[NoHo Arts District, CA] – This month’s Active World Journeys travel blog: Welcome to Fabulous…Red Rocks.
“Welcome to fabulous Las Vegas” the popular sign says. Otherwise known as “sin city,” Vegas is the quintessential place for excitement with vices and adult fun. But next time you’re in Vegas, consider putting down the drink and dice and spending a few hours outdoors in the fabulous Red Rock Canyon National Conservation area, just under a 30-minute drive from the strip. Red Rock’s towering red sandstone peaks will dazzle you. The natural wonders of this area of the Mojave Desert are impressive even to the most well-traveled outdoor adventure enthusiast.
The best time to visit the park is between October and May. You’ll want to get a timed-entry pass for the 13-mile scenic drive ahead of time, it costs about $18. Just go to https://www.redrockcanyonlv.org/timed-entry-reservation-info/ Once you’re on the scenic drive you can choose from several short, medium, and long hikes that are available with well-marked trailheads and trail signs. There is ample parking at each trailhead and lookout spot; but like anywhere, it’s always advantageous to get there earlier or later in the day. (But the timed entry passes help alleviate congestion and over-crowdedness.)
Start off at the visitor center, where you can get a scenic drive map and information on the trails. You can also download the App – search “Red Rock Canyon” in your App store. It’s available for Apple and Android.
I did a couple hikes the day I was there (December 25th), and I was in the park for a total of about 3.5 hours. The most popular hike is the Calico Hills trail. After getting on the scenic drive, park at either the first or second parking area (Calico I and/or Calico II). The 5-mile trail goes along the side of the red ridge and straight on to the rocks providing a closer look at the gorgeous formations. It’s an out-and-back trail so you can turn back anytime you want. Most of the stunning scenery is in the first half of the hike.
If you have time after the Calico Hills trail, do the Calico Tanks trail for an ultimate view of the Las Vegas Valley where you see the strip from high above.
Park at the Sandstone Quarry parking lot, which is the next lot after the Calico II lot. This trail is a little over 2 miles and there is some rock scrambling towards the end to get up to the viewpoint. Seeing the Las Vegas strip from this vantage point makes you feel like a winner! I was up there around midday, but I could imagine how fabulous it’d be if you could time it for dusk to get to the viewpoint when the lights of the strip come on, it must be very cool. (But remember you would have a little over a mile to hike back to the parking lot before it gets dark so plan accordingly.)
A visit to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a jackpot of outdoor adventure waiting to happen and a win-win (or is it Wynn Wynn?) for all.
Cheers,
Jack Witt, MS, CPT
Fitness and Health Coach
“Get Fit with Witt”
Individuals / Groups / Corporate
310.562.5629 Cell / 818.760.3891 Main
Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn / YouTube
10-Day Classic Morocco Tour – April 2023 – Click Here
Paperback or E-Book “Fitness and Anti-Aging Secrets” Click here