by Alex Gugel , all rights reserved
Red Rock CanyonGuide |
featured in
Nevada Pocket Maps |
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RED ROCK CANYON
KEYSTONE
VISITOR GUIDE
A NATIONAL
CONSERVATION AREA
ADMINISTERED BY
THE BUREAU OF LAND
MANAGEMENT
Proudly presented by Southern Nevada Conservancy in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management.
FIRST STOPVISITOR CENTER
Be sure to stop by the Red Rock
Canyon Visitor Center before you
start your day. The Scenic Drive will
not return you to that area so you
don’t want to miss it! The Visitor
Center is an informational hub
for visitors filled with indoor and
outdoor exhibits, plant specimens
from throughout the canyon, and
a desert tortoise habitat. Check
out the Information Desk for hike
recommendations, participate in a
program, and pick up something at
the gift shop to remember your trip.
WELCOME
Welcome to one of America’s most beautiful landscapes! In addition to
fantastic scenery, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers
some of the best hiking, rock climbing, biking, and outdoor recreation
activities in the region. The 13-mile Scenic Drive offers several scenic
overlooks, parking areas, picnic areas, and access to dozens of day
hikes and trails. Red Rock Canyon’s spectacular sandstone escarpment,
the iconic desert tortoise, and the thickets of Joshua trees herald the
natural world of geology, animals, and plants to be experienced in the
over 200,000 acre National Conservation Area, managed by the Bureau
of Land Management.
If you are looking for more information, please stop by the visitor center to
view exhibits, pick up informational handouts and talk with staff about how
you can make your visit more special. Once you get home, take a peek at our
website redrockcanyonlv.org or blm.gov/site-page/rrcnca
GET READY TO SAFELY EXPLORE
Search and rescue incidents are unfortunate but do occur in Red Rock National Conservation Area. The Mojave Desert is an extreme environment subject to
intense heat in the summer and very cold temperatures in the winter, especially during windy conditions or at higher altitudes. Let friends or family members
know where you are going and what time you expect to be back. Don’t rely on mobile phones during your visit as coverage in the area can be unreliable or
non-existent, especially within canyons. Never leave valuables in plain sight where they may tempt someone to break into your vehicle. Your safety is your
responsibility. Please read the important safety tips below:
BRING SUFFICIENT WATER
WATCH FOR LIGHTNING
PREPARE FOR EXTREME HEAT
PLAN AHEAD
BEWARE OF STEEP CLIFFS
DON’T RELY ON CELL SERVICE
Drink at least one gallon (four liters) per day if you are hiking, the day is hot or
the trail is exposed to direct sunlight. The Visitor Center is the only area with
refill stations and safe drinking water.
Temperatures in Red Rock Canyon can average more than 100° F (38° C)
during the summer months. The best protection against heat is drinking plenty
of water and limiting exposure to the sun. We recommend arriving early during
the summer months.
Falls from cliffs have resulted in death. Loose sand or pebbles on stone are
slippery. Never throw rocks; there may be hikers or climbers below you.
WATCH FOR DESERT DWELLERS
Watch where you put your hands and feet. Rattlesnakes, scorpions or
venomous spiders may be sheltered behind boulders or under rocks and
shrubs. Do not touch, collect, feed or harass these animals.
WEAR APPROPRIATE PROTECTIVE GEAR
For hiking, select shoes that will provide a comfortable fit, ankle stability and
protection against cactus spines. Wear a hat, dress in layers and apply suncreen!
BEWARE OF FLASH FLOODS
Flash flooding is a greater risk at Red Rock Canyon due to the smooth
sandstone – even a relatively small amount of rain can result in a flash flood.
Lightning storms frequently occur in the afternoon during the summer
months. To prevent lightning from striking you, avoid high places and seek
cover in buildings or in vehicles with the windows rolled up.
