to formulate a plan before you go hiking. You need to carry at least one liter of water for each person for each hour that you plan on hiking. Wear light-colored clothing made from sweat-wicking material. Wear a hat with a brim that goes clear around it to protect you from the sun's rays. The best time of day to hike is in the early morning as temperatures will be cooler.
You will love exploring Red Rock Canyon with its many hiking trails, fascinating visitor center, and beautiful scenic drive. You will also love camping at this location, where the stars often seem extra bright. Before leaving home, learn more about BLM camping by reading this blog.
There are trash receptacles in many locations at Red Rock Canyon. Therefore, you should gather up all your trash and dispose of it properly. Leaving trash behind can ruin the environment and hurt animals. Always practice the "Leave No Trace" guidlines when enjoying nature in BLM territory.
Getting from the Las Vegas Strip to Red Rock Canyon is easy. Start by getting on Interstate 15 South. Then, take Exit 36, the Russell Road West/County Road 215 West exit. Keep left, and follow the signs for Interstate 215 East. When you reach a fork in the road, keep right, and get on County Road 215 West. Take Exit 26, and merge onto Hughes Park Drive East. Turn left on West Charleston Boulevard. Continue straight to get on Red Rock Canyon Road. The area is about 0.1 miles in front of you.
Address: Red Rock Canyon, 1000 Scenic Loop Dr., Las Vegas, Nevada 89161
Ready to visit Red Rock Canyon? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an R.V. with RVshare.
