To "Escape" From The Las Vegas Strip - Head To Red Rock Canyon

To find a nice, quiet place to escape the craziness of "The Strip" in Las Vegas, simply head west about 20 miles to Red Rock Canyon! After the "pinging" of all those machines, the glare of all the neon lights, walking the strip with about a million other people, (ok, so that IS a bit of an exaggeration)  hearing about 50 different languages being spoken all at once.. you may feel like you need a "breather".

Red Rock Canyon will provide the beautiful scenery you are seeking, along with the solitude that comes from escaping to such an awesome, beautiful place. These red rocks get their color from iron oxide, which has built up over the centuries.

While you are here, check out the Visitor's Center at the entrance to the park, where you will find not only maps, but information and some history of the plants and wildlife found here, in the Mojave desert. Some of the cliffs rise to about 3,000 feet and the views will amaze you!

This is a popular place for weddings, we actually saw wedding photographs being taken while we were there. Be sure to go on the 13 mile scenic drive, where many photo opportunities abound. There are places for a picnic, or simply stop from time to time to take photo's. You can go at your own pace, relax, and enjoy nature! Keep a watchful eye out for any wildlife you might see, which could include coyotes, burro's, sheep, and even a mountain lion! All we saw were a few "prairie dogs" but that was enough of a thrill, since my "experience" seeing prairie dogs had previously been limited to the zoo!

You'll enjoy seeing all the vegetation, which you might not otherwise know even exists out there. When you see the mountains from a distance, they simply look like rock...once you are "up close" you will see the desert cactus's, Joshua trees and wildflowers in abundance. Do NOT pick anything, simply look and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Leave things in the desert the way they are for others to enjoy for many years to come, especially since the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation area presently receives about 1.2 million visitors a year from all over the world.

If you head just a few miles south of Red Rock Canyon, on the way to a town called "Bonnie Springs"... you will see a road that leads to a restaurant, shops, and a small railroad. There is a parking lot outside of this area where you will see burro's in abundance wandering and looking for an opportunity to peek their heads right into your car looking for food! Don't feed them... as tempting as it might be to do that. But it IS fun and interesting to see the friendly burro's and children especially will enjoy it.

Remember to wear sunscreen, have a hat with you and comfortable walking shoes. Bring water along, and make sure you have a full tank of gas before you set out on your adventure to the Red Rock Canyon located in the Mojave desert. Happy sightseeing!