Hikes sometimes take longer than expected. Remember to carefully plan your
hike, being aware of sunset times and weather forecasts. Be sure to read all
trail descriptions carefully and do not hike above your skill level. Always bring
extra water.
There is currently little to no cell service available in Red Rock Canyon. While
it may seem like we are very close to Las Vegas, it may be impossible to reach
911 or call for help in case of an emergency. Consider carrying an emergency
GPS locator. In addition, this means that you will not be able to use popular
rideshare apps on your return trip to Las Vegas. Make sure to arrange a taxi
ahead of time.
DON’T CLIMB ON WET SANDSTONE
Sandstone becomes very brittle when wet and climbing wet sandstone poses
an increased risk to climbers from dangerous breakoffs and injury from
rockfalls. It is best practice to wait 24-72 hours after rain before climbing. If
rain is in the forecast, consider the limestone sport crags instead.
SCENIC DRIVE. ONE WAY ROAD, 13 MI (20.9 KM)
8
La Madre
Spring
10
White Rock
Rocky
Gap
Road
Willow Spring
Picnic Area
Petroglyph
Wall Trail 11
Keystone
Thrust
5
High Point
Overlook
Sandstone
Quarry
6
Ash Spring
2 Calico II
Red Spring/
Calico Basin
Calico I
(one way road) 13 mi (20.9 km)
16
Kraft Boulders
26
Calico
Tanks
Scenic Drive
15
To Las
Vegas
2
17
12
To Lovell
Canyon
Map not to scale
3
7
Grand Circle Loop
(1, 2, 6)
14
Ice Box
Canyon
Turtlehead
Peak
ele. 4,771ft (1,445m)
9
Lost
Creek
4
Red Rock
Wash Overlook
North
Peak
1
159
VISITOR CENTER
13
Bridge Mountain
ele. 3,720ft (1,127m)
18
Pine Creek
Canyon
FEE
STATION
Red Rock
Campground
19
Red Rock
Overlook
20
North Oak
Creek
21
22
Oak Creek
Canyon
Cowboy
Trail Rides
Scenic Drive
Exit
Middle
23 Oak Creek
24
South Oak
Creek
159
Scenic
Drive
Camping Area
Picnic Area
Wheelchair Access
Restrooms
First Creek
Canyon
25
Parking
Scenic Drive
Hiking Trails
Dirt Roads
4x4, high clearance road
Spring Mountain
Ranch State Park
Paved road
Bonnie Springs
Ranch
To Blue
Diamond
Illustrations by Xplorer Maps
RED ROCK BY CAR
PLEASE REMEMBER:
IT’S NOT CALLED THE SCENIC DRIVE FOR NOTHING...
•
Maximum speed limit is 35 mph – Please regard all posted signs.
•
Share the road – Help keep you and your fellow motorists, bicyclists,
runners and wildlife safe.
•
Only park in designated lots – If a lot is full, please do not park off the
road or atop vegetation as many plants can take decades to regrow if they
come back at all.
•
Have fun, be safe and enjoy your drive!
Welcome to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area! Whether you are
hiking, rock climbing or just enjoying the scenery along the Scenic Drive,
Red Rock Canyon has some of the best sights and experiences the Mojave
Desert has to offer. Plan your route carefully, as the scenic drive is a
one-way only roadway. If you miss your intended stop, don’t worry – your
amenity fee is good for the full day and you are welcome to re-enter at the
fee booth.
TRAIL DESCRIPTIONS. HIKING GUIDES AVAILABLE IN VISITOR CENTER
TAKE CAUTION AND BE ALERT: TRAILS MAY CONTAIN LARGE CLIFFS OR DROP-OFFS.
Trail
Name
Trail Parking Lot/
# on Trailhead
map
Round Trip
Distance
Approx.
Hike Time
Elevation
Gain
Description/Highlights
Moenkopi
1
Visitor Center
2 mi (3.2 km)
1.5 hours
300 ft (90 m)
This trail starts west of the Visitor Center near the picnic area. It offers panoramic views
of the Calico Hills, the Spring Mountains, and La Madre Mountains.
