Matt Deavenport
Courtesy Travel Nevada
A trip to Nevada and Las Vegas is rewarding experience for RVers. Its arid climate is the perfect substitute of the colder winds to the north, there’s a series of unique, full-service RV parks, and the entertainment and dining options are nothing short of memorable.
Yet, a drive no more than 30 or 40 minutes beyond the glittering sights, sounds and city limits of Sin City will lead you to the beginning of more than 315,000 acres of desert beauty consisting of ten major canyons, sprawling rock formations with diverse plant and wildlife only the State of Nevada can naturally create.
The first and more popular natural attraction in this vast expanse is Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (NCA). It consists of more than 195,000 acres and is considered one of the most scenic destinations in the state, which attracts nearly 2 million visitors each year who come to enjoy day trips – or multi-day trips – to discover everything it has to offer.
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Camping and RV Parks
The first developed National Conservation Area in the state, Red Rock Canyon NCA serves as a mecca that exemplifies the unique qualities of the entire Mojave region. If you want to truly gain a desert experience, staying at the only functional campground in the area will do the trick. While it’s not at all that far from many services – it is the desert and offers dry camping only. So it’s best to come prepared. Nonetheless, shade structures are available at some of the sites, vault toilets, and potable water available throughout the park.
While reservations can be made up to six months in advance, it’s important to note that it’s closed annually from Memorial Day to September 1. But If swimming pools, clean grounds and many services are more to your liking during your visit, many RV parks closer to the city such as the Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort, the LVM Resort (Class A Coaches only), and even the RV Park at Circus Circus (where all the action is) are always good bets.
Regardless of where you settle for your vacation, one of the best ways to appreciate the geological significance of Red Rock Canyon NCA is to hike the trail along the Keystone Thrust, which skirts a fault line that was created more than 60 million years ago. The hike is approximately 4 km (2.2 mi) (round-trip) offers 360-degree views of Calico Hills and even though there are some steady climbs, with an elevation gain of 122 m (400 ft), it is scenic and a great way to explore the area. Easy access is via the White Rock Parking Area.
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Other easy hikes in the area Include:
Lost Canyon Children’s Discovery Trail: At a mere 1.2 km (.75 mi) (round trip) with a 200-foot elevation gain, this trail is ideal for members of the whole family. Along this short journey you’ll come across views of waterfalls, natural tunnels, petroglyphs, a boardwalk, stone stairs, and even the opportunity to see some wildlife.
White Rock/Willow Spring Loop Trail: Also accessible from the White Rock parking lot, this hike might be considered moderate for some hikers, but at 7 km (4.4 mi), it’ll take you through pure desert landscape where you can admire various cacti, pictographs, and even wildlife such as bighorn sheep. To further stretch your legs, add in the La Madre Spring trail to extend the hike to about 10 km (6 mi).
Ken Lund
More difficult hikes include Turtlehead Peak Trail, Calico Tank Trail, Calico Hills and Ice Box Trail – the former is best enjoyed in the spring when wildflowers are in full bloom and it’s where you can admire unique canyon formations, junipers, and pinyon pines, and large boulders that partially enclose and envelope the trail.
If rugged, dusty trails juts don’t cut it, you can still admire the beauty of the area. The completely paved, one-way Red Rock Canyon Byway is just 12 miles west of Las Vegas off NV-159 that allows you to experience the scenery from the cool AC comfort of your motorhome or tow vehicle. It’s also popular among cyclists. To make the most of this mini-day trip, take in some of the self-guided trails or pack a lunch to enjoy the featured picnic areas and vista pullouts. A fee $5 USD is collected at the entrance of the drive, which supports the improvements to the Red Rock Canyon NCA.
Ken Lund
Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
Continuing south on NV-159 for about five minutes leads to Spring Mountain Ranch State Park – that’s still home to the same natural springs that attracted weary pioneers to this lush valley in the 1860s.
Located within the boundaries of Red from the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, this state park has similar stunning scenery but with a fraction of the crowds, regardless of the season. Here you can kick-back on the lush, expansive, spring-fed lawn and enjoy some of the best views of the whole region. It’s also where you can explore some of Nevada’s oldest structures like the Sandstone Cabin, the old blacksmith shop, and the ranch house, which now serves as the park’s visitor center.
From here, you can simply drive southeast along NV-159, and then to NV-160 back to Las Vegas. Or, if you feel like capping off your Red Rock experience, make your way to I-15 S for a 30-minute drive to the Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings, and save the other highlights and attractions for another adventurous day.
Daxis