Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center

Driving in the Red Rock Canyon State Park, the landscaping was just totally different than what we are used to. The scenery was pretty, overlooks were everywhere, and one way loop to many hikes and stops. We did the La Madre hike to see a baby spring water more like a baby pond but it was nice to see the sunset toward the end of our hike. Overall not my favorite out of all the hikes around Vegas such as Zion and Grand Canyon and Valley of Fire still a honorable mention!

What a very pleasant surprise to see such beauty just outside of Las Vegas! It took us around 2 hours to get through the drivable loop and a visitor center stop with all kinds of photos. We did not go on any of the hikes but the next time we come we will plan on it.

Amazing place to visit in Vegas! It’s very well-preserved and offers beautiful views all around. There are helpful infographics in some areas and plenty of picnic spots perfect for families or for a peaceful brunch after a morning run. My brother brought me here and it was a fantastic morning trip!

Wow what a great hike today. Weather was perfect. We did La Madre hike which is a lot of accent to get to the top but worth the climb. At the top you have awesome views of the surrounding mountains and a running stream. Not a lot of other hikers today so was peaceful and relaxing. Highly recommend any trail in Red Rock’s!

Visiting Red Rock Canyon was one of the highlights of my Las Vegas trip. Just about 30 minutes from the Strip, it feels like entering a completely different world. The stunning red sandstone cliffs, dramatic desert landscapes, and scenic 13-mile drive make it an unforgettable experience. The hiking trails are well-marked and offer something for every level, from short walks with amazing viewpoints to more challenging treks. I especially loved how the colors of the rocks change throughout the day—sunrise and sunset are absolutely magical. It can get busy on weekends and parking fills up fast, so going early is the best option. Also, bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and good shoes since the desert sun can be intense. Overall, Red Rock Canyon is a must-visit if you want to escape the city for a few hours and experience the natural beauty of Nevada. Whether you’re driving the loop, hiking, or just taking photos, it’s an amazing break from the casinos and lights of Vegas.

Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive was BREATH TAKING!! 30 minute drive from Las Vegas and totally worth it! Quick stops to get AMAZING pics and short little hikes to get closer pictures. If going in warmer months go as early as possible bc of the heat. We did the 13 mile scenic drive and stopped at the scenic overlooks and did two short hikes and it took us about 2 hours all together! They have bathrooms available and the visitor center was very nice! We love getting artwork from local artists and got a picture in the gift shop! Calico Trail is the best area to see the red rock and wave of red color!! We have an America the Beautiful Pass so we didn’t have to pay the $15 admission fee!

Great staff! Here, fully engaged, even with the shut down! Scenic loop is one way..Must stop at visitors center !!Before! you hike. Or you'll have to loop and go in again! Total traffic jam, even with mandatory timed entrance requirements. Get in well before 8am(opened at 6am 10/20). Cooler (to chilly) temperatures and lots of space. Again, Great staff and presentations

The Visitor Center is located at the start of the scenic loop just beyond the fee station. I believe it is the only place on the loop that has drinks, snacks and merchandise for sale. Lots of information and story boards here to learn about the area. Everything seemed pretty new and well maintained. I didn't communicate with staff but they all seemed friendly.

Highly recommend this side excursion while in The Las Vegas area. Reservations are required though since it is a smaller conservation park. Each car entry has a fee, but I got the senior discount! The 13 mile drive through loop has numerous views of different types of rocks formed from geological events, the red rock is sandstone. Stop by the Visitors' Center for informative displays and a very lovely view of the main canyon area. Restrooms are open, plus changing table for your toddler. Numerous stops along the one way loop for photo opportunities. Many hiking trails are clearly marked, register at the center for your safety. Center has information and displays about the environment, indigenous peoples and wildlife. Gift shop on site, suggest bringing your own refillable water bottle and snacks. Walking in the heat can be exhausting. Outhouse type restrooms at each parking lot pullover. Watch for a lot of foot and car traffic.