Willow
Spring
Loop
9
Willow Spring
Picnic Area
Lost Creek
1.5 mi (2.4 km)
1.25 hours
200 ft (60 m)
This trail passes several pictographs and agave roasting pits on both sides of the canyon.
Petroglyph
Wall Trail
11
Willow Spring
Picnic Area
.15 mi (.24 km)
30 minutes
26 ft (7.9 m)
The trail starts across from the Willow Spring Picnic Area near the juniper fence turn
around. The petroglyph wall is across the wash adjacent to a large juniper tree.
Lost
Creek –
Children’s
Discovery
14
Lost Creek
.75 mi (1.2 km)
55 minutes
200 ft (60 m)
This moderately easy trail is a wonderful place to explore because of the variety of plant
life and a number of cultural sites. Depending on the season, there may be a waterfall
based on recent rain or snowpack. Also look for a pictograph and an agave roasting
pit site. This trail is a combination of rocky, uneven terrain and a boardwalk trail.
Fire
Ecology
19
Pine Creek
Canyon
.75 mi (1.2 km)
55 minutes
200 ft (60 m)
This trail branches off the Pine Creek Canyon Trail. It is a short, figure eight trail that
goes through a stand of ponderosa pine where a prescribed fire took place.
Oak Creek
Canyon
22
North Oak Creek
2 mi (3.2 km)
1.5 hours
200 ft (60 m)
From the Scenic Drive, turn on to the dirt road leading to the Oak Creek Canyon parking
lot and start the trail from there. The Oak Creek trail heads through open desert and is a
good wildflower viewing site during the spring.
EASY
MODERATE
Calico Hills 2
2-6 mi (3.2 – 9.6 1.5 -3.5
Calico I
km)
hours
Calico II
Sandstone Quarry
Visitor Center
400 ft (120 m)
This trail offers access to sport climbing areas and the best close-up views of the Calico
Hills.
Calico
Tanks
3
Sandstone Quarry 2.5 mi (4 km)
2 hours
450 ft (140 m)
From the parking lot, follow the trail that winds through the wash. There may be
seasonal water present in a natural tank (tinaja) at the end. This trail offers
sweeping views of the Las Vegas valley.
Keystone
Thrust
5
Upper White Rock 2.2 mi (3.5 km)
1.5 hours
400 ft (120 m)
The Keystone Thrust is one of the most significant geological features of Red Rock
Canyon.
White Rock 6
– Willow
Spring
Upper White Rock
Willow Spring
Picnic Area
4.4 mi (7 km)
2.5 hours
200 ft (60 m)
The trail starts at either the Upper White Rock parking lot or the Willow Spring Picnic
Area. This is a great trail for wildlife viewing due to the presence of year-round springs.
La Madre
Spring
10
Willow Spring
Picnic Area
3.3 mi (5.2 km)
2 hours
400 ft (120 m)
From the parking area, walk up a portion of the 4x4 Rocky Gap Road. The springs are a
great place to watch for wildlife, including bighorn sheep.
SMYC
15
Lost Creek
Ice Box Canyon
2.2 mi (3.5 km)
2 hours
300 ft (90 m)
This trail connects the Lost Creek and Icebox Canyon trails. It follows the terrain at the
base of the escarpment.
Dale’s
17
Ice Box Canyon
Pine Creek
Canyon
4.4 mi (7 km)
2.5 hours
300 ft (90 m)
This trail connects the Ice Box Canyon and Pine Creek Canyon trails. It follows the
terrain at the base of the escarpment.
Pine Creek 18
Canyon
Pine Creek
Canyon
3 mi (4.8 km)
2 hours
300 ft (90 m)
This trail takes you across the open desert, past an old homestead site and into the
meadow. A one mile loop will bring you back to the homestead. From there, follow the
trail for one mile back to the parking lot.
