Las Vegas Rocks

Escape the Wet Coast for some climbing Vegas style!

When we think of Las Vegas we think of ‘The Strip,’ casinos, shows, fine dining and elegant accommodations. But one of Vegas’ best kept secrets lies less than 20 miles from the strip and offers an outstanding playground for hikers and rock climbers alike. Red Rock Canyon has everything a waterlogged Vancouverite could wish for during the long dreary days of winter and early spring. And with cheap flights abounding, you can afford to pop down for a long weekend to chase away your winter blahs.

To get there from The Strip, take Highway 159 and soon the urban sprawl will melt away as Red Rock Canyon appears with its towering sandstone cliffs and breathtaking colours. Stop to take a picture at the park entrance sign with Rainbow Mountain in the background. At the visitor center near the entrance you can pick up maps and other park information and learn more about Red Rock Canyon through their exhibits and a self-guided audio tour. It may seem busy but I can assure you that 90% of the people in the parking lot will never stray more than a few feet from their cars as they drive around the paved ‘ Scenic Drive.’ This 13 mile, one way loop offers views of some of the most spectacular parts of the conservation area without the inconvenience of having to get out of your car and get your shoes dusty. It’s easy to leave the crowds behind.

It’s not hard to see while Red Rock Canyon is so popular. There’s really something for everyone in Red Rock Canyon. Geology buffs will enjoy the sandstone rock formations and Keystone Thrust Fault where the gray limestone rocks of an ancient ocean lay over top of the colourful desert sandstone. Animal lovers can watch red tailed hawks soaring overhead and keep their eyes peeled for wild horses & burros, lizards and the elusive bighorn sheep that inhabit the high cliffs and canyons. Archeologists can view artifacts of the Southern Paiute culture. Willow and Red Springs are good places to hunt for pictographs and petroglyphs.

For hikers there are miles of trails ranging from easy interpretive walks to challenging routes to lofty vistas. Many of the local peaks have scramble routes to the summit. The Calico Hills & Tanks areas offers trails ranging from easy to moderate through colourful sandstone hills. Turtlehead Peak is a 5 mile grunt up a well maintained trail to beautiful views overlooking the park. The White Rock/La Madres Springs Loop circumnavigates the White Rock Hills offering archeological points of interest and interesting, easy desert terrain. For a challenging scramble, climb up White Rock Mountain but bring plenty of water and wear appropriate footwear. Mescalito Peak and Rainbow Wall also offer a challenging full day out with beautiful scenery and the chance of spotting a big horn sheep!

Climbers can choose from over 2,000 routes ranging from bouldering to multi-pitch climbs. The Calico Hills area, Sandstone Quarry and Willow Springs area offers some really fun sport climbing. Multi-pitch options include Angel Food Wall, Ice Box, Juniper, Pine Creek, and Oak Creek Canyons. Some routes will require an overnight permit which is available from the climbing rangers in the park. You’ll find 5.5 – 5.13 routes with all the chimneys, friction, overhangs, cracks and face climbing you could ever want in this sandstone playground.

Booking a flight to Las Vegas is relatively cheap and easy, especially if you fly out of Seattle. Once you get there, the accommodation options are endless. Get a room on The Strip, rent a private home or camp in the park. Whatever your budget, you can find a place to stay. Renting a car is cheaper than renting a bicycle and will allow you to make the most of your time in the area. This is a fun, easy and affordable getaway that is sure to please fair-weather hikers to hardcore climbers alike and keep you coming back for more.

For more information:

http://www.redrockcanyonlv.org/.

http://www.vacationhomes.com

http://climb.mountainzone.com/2004/story/climbing_vegas/index.html