Planning a 4WD Camper or Motorhome Trip to Red Rock Canyon
When most people think of Las Vegas, they picture the neon lights of the strip and the noise of the slot machines. But did you know that Las Vegas is also a gateway to some of the most unique and beautiful wilderness areas in the United States? If you are renting a campervan, motorhome or 4WD camper in Las Vegas, you have an opportunity to explore these amazing destinations at your own pace.
While the most famous park close to Las Vegas is Death Valley National Park, there are a lot of other amazing natural destinations even closer to the city. One of those is Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, located directly west of the city. You only need to drive half an hour from the city center to reach it.
A Unique Geological Destination
Visiting Red Rock Canyon, it is hard to believe that the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas is just a few miles away. With towering red rock walls all around and abundant fresh air and open space, you will feel as if you have travelled to a remote destination. In all, there are 195.819 acres of beautiful protected land for you to explore.
What to See at Red Rock Canyon
Every visitor to Red Rock Canyon has an opportunity to choose how they want to experience the park. But there are a few highlights which should go on any Red Rock Canyon trip:
• Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center. Make sure you drop by the visitor center before you start exploring. That way you can learn more about the park’s geology, wildlife, and flora.
• Scenic Drive. One of the main highlights of Red Rock Canyon is the 13 mile Scenic Drive. You can drive along the picturesque road in your vehicle, or you can park and ride a rented bicycle. The drive is amazing in its own right, but it also provides you with access to a number of trailheads.
• Petroglyph Wall. Anyone with an interest in archaeology will want to venture to the Willow Springs Picnic Area parking lot. There, you can find a 0.20 mile trail which leads you along an easy route to a rock wall featuring petroglyphs dating back around 800 years. This walk takes only around half an hour.
Red Rock Canyon Activities
Along with the Scenic Drive, what is there to do in Red Rock Canyon?
• Go hiking. You already know about the walk to the Petroglyph Wall. But that is not the only amazing hike you can take in Red Rock Canyon. Other scenic trails include Calico Hills, Calico Tanks, Moenkopi Loop, White Rock Mountain Loop, Grand Circle Loop, Will Spring Loop, North Peak, La Madre Spring, SMYC, Bridge Mountain, Lost Creek – Children’s Discovery, Pine Creek Canyon, Dale’s, Ice Box Canyon, Fire Ecology, and others.
• Rock climbing. If you have been searching for a climbing adventure, you have come to the right place. Whether you are brand new to rock climbing or you have been climbing for a long time, you will find routes which are appropriate to your skill level.
• Cycling. As mentioned previously, you can also take a bicycle around the park. While they are not permitted on hiking trails, you can take them on the Scenic Drive, spur roads, and trials designated for mountain biking.
• Off-roading. If you are renting a 4WD vehicle, you can head out on an off-road adventure. You can only drive on designated roads like Cottonwood Valley and Rocky Gap Road, but these do take you away from the highway and allow you to see more of the park than you could otherwise.
• Watch the wildlife and take photographs of your trip. Red Rock Canyon is home to a diverse ecology. If you wish to learn more about the park’s animal and plant life, you can do so through a guided education program offered by the Southern Nevada Conservancy and the Bureau of Land Management. This is also a great way to learn more about the geological forces which have shaped the park. Be sure to snap plenty of photos along the way.
Where to Stay in Red Rock Canyon in Your Motorhome
If you are not going to be staying the night in the park, you are limited to day use hours. If you do want to stay overnight, you can do so at the conservation area’s solitary camping area, known as Red Rock Canyon Campground (and previously as the 13-Mile Campground). It is just a couple miles from the Visitor Center.
Here is what you should know about the campground:
• You can stay here in your rented motorhome or campervan, but there are no dump stations or hook-ups.
• The campground is wide open with no shade or wind breaks aside from the shade structures which have been erected there. Of course, you can get out of the sun just by heading inside your motorhome or campervan.
• Showers are not available at the campground.
• There is water available at the campground, as well as vault toilet facilities.
Get Away from the Las Vegas Crowds at Red Rock Canyon
Now you know all about Red Rock Canyon! You will doubtless spend plenty of time on the Strip and in the casinos of Las Vegas. But if you want to get away from it all and see a different side of Nevada, Red Rock Canyon is one of the most convenient destinations. Plan to spend at least a day exploring this beautiful park in your 4WD camper or motorhome!