Arnight
20
Oak Creek
Canyon
2.4 mi [3.8 km]
1.5 hours
300 ft [90 m]
This trail can be started at the Oak Creek Canyon parking lot or by hiking the Pine Creek
Canyon Trail. It connects the Oak Creek parking lot the the end loop of the Pine Creek Canyon
Trail.
Knoll
21
Oak Creek
Canyon
3.5 mi (5.6 km)
2.5 hours
300 ft (90 m)
The shortest and easiest way to access this trail is by taking the Oak Creek Canyon Trail.
This trail links the upper section of the Arnight Trail with the Oak Creek Canyon Trail,
following the base of the escarpment.
3.5 – 4.5
hours
2,000 ft (600 m)
From the parking lot, follow trail across the wash and through the sandstone rock
formations and up the gulch toward a prominent rock formation at the saddle. Once you are
above the rock formation, the trail splits, forming a loop that takes you to the summit and
back to the rock formation where you will continue back down the way you came.
5 – 6 hours
1,095 ft (334 m)
The Grand Circle Loop is a combination of trails that will take you from one point and
bring you back to that point. See the information desk for a detailed description.
DIFFICULT
Turtlehead
Peak
4
Sandstone Quarry 5 mi (8 km)
11.3 mi (18.2
km)
Grand
7
Circle Loop
Visitor Center
White Rock/ 8
La Madre
Spring
Loop
Upper White Rock 6 mi (9.6 km)
Willow Spring
Picnic Area
Lost Creek
3.5 hrs
890 ft (270 m)
The north side of White Rock is one of the best areas for viewing bighorn sheep.
You can connect to the La Madre Spring Trail to see a year-round spring.
North Peak 12
Willow Spring
Picnic Area
10 mi (16 km)
5 hours
2,442 ft (744 m)
Starting from the parking lot, proceed up Rocky Gap Road to the summit and take the Bridge
Mountain Trail to the North Peak junction 1.1 miles. When you get to the summit, enjoy the
view and then follow your tracks back down to Willow Spring.
Bridge
Mountain
13
Willow Spring
Picnic Area
14 mi (22.5 km)
6-7 hours
2,412 ft (744 m)
From the parking lot, proceed up Rocky Gap Road to the summit and take the Bridge
Mountain Trail to Bridge Mountain. There is a class four rock scramble that must be
traversed to get to the peak. See the information desk for a detailed description.
Ice Box
Canyon
16
Icebox Canyon
2.6 mi (4.1 km)
2 hours
300 ft (90 m)
This trail crosses the open desert then enters the canyon. Hiking the canyon
requires some tricky boulder hopping all the way back to where you may find a
waterfall based on recent rain or snowpack.
3 hours
187 ft (57 m)
The trailhead is located outside of the Scenic Loop Drive on SR-159 at mile marker 8.
Walk through the opening in the fence and follow the trail across the open desert toward
the escarpment and the juncture of the Oak Creek Trail.
TRAILS FOUND OUTSIDE OF THE SCENIC DRIVE
Middle Oak 23
Creek
Middle Oak Creek 4 mi (6.4 km)
South Oak
Creek
South Oak Creek
5 mi (8 km)
3.5 hours
331 ft (101 m)
From the South Oak Creek trailhead located on SR-159, walk down the old campground
road to the trailhead. Proceed through the tree line and into the open desert. The trail
loops around Potato Knoll and return to the trailhead in approximately 5 miles.
First Creek 25
Canyon
First Creek
Canyon
3 mi (4.8 km)
2 hours
300 ft (90 m)
The trailhead is on SR-159, 2.6 mi (4.1 km) southwest of the exit to the Scenic
Loop Drive. The trail leads to the mouth of the canyon. Seasonal streams may be seen
flowing through the trees from the trail.
