Description: Red Rock Canyon's genesis occurred about 65 million years ago. You can reach this place easily by car; it's about a 45 minute drive from downtown Las Vegas. We rented a convertible, which was an awesome idea as it provided some relief from the overwhelming heat. There are also tour operators who make this a regular stop, but in my estimation, they are very overpriced.
There is a $5 entrance fee to the scenic 13 mile drive which is de rigueur. You can stop at the visitor center first, or last as we did, as we do almost everything backwards. They offer a self guided tour with telephone set which is quite informative and I do recommend you take it. They also have a small, non-profit gift shop with interesting seeds of flora found in the desert. Go for the Joshua tree...very unusual.
On the loop drive, you will see geological marvels, and the red color provides a beautiful contrast to the greyish slate and taupe colored rocks around it. It's a one way road with strategically placed vistas for picture taking or just stopping to feel amazed.
There are some picnic sites as well, but no one was picnicking that day. We did see an older couple with their folding chairs and a cooler comfortably seated, facing one of the more majestic rock formations.
There were also some fairly brave hikers making their way up some of the more friendly hiking trails. They do ask that you cover your feet and watch where you step. Make sure you are well hydrated. We took along 2 bottles of water, and some other soft drinks. Chuck managed to find a red rock with some petroglyphs which quickly became a treasured item. It now sits on my window sill in the kitchen. Imagine, 65 million years....
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