Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Rate this placeNearby: Exploration Peak Park Red Ridge Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a beautiful and popular tourist destination located in the Mojave Desert, just a short drive from Las Vegas, Nevada.
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Summary
The area boasts stunning natural scenery, colorful rock formations, and a diverse array of wildlife.
One of the main draws of Red Rock Canyon is its extensive network of hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls along scenic routes to more challenging treks through rugged terrain. Visitors can also enjoy rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and other outdoor activities.
Some of the most popular points of interest within the conservation area include the Red Rock Scenic Drive, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape; the Calico Hills, a series of colorful sandstone formations; and the Keystone Thrust, a geological feature where two rock layers meet at an angle.
Interesting facts about the area include the fact that it was once home to ancient Native American tribes, and that it has been used as a filming location for a number of movies and TV shows, including "Star Trek: Generations" and "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation."
The best time of year to visit Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is typically in the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and the weather is generally pleasant. Summers can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, while winters can be chilly and occasionally snowy.
Overall, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Las Vegas or the surrounding area, offering a unique and unforgettable glimpse into the natural beauty of the Mojave Desert.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Exploration Peak Park
Red Ridge Park
Spring Mountain Ranch State Park