Kraft
Boulders
Kraft Mountain
1.5 mi (2.4 km)
1 hour
50 ft (15.2 m)
This trail starts at the end of Sandstone Drive within Calico Basin. Follow the trail east
through a ravine and along the basin of Kraft Mountain to see gorgeously colored &
shaped sandstone boulders. This is a popular spot for bouldering & rock climbing.
30 minutes
50 ft [15.2 m]
Enjoy rare salt grass as well as a year-round running spring. This spring supports
numerous water dependent plants and wildlife.
24
26
Red Spring 27
Boardwalk
Red Spring/Calico .5 mi [.8 km]
Basin
Take Caution and be alert: Trails may contains large cliffs or drop-offs.
Wildlife is commonly seen on this trail.
Accessible trail.
Seasonal waterfalls or unique water features may be present depending on the time of year.
Place of archaeological or cultural significance.
EASY:
MODERATE:
DIFFICULT:
Minimal uphill
sections and some
uneven terrain.
Uphill sections
include up to 500 ft of
elevation gain; single
digit mileage; uneven
terrain and some
rock scrambling.
Generally, lots of
uphill sections;
possibly more than
1000 ft of elevation
gain; double digit
mileage and/or
difficult terrain and
rock scrambling.
HISTORY, GEOLOGY & WILDLIFE. A SHORT GUIDE TO RED ROCK CANYON
AZTEC SANDSTONE
The great sandstone cliffs at Red Rock Canyon, thousands of feet high, are made up of Aztec Sandstone. What you
see is the fossilized cores of old sand dunes laid down during the early Jurassic Period (180-190 million years ago,)
covering from the Dakotas south into Mexico and west toward Los Angeles. The sand slowly changed into sandstone
as subsurface water percolated through the sediments, depositing iron oxide and calcium carbonate in the pore
spaces between the grains. These sandstone formations were slowly uplifted thousands of feet to their present
elevation and exposed to weathering and erosion.
NATIVE PEOPLE AND
EARLY EXPLORERS AT
RED ROCK
WHITE-TAILED ANTELOPE GROUND SQUIRREL
(AMMOSPERMOPHILUS LEUCURUS)
This small mammal, about the size of a tennis ball, gets its
name by holding its white tail vertically up while running
around, similar to how pronghorn antelope act. You can spot
these animals normally in gravelly areas looking for fruits and
seeds, but they’re also spotted around our Visitor Center and
picnic areas looking for food. As cute as they are, you certainly
do not want to feed them because they’ll bite.
In the Mojave Desert, the key to
survival is useable water. The
springs and many natural catch
basins at Red Rock Canyon
sustain an abundance of plants
and animals, which attracted
Southern Paiutes, Spanish
scouts, Mormon missionaries,
explorers, miners, and settlers.
Evidence of their presence
includes mines, corrals, agave
roasting pits, petroglyphs, and
pictographs. These cultural
resources are considered
precious artifacts to respect
and protect.
LIMESTONE
More than 500 million years ago Red Rock Canyon
NCA was at the bottom of the Panthalassic Ocean, a
superocean covering almost 70% of earth’s surface.
Over the next 250 million years the calcified remains of
sea life that flourished during that time sunk down and
packed together on the ocean floor creating Paleozoic
Era limestone. Early to mid-Paleozoic Era limestone
is exposed on the escarpment on the west and north
sides of the conservation area. Later Paleozoic Era
Permian limestone outcrops can be seen on the east
side, especially on Blue Diamond Hill and its extension
to the north, Fossil Ridge.
MOJAVE YUCCA (YUCCA SCHIDIGERA)
CHUCKWALLA (SAUROMALUS ATER)
The Chuckwalla is one of the largest lizards
in Southern Nevada. They can grow up to nine
inches long and appear to be fat. Don’t be
deceived, though! Chuckwallas have a good
amount of loose skin on the sides of their bodies
which help them to protect themselves. When
threatened they will slip into a rock crevice and
fill their lungs with air, increasing their body size
and wedging themselves into the crevice making
it very hard for predators to remove them.
