Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

The Red Rock area has a complex geological history, which over millions of years, helped create the region's dramatic landscape. Red Rock Canyon features a one-way 13-mile scenic drive, trails, plants and wildlife and amazing geology. The conservation area showcases a set of large red rock formations: a set of sandstone peaks and walls that were formed by thrust faults including the Keystone Thrust. The walls are up to 3,000 feet (910 m) high, making them a popular hiking destination. The highest point is La Madre Mountain, at 8,154 feet (2,485 m). The first humans were attracted to the Red Rock area due to its resources of water, plant, and animal life that could not be easily found in the surrounding desert. Hunters and gatherers such as the historical Southern Paiute and the much older Archaic, or Desert Culture Native Americans, have successively occupied this area. Numerous petroglyphs, as well as pottery fragments, remain today throughout the area.

Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center

The Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center is an informational hub for visitors filled with indoor and outdoor exhibits, plant specimens from throughout the canyon, and live Desert Tortoise habitats. Restrooms are also available here if needed.