Grand Circle Loop | Red Rock Canyon, Nevada

The Grand Circle Loop is and 11.3-mile trail that serves as a great overview of Red Rock Canyon and its surrounding wilderness areas including The Rainbow Mountain Wilderness and The La Madre Mountains Wilderness. Learn about the access points to these great wilderness areas and receive insight on wilderness navigation and strategy.

Rock Formations in Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada

Entering Valley of Fire State Park is like entering into another world and the fiery red Azetc sandstone formations sharply contrasting against their gray and tan limestone mountain background create a fantasy-like atmosphere. Over countless years wind, water and sand have created a myriad of shapes and designs beyond all human artistic genius. And there is a spiritual feeling in the valley I have only experienced in few places on earth. This is a place you can touch, experience and even enter the very rock of the earth and feel an energy that is at times overpowering. Click image or title above for more…

Prospect Trail | Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada

The Prospect Trail in Valley of Fire State Park spans much of the park from near the West entrance to the White Domes Loop at the end of the Mouse’s Tank Scenic Drive. Not only does it span much of the park, but it also offers one of the widest variety of rock formations and colors seen on any other trail in the park from the 200 million-year-old red Azetc sandstone formations also seen on Pinnacles Loop, Fire Canyon, Mouse’s Tank Trail the Bee Hives and Atlatl Rock to the white sandstone formations seen in locations such as White Domes and Silica Dome to the variety of colors seen on the Rainbow Vista Trail to the red and white striped display seen on Fire Wave Loop. Route details: 11 miles RT; **Good trail – a bit sketchy in places.** Click image or title above for more…

Southern Bowl of Fire | Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada

You can stand in the midst of the Bowl of Fire and see the entire Bowl of those beautiful Aztec formations in one of the most incredible 360 degree vistas available anywhere. And then proceed through a gentle valley to the North surrounded on both sides by more formations. Route details: 5-6mi | 1,965 > 1,905ft; ** Some Trail, Some Wilderness** Click image or title above for more…

Windy Peak | Rainbow Mountain Wilderness, Nevada

Windy Peak in Nevada is the third peak from the South end of the Rainbow Mountain Wilderness and a good jumping off point to explore the Wilson Ridge which borders Red Rock Canyon NCA to the East and Lovell Canyon to the West. It’s one of the Rainbow Mountains beautiful Jurassic Era Aztec red rock frozen sand dunes similar to the famous formations in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. To stand in that place is to be surrounded by the artistic beauty of red and white rock with occasional bonsai-like pine trees. Route details: 5.2 mi RT/ 5,470ft > 6,238ft; **Mostly Good Trails, Some Class 3 Climbing** Click image or title above for more…

02 Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive | Red Rock Canyon NCA, Nevada

General information for Red Rock Canyon NCA including how to work the reservation system is on this page. In addition, the 10 points of interest along the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive are described. I’ll mention the trailheads from these points as jumping off points for wilderness adventures, but realize that the scenic drive is in itself a totally rewarding experience even if you don’t get out of your car! 13-mile scenic loop drive. Click image or title above for more…

Little Red Rock | Las Vegas, Nevada

Little Red Rock is a smaller version of the more well-known Red Rock National Conservation Area just West of Las Vegas. It’s located close to the Summerlin area of Las Vegas and the La Madre Mountains Wilderness. Similar to Red Rock National Conservation Area, Little Red Rock contains beautiful ancient Jurassic Era Aztec Red Rock frozen sand dunes. In addition, similar to Red Rock National Conservation Area, Valley of Fire State Park, and Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area ancient petroglyphs may be found in this area. Route details: 8 Miles RT / 4,000-4,700ft; *Some Road, Mostly Wilderness* Click image or title above for more…

01 Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Overview

The 10,000 acre Red Rock Canyon is the signature wilderness area just outside Metro Las Vegas. Hike and climb on magnificent Jurassic era frozen sand dunes and calico hills — some reaching heights of 7,000 feet. Experience the Southwestern desert with the help of an elaborate visitor center featuring interpretive displays, movies, presentations and walks. Then, plan your adventure from a short hike to a challenging vertical rock climb and all the levels of difficulty between. Best time of year for adventures here: Mid-Fall to early Spring below 5,000ft; Fall to Spring above 5000ft. Temperatures at the higher elevations are usually in the mid-70s during this time even when Las Vegas Valley is up to 95 degrees! Winter temperatures in the lower elevations can be in the mid-60s! Follow thumbnail images to view the details you will need to plan your adventures here. Click image or title above for more…