Chucks are known for their variety of coloration
including tan, brown, and black, and juveniles
have strong banding on their tails. Within Red
Rock Canyon you can occasionally find them
within the Calico Basin, Calico Hills, and Blue
Diamond Hill areas lounging on rocky outcrops
or hidden between rocks.
This plant dominates the landscape with its long & green
pointy leaves, fibrous base, and cream-white flowers.
You can find Mojave yuccas from three to 12 feet tall,
depending on age and location. During spring, large
white flowers appear on stalks from the top of this plant
and attract female yucca moths (family Prodoxidae) that
pollinate the plant. Pollinated flowers turn into small
green fruits by the start of summer. Mojave yuccas
provided food (fruits) and fibers (baskets & sandals from
leaves) for Natives inhabiting the Mojave Desert.
FOSSILS & DINOSAURS
A long time ago, Red Rock Canyon was under water. We know this from the
fossilized remains of ocean floor life found throughout many areas of Red Rock
Canyon. You can find fossilized remains of corals, crinoids, blue-green bacteria,
and sponges within a lot of the older limestone and dolomite rocks. Recent
fossil discoveries include prehistoric foot prints of dinosaurs, mammals, and
insects. Good places to look for fossils include the Blue Diamond Hills on the
east side of SR-159, the hills along Cottonwood Valley south of SR-160, and the
tops of the limestone mountains west behind the Red Rock Escarpment. Please
only take pictures and leave any fossils on the ground for other visitors to enjoy.
HISTORY, GEOLOGY & WILDLIFE. A SHORT GUIDE TO RED ROCK CANYON
BIGHORN SHEEP (OVIS CANADENSIS)
Bighorn sheep are one of the most majestic large animals seen within Red Rock Canyon
and happen to be the state animal of Nevada. They prefer steep, rocky terrain, which
provides escape from coyotes, bobcats, and mountain lions. Bighorn sheep forage on
grasses, shrubs, and fruits. Both male (rams) and female (ewes) sheep have horns atop
their head, although male sheep have bigger horns. The horns are made of keratin, the
same material human fingernails consist of. Males smash into each other using their horns
to establish dominance when it comes to selecting mates. On average, bighorn sheep live
10-15 years and can weigh anywhere from 110-200 pounds.
PRICKLY PEAR CACTUS (OPUNTIA SPP.)
During late spring, you can catch vibrant peach, pink,
and purple colored flowers in bloom on top of their
pads. When successfully pollinated, these flowers turn
into red to purple fruits that become treats for wildlife.
Natives would eat both the pads and fruits of prickly
pear. Generally speaking, prickly pear species will grow
to be one to three feet tall. Places to look for these cacti
include Calico Basin, the Calico Hills, Willow Springs,
and the Visitor Center.
JOSHUA TREES (YUCCA BREVIFOLIA)
These might be the most familiar and iconic plant
species within the Mojave Desert. These plants
are part of the agave family (Agavaceae) and
are not trees, all though they can grow up to 30
feet tall. From March to May, you’ll see brilliant
creamy white flowers on display that attract yucca
moths. Once pollinated, the flowers turn into
green seed pods. The plants are named as such
because Mormon settlers thought their shapes
looked like the prophet Joshua praying and
pointing to the sky. These plants provide shelter
for a wide variety of lizards and birds.
BURROS (EQUUS ASINUS)
These donkeys were first introduced to the area by
explorers, ranchers, and miners to help carry heavy
cargo. Some escaped or were let go and became
feral/wild animals. Burros are able to survive on their
own by finding spring water sources and grasses.
As cute as they are, please remember that they are
wild animals and can kick & bite. Give them plenty of
space, do not pet or feed, and drive cautiously while
visiting the area. Burros can often be spotted along
SR-159 near First Creek Trail and around the village
of Blue Diamond.
