The Key to the Great Outdoors

katrinalewis (52)in #life • 7 years ago

If you're planning a trip to Las Vegas in the future, here is one stop you won't want to miss. The Red Rock Canyon consists of a 13-mile drive with lots of stunning scenery and is sponsored by the Southern Nevada Conservancy (SNC), which is a non-profit organization aimed at preserving the canyon, which is part of the Mojave Desert.

You can also find hiking and bicycle trails, camping sites, plants and animal life, geology, rock climbing, etc. You can contact their visitor center to see which special events are going on each month. And don't forget to bring your camera!

And if that isn't enough, the Red Rock Canyon also has indoor and outdoor gallery as well as a gift store where you can find books and other items. You can purchase day passes and even annual passes if you plan to be a regular. Plus, they also have discounted rates for military on active duty and senior citizens. Fees collected by the organization go towards funding the public programs they put on.

There are 26 hikes and trails located throughout the park. Maps for all of these can be downloaded online, so you can plan out which ones you would like to see before you go. They also offer guided hikes in case you want a more in-depth trip to learn about the canyon's history.

And you can even climb a cluster of sandstone peaks called the "Keystone Thrust," which stands about 3,000 feet tall.

Some of the wildlife you'll see there are a burro named "Jackson" who was adopted by the SNC in 2012.

And the tortoise exhibit. Interesting fact: The tortoise is Nevada's state reptile, and it is a violation of federal law to harm them in anyway.

Moreover, they provide opportunities for youth outreach programs, educating children on environmental preservation. They also welcome volunteers to help repair trails, pick up trash, and remove graffiti.