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See a Different face of Vegas, Rock Climbing at Red Rock Canyon

Not yet published by Spencer Spellman, Writer

Country: United States

The Experience

While the city of lights is known for its high rising luxury hotels, vibrant nightlife, and lively casinos, there's plenty of things to experience in the Las Vegas area that are just off the beaten path. One such attraction is Red Rock Canyon, located less than 30 minutes from the Las Vegas strip.

A trip to Red Rock Canyon is the perfect activity to take a break from the Las Vegas strip. While most visitors can get to the canyon in less than a half-hour from Vegas, guests staying at Red Rock Resort can be at the canyon in 10 minutes, since they are both located right off the same highway. While there are many great mountains surrounding Vegas, Red Rock Canyon is one of the most well preserved areas, ideal for hikers and climbers.

For those short on time or less of the outdoor enthusiasts, the Red Rock Canyon Conversation Area features a paved road that winds through the conversation area, featuring several scenic overlooks, many of which feature walking and hiking trails. There are several great places at the overlooks for taking photos of the rocks, as well as a couple scenic pull-offs that overlook Las Vegas. Featuring a unique sandstone, whose layers change colors at any moment, Red Rock Canyon provides extraordinary photo and video opportunities that can be captured few other places in the world.

The real outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy Red Rock Canyon for its climbing. Many of the best climbing spots can be reached after hiking a couple miles. This includes one such trail, Pine Creek Canyon, which is a two-mile roundtrip. It's not unlikely that on this trail and many others you may see animals, which include lizards, bighorn sheep, various bird species, and the desert tortoise.

Since Red Rock Canyon is so vast, it offers climbing spots that range in difficulty. In just a couple short decades, the canyon has grown to include over 2,000 rock climbing routes. Many of these routes are more than a couple thousand feet; so imagine climbing the Empire State Building, twice. A canyon guide can help direct novice climbers as to which areas are best for beginners. Some of these climbs are short climbing routes for a half-day climb, while expert climbers will probably enjoy the more advanced routes, that feature multi-pitch routes. Climbers choosing the longer, more difficult routes may consider bringing their camping gear and making a night or weekend out of it.

When to Go

Late spring and summer can be brutally hot, with temperatures reaching well over 100 degrees, so late fall, winter, and early spring are the best time to visit. While it can still be warm during winter afternoons, it's much more pleasant than long, hot summer days. Beginner climbers should consider taking a guide along with them in identifying the best routes for novices.

Odds n' Ends

To get into the conversation area is $7 per vehicle. If you're traveling with a group of others, consider going in one vehicle to avoid the extra fee for multiple vehicles. Wear comfortable clothes and a sturdy pear of hiking boots. Many of the trails to reach the climbing routes are very rocky and are better suited for boots, rather than shoes. Take some bug spray along with you.

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