DESERT TORTOISE (GOPHERUS AGASSIZII)
These animals can grow eight to twelve inches long and live
up to 80 years old. Desert tortoises are found throughout
the Mojave Desert along gravelly soils and graze on a
variety of plant material. Wild sightings at Red Rock Canyon
are rare, so if you see one consider yourself lucky. However,
there are several resident tortoises that can be viewed in
the outdoor exhibit behind the Red Rock Canyon Visitor
Center. From November to March, the tortoises typically are
in a type of hibernation called brumation and aren’t seen
much. The desert tortoise is listed as “threatened” under
the Endangered Species Act. There are laws that protect
these tortoises. Please do not touch, harass, collect, kill,
feed or move desert tortoises unless they are in imminent
danger (i.e. about to get hit by a vehicle).
KEYSTONE THRUST FAULT
Keystone Thrust is the name for a prominent geologic fault in Red Rock
Canyon. Faults are fractures in the Earth’s crust that occur from the
movement of rock layers.
The Keystone Thrust is one of a series of faults that formed an estimated 65
million years ago, near the end of the Mesozoic geologic era – about the same
time the dinosaurs went extinct. At that time, the Pacific plate began moving
under the North American plate. This caused compressional forces to push
up older limestone rock layers over younger sandstone rock layers. At Red
Rock Canyon, this is visible as grayish carbonate or limestone layers over
red- and buff-colored sandstone.
This feature runs north & south for 13 miles along State Route 159, and
curves at La Madre Mountain. It is one of the best examples of thrust
faulting there is because you can stand along it with one foot on the younger
sandstone rock layer and the other foot on the older limestone rock layer.
GAMBEL QUAIL (CALLIPEPLA GAMBELII)
Do you recognize this bird by its flamboyant head dressing, its rooster-like call,
and its little line of followers? This bird gets its name from an early explorer of
the Southwest: William Gambel. Gambel Quail can be seen scurrying across
the ground together in a group called a covey. They are plump little birds with
short legs, measuring around 10 inches from head to tail. The colorings are
tan and gray with black, red, and white markings. To top it off, the males have a
red cap and a small cluster of feathers called a plume that sticks up and curls
over the head. The females have a smaller head plume and don’t have the red
cap. Gambel Quail can be spotted running from shrub to shrub in Calico Basin,
around the Visitor Center, within Willow Spring Picnic Area, and along many of
our trails.
Emergency or Fire
[702] 293-8932 or 911
Climbing Permits
[702] 515-5050
BLM Southern Nevada District Office
[702] 515-5000
Red Rock/Sloan Admin Office
[702] 515-5350
Gift & Book Store
[702] 515-5379
Friends of Red Rock Canyon
[702] 515-5360
friendsofredrockcanyon.org
Southern Nevada Conservancy Hikes
[702] 515-5367
redrockcanyonlv.org
PASSES
HOURS OF OPERATION
Passes are available for purchase at the Fee Station.
Visitor Center: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
RED ROCK ANNUAL SUPPORT PASS: $30
Yearly pass for Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
Does not include overnight stays in the developed campground.
13-Mile Scenic Drive, Red Rock Overlook on
State Route 159 and Red Spring:
AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL ANNUAL PASS: $80
November - February: 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
March: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
April - September: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
October: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL SENIOR PASS: $80 (ANNUAL PASS: $20)
GUIDED HIKES & PROGRAMS
AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL ACCESS PASS: FREE
Guided Hikes and Interpretive programs are
offered daily at the Visitor Center. For more
information about other types of recreational
activities, such as horseback riding or mountain
biking, please see the Visitor Center or call
[702] 515-5350. For groups of 15 or more,
please call [702] 515-5371.
The America the Beautiful pass is an interagency pass that will
be honored by the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service,
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation. Does not include
stays in the developed campground
Lifetime pass for U.S. citizens who are 62 and older to national parks, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
National Wildlife Refuges, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Reclamation and Bureau of Land Management
sites. Pass provides 50 percent discount on campground fees.