Came for fossil day a few days ago, totally epic! Had never been to the visitor center or canyon before this, so I was half-expecting a shack and old maps about the trails from the 90s. But, lo and behold, I was wrong and it was truly beautiful! Staff was all over giving tours, guidance, handling info desk, and providing overviews of what to expect on guided hikes and other adventures. Loved it! Especially appreciate how CLEAN everything was! 10/10

It's October and happens to be fossils day for event. I got an poster, pin and map after entering the Visitor Center. Weather is starting to cool down which means time for some Red Rock Canyon right? I'm an local who's starting to liking hiking again recently. Red Rock was beautiful and weather was perfect. I wasn't disappointed. Great idea to have family time in outdoor now that it's autumn. Make sure to stop by visitor center and check out the gift shop to get a shirt or magnet. My husband and I each got shirt and of course hubby got himself a magnet as souvenir. While hiking watch out for rattle snakes and spiders by the bush and tree areas!

Such a great out door thing to do near Vegas. For a day pass it's $22 but I think if you have an America the Beautiful pass you can use that. The scenic route was beautiful and the hikes were well looked after. Signs pointing you in the correct direction as well. Plenty of nice places to stop along the scenic route

The visitor center is the first exit on the loop road. Be sure to stop by as there's no way to get back to it unless you reenter the park. The parking lot has a bathroom, but there are also bathrooms attached to the visitor center building itself as well. The indoor visitor center has a gift shop and exhibits. It's also staffed by knowledgeable volunteers. The outside component of the visitor center is much larger than the indoor component, with many displays and exhibits about the flora and fauna of the area, the climate, and the native people of the area. I even saw a roadrunner successfully hunt a meal!

Exploring Red Rock Canyon Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is located just west of Las Vegas and is one of my favorite hiking spots. My first visit was sometime in the late 80s when there was not much there. I do not even recall a visitor center at that time! Fast forward to today, and it has become a very popular destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. The area's stunning red sandstone formations were created over 180 million years ago from ancient sand dunes. In 1967, Red Rock Canyon became Nevada's first National Conservation Area, safeguarding it from urban development and resource extraction. The Visitor Center is the main entry point for exploring the area. It is a beautifully built structure that introduces the region's geology, ecology, and cultural history through interactive exhibits showcasing the unique rock formations and desert wildlife. Visitors can also learn about the conservation efforts that protect this delicate ecosystem. You can easily spend an hour exploring the various corners of the visitor center and learning more about the park. The center features a bookstore, a gift shop, and knowledgeable staff who provide maps and trail recommendations. Outdoor displays offer stunning views of the cliffs, perfect for photography and wildlife watching. The Visitor Center also hosts special events and guided hikes, making it an essential stop for first-time tourists and experienced hikers eager to enjoy this beautiful desert landscape.

Sometimes one should take a break and just admire nature. Appreciate all our blessings and enjoy the view. Learn how nature was created, developed, what it is? Something new, amazing things. It's always good to bring friends to our local treasures .. but it's just amazing to spend time with you and nature! Great people at the visitor center ... did you know they are all volunteers? https://www.friendsredrock.org

I think this place is a must. Everybody is friendly and welcoming. The scenic route is beautiful. Vegas is not only about Casinos. There is nature to explore and enjoy. I highly recommend this experience.

We came on a weekday in April, it wasn't packed, plus it was a nice day with lots of breeze, couldn't have asked for better weather conditions!! It was worth the drive away from the strip in Vegas. Plus it was only 30-40 minutes from the strip, kids friendly hikes. Options for long or short hikes within the scenic drive. The Venice drive was probably a total of 10-15 miles?? But be prepared with water , sunscreen plus food. We were not prepared and didn't pack anything for lunch, we arrived around 11am and finished the scenic drive at 3pm. We spend about 30 minutes inside the visitor center and a little tour then took off to the scenic drive with stops to take pictures and short little hikes with kids. Highly recommended for day trip with kids instead of staying around the strip during the entire trip. In addition, if you have a 4th grader in the family, the American beautiful pass works here!! However, reservations are required!!!! Make sure you reserve an entrance time before heading in, once reservations are full, they will turn people around, please check their website before heading in!

