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Las Vegas Daytrips to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Red Rock Canyon provides couples a nice counterpoint to the neon bustle of Las Vegas. Located only a few miles west of the city, the canyon is named for its brilliant sandstone formations, a naturally-occurring display of gaudy colors and shapes. Part of the Spring Mountain range, the canyon’s colors range from red to white, with contrasting bands of gray and brown. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area features miles of scenic drives and a wide assortment of hiking trails.

The dramatic juxtaposition of different colors in the canyon is the result of a geologic phenomenon called a thrust fault. Millions of years ago two tectonic plates were jammed together with the softer rock in effect wrapping around the older, harder stone.

Easy access to a totally different environment than that found in Las Vegas make Red Rock a popular day trip. Photo John Bigley.

Red Rock Canyon's amazing colors are reason enough to venture to this park west of Las Vegas. Photo courtesy Las Vegas News Bureau

Red Rock Visitor's Center

A good place to begin your visit is at the Red Rock Canyon Visitor’s Center. Check out the displays which demonstrate the ecology and geology of the area and also the outdoor Desert Tortoise Habitat which features several of the endangered species. Personnel at the Visitor’s Center, administered by the Bureau of Land Management, will be able to advise you on the best places to drive, hike, picnic, and take photos.

Some of the best hikes center around the area known as the Calico Hills, named for their wild color scheme. Several trails lead to excellent points from which to view or photograph the surrounding landscapes. Watch for the wild burros!

Weddings at Red Rock Canyon

Love the canyon so much you'd like to make it the setting for your wedding? Numerous wedding chapels in Las Vegas are happy to shuttle the two of you and a minister out to the canyon to exchange your vows...and think of the great wedding photos you'll have!

Check with Viva Las Vegas weddings for their Red Rock package which includes limo service, flowers, minister's fee, photos, and a $180 National Park fee for use of the park.

For More Information:

• www.redrockcanyonlv.org