Red Rock Canyon State Park Review

Many people forget that Las Vegas is perfectly situated to serve as a base camp for exploration of some truly amazing natural wonders. We went intending to check out the Grand Canyon, but outside factors made that trip impossible. We decided, then, to take a day trip to Red Rock Canyon State Park, a beautiful place that few Vegas tourists even know about.

Only 15-20 miles away from the Vegas strip, Red Rock Canyon is one of nature's wonders. A visual and spiritual oasis in the middle of the Mojave desert. After a day or two spent on the Strip, the peace and quiet to be found at Red Rock Canyon is like manna from heaven. Protected as a state park, the landscape is immaculate - no litter, no buildings, nothing to obstruct or adulterate what God or nature or Mother Earth have done perfectly and beautifully. Just miles and miles of trails, mountains rendered a gorgeous shade of red by iron oxide (which occurs naturally), Joshua trees, wild agave, yucca and cactus, rock formations, and wildlife. Visiting this place for a few hours was like taking a long, hot bath...or being baptised...especially after spending time on the Strip. I highly reccommend that anyone spending a few days in Vegas take a few hours and make the trip to Red Rock Canyon. It's nice to hear yourself think. It's nice, too, to hear nothing at all.

Some tips:

• The desert gets winter, too: dress appropriately
• Even during winter, sunscreen is a good idea
• Check out the visitor's center - it's the best I've been to
• There are wonderfully maintained roads and trails. If you want to off-road, make sure you've got the right vehicle - and off-roading here is not for anyone with a bad back injury...it's rough
• Bring a camera - you'll be sorry if you don't
• Binoculars would be good, too: sweeping vistas abound
• Do us all a favor: don't leave anything there, and don't take anything with you