Lifetime pass for U.S. citizens with a permanent disability to national parks, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
National Wildlife Refuges, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Reclamation and Bureau of Land Management
sites. Pass provides 50 percent discount on Red Rock campground fees.
AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL MILITARY ANNUAL PASS: FREE
Yearly pass available for active duty military and their dependents that will be honored by the Bureau of
Land Management, National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Bureau of
Reclamation. Does not include stays in the developed campground.
EVERY KID IN A PARK! ANNUAL PASS: FREE
Fourth graders and their guests receive free access to federal lands and waters for one year. Visit
EveryKidInAPark.gov to complete an online activity, and download a personalized paper voucher. The paper
voucher also can be exchanged for a more durable, Interagency Annual 4th Grade Pass at certain federal
lands or waters sites.
RED ROCK CAMPGROUND
For more information on the Red Rock Campground call (702) 515-5350.
PLEASE NOTE:
Certain types of activities are prohibited,
such as target shooting.
Many activities require a permit. These
activities include, but are not limited to:
overnight or late night exits; providing
commercial services, weddings, sponsoring
commercial and noncommercial guided tours,
and commercial filming and photography.
Call [702] 515-5350 for more info.
ROCK CLIMBING AND BACKPACKING AT RED ROCK
With more than 2,000 climbing routes, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is one of the top five
climbing destinations in the United States.
Late Exit permits (LE) provide an additional two hours of climbing time after the normal closure of the
scenic drive. These permits are for multi-pitch routes and are only available for the following areas: Angel
Food Wall, Ice Box Canyon, Juniper Canyon, Pine Creek Canyon and Oak Creek Canyon.
Overnight permits (ON) are only available for routes on the following walls: Mt. Wilson (1-2 nights),
Levitation Wall (1 night), Rainbow Wall (1-2 nights), Buffalo Wall (1-3 nights), Hidden Wall (1-3 nights) and
Bridge Mountain (1 night). Camping is not permitted at the base of any route.
TO OBTAIN A LATE EXIT OR OVERNIGHT PERMIT, CALL [702] 515-5050.
You may call up to seven days in advance or as late as the day of your climb. If your message is not clear,
you will not receive a permit and you may receive a citation. Same-day permits are not issued after 4:30
p.m. For your safety and to receive a permit, the following information must be included in your message:
Name and telephone number
Type of permit, LE or ON, and climbing date(s)
Vehicle plate number and state
Vehicle description
Climbing route/wall and where you will park
Emergency contact name and phone number
SUPPORT RED ROCK CANYON AFTER YOUR VISIT
SHOP
LICENSE PLATE
BECOME A MEMBER
Your purchase at the gift shop (located in
the Visitor Center) supports a wide variety
of programs at Red Rock Canyon. 100% of
the proceeds from your tax free purchase
help support activities like free guided hikes,
school field trips, maintenance of exhibits
and signage, community outreach and much
more. Remember, your day pass includes reentry to the visitor center in case you missed
it! The gift shop is operated by Southern
Nevada Conservancy, a non-profit partner to
Red Rock Canyon NCA.
If you’re a Nevada Resident, you can show
your support of volunteer programs and
projects at Red Rock Canyon by purchasing
the Red Rock Canyon license plate. Proceeds
of your plate purchase support Friends of
Red Rock Canyon, a volunteer based nonprofit partner to Red Rock Canyon NCA.
Membership is a great way to give back and
stay involved with Red Rock, no matter where
you call home. Plus, members get a discount
at the gift shop for an entire year. Sign up
information is located in the Visitor Center
and gift shop. Membership is offered by both
non-profit partners of Red Rock Canyon,
Friends of Red Rock Canyon and Southern
Nevada Conservancy.
www.SouthernNevadaConservancy.org
www.FriendsOfRedRockCanyon.org
www.SouthernNevadaConservancy.org