Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area lies just 17 miles west of Las Vegas, Nevada, yet feels like a different world entirely. The defining features are the Calico Hills — enormous Aztec sandstone formations pushed upward by the Keystone Thrust fault into dramatic walls and slabs of deep red, orange, and cream coloring. The one-way 13-mile scenic drive loops through the heart of the conservation area and past the most photogenic viewpoints; a timed-entry fee of $15 per vehicle covers access to the drive. Visitors can explore at their own pace with 17 designated pullouts including the Calico Hills overlook, High Point Overlook, and the Sandstone Quarry, where fragments of the old quarrying operation remain. Over 30 miles of maintained hiking trails range from the easy Calico Tanks Trail (2.5 miles round trip to a natural water catchment with city views) to the strenuous but rewarding Turtlehead Peak (4.4 miles round trip, 2,000-foot gain with panoramic views). Rock climbing is popular at the Calico Hills crags and attracts climbers year-round. Ancient Anasazi petroglyphs are visible at the Willow Spring picnic area trailhead. Wildlife in the conservation area includes desert bighorn sheep frequently seen near the Calico Hills, as well as Gambel's quail, roadrunners, and Gila woodpeckers. The visitor center near the entrance provides trail maps, ranger programs, and exhibits on local geology and ecology. Summer temperatures in the canyon regularly exceed 110°F by midday, making early morning the only practical time to hike from June through September. Winter and spring bring comfortable temperatures and occasional wildflower blooms after wet winters. Timed-entry reservations for the scenic drive are required on weekends and holidays from the spring through autumn peak season and must be secured through recreation.gov before arrival.