Red Rock Canyon

In vast contrast to the glittering lights of the Las Vegas strip we decided to venture to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area with it's towering red cliffs and desert beauty.

Nice photo opportunity

Located 17 miles west of the Las Vegas strip Red Rock Canyon was designate Nevada's first conservation area. With almost 200,000 acres the park receives 1.2 million visitors a year. I think they all decided to get away from the strip the same day we did. As we crested the hill and approached the park you can't help but notice the red rock.

Sharp contrast between grey limestone and red sandstone

With cameras in hand we paid our $7 entrance fee, looked at the map, and away we went. The park has a paved 13 mile one way double lane scenic road. How nice is that. There were numerous areas where you could pull off the road to take pictures or to just gawk in amazement at the people climbing the shear walls of rock.

The grey rock in the middle is Turtlehead Peak

Why are the rocks red you ask? The red color is the result of iron oxide. Over many centuries(and I mean many) iron oxide builds up in the rock creating the crimson colors you see today.

A closer look at the contrasting colors

Not only does the park have an amazing 13 mile drive but it also boasts 19 different trails from easy to very strenuous. We decided to get out of the truck and go for a hike on one of the more popular trails, the Sandstone Quarry trail. In 1905 the Excelsior Quarry Company began operations and became one of the first early industries in the Las Vegas area. Recognizing the high quality sandstone that was present, giant blocks some weighing 10 tons where cut from the hills. These massive blocks were loaded onto wagons and pulled by a 17 ton steam engine. The sandstone block were shipped by rail to San Francisco and Los Angeles where they were used on buildings as decorative pieces. 

The remnants of a quarry

Sandstone blocks left behind after production ceased

With production being so expensive and non profitable added to the fact that similar sandstone deposits were found closer to the railroad production, the Excelsior Sandstone Company shut down in 1906. Other operators reopened the quarry later that same year using newer and better equipment. However it still proved to be uneconomical therefore the quarry was closed for good in 1912.

Continuing along the 13 mile paved road we couldn't help but notice how impatient people were. Driving that fast you always miss something worth stopping for. This time people were oblivious to the mule deer crossing the road. Luckily they were across the road and down the hill without getting hit.

Mule deer note the huge ears

Another favorite stop is White Rock Springs trail and picnic area. We stopped to have our lunch and to take in the quietness of our surroundings.

The hillsides at White Rock

As we exited the park we couldn't help but stop along the highway to take in one last scenic view of Red Rock Canyon with its stunning scenery. Millions of years ago two earth plates collided causing one to be shoved up and over the other creating the magnificent contrasting color of red and grey. 

Keystone Thrust Fault

Beautiful colors in this mountain