Nice and easy few hours before our flight. Beautiful land! Easy to get to, and one way road makes traveling thru the park a breeze. Plenty of restrooms. Took a short hike to see the petroglyphs. There is a picnic area, none of the tables are shaded, thankfully our day was not super hot.

The Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center is a peaceful, clean, carefully curated place for tourists and locals alike. Up top, I want to inform folks that a reservation is needed in order to visit this site. The cost is $20 per car plus a $2 reservation fee. For military families the total cost will come out to $2. The beauty of the red rock Canyon is unmatched. The depth of the colors and landscape is really impressive. I think it's a great option for families, kids, friends, or solo hikers to spend time in nature. The visitor center in particular is going to give you the historical context of the area and in-depth descriptions of the surrounding mountains and canyon. Go check it out!

Such a beautiful place, we didnt go on any of the long hikes but we were able to walk around some of the red rock areas. Took us about three hours because we stopped everywhere to relax and enjoy its beauty

I enjoyed the history and driving to see the terrain. The visitors staff are very helpful and bought souvenirs to support them.

Beautiful site only 30 minutes from Vegas. Free water everywhere so stay hydrated. Well air conditioned inside and a shop to buy some souvenirs. The scenic drive is $20 entry for a car, and pretty long. Love seeing the rock formation and the red rocks.

It's a little drive from Vegas, but it's worth it !!! Make sure you go early, we went in the first part of June (no reservations needed), but it gets HOT quick so if wanting to enjoy one of the many hikes available or possibility of seeing wildlife - Beat the Heat. Make sure to bring a cooler with water (lots). You will appreciate it. Fees - There is an entrance fee, but if you have a National Parks Pass, it is covered. We went at opening and did the scenic drive loop and a couple of the shorter hikes. 10am it was starting to get too hot to want to hike. We saw a lot and enjoyed the views and wildlife. The drive lets out outside the park, so you have to reenter to get to the Visitor Center. Do not miss out on the Visitor Center, by far the nicest ones that I have seen managed by BLM (Burea Land Management) - right up there with some National Parks. Very nice Restrooms (parking lot ones are open before Visitor Center) water stations. Great views of surrounding area with a lot of information inside & out. Desert Tortoise area in the back with residents that you can see roaming around. We really enjoyed the patio area and all the information. The Front Desk staff are super friendly and helpful, along with the gift shop personnel. Nice gift shop. I got a really nice T-shirt unique to the park. Loved our visit and plan on coming back in the future to explore the other trails.

The people who work at the visitor center have been super nice to us on two visits. The gave us maps and highlighted them to show us where to go. They are patient to answer questions and also gave us good hiking advice specific to their trails. Just make sure u make a reservation online before going. They were booked on our visit and we're turning ppl away who did not have reservations at the entrance gate. The restrooms at the visitor center are better than the parking lots.

It is one of the nicest visitors center from BLM. The visitors center has a lot of parking space. I saw a lot of hiker stop here for water and restroom. The visitors center restroom are is detached from the main building. They do have restroom in the main building. The main hall has a lookout glass window that you can see the canyon with weather protection such as sand storm, windy day and rain. They also have a gift store and ranger question station. Back of building has many display. Including the geological explanation. They also have the tortoise from local ground. We spot a colorful snake on the walkway with ranger next to it. We saw a surprise visit of roadrunner. This is my fist spotting. That intriguing my memory of the cartoon roadrunner and coyote.

This probably one of the best outdoor and/or family activities around Las Vegas that doesn't involve gambling or casinos! The Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center is at the beginning of a one-way loop road (that you can't repeat) which goes through the beautiful and awe-inspiring Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. You will need to make reservations before you go, so make sure that you plan ahead. Because they will always sell out and space is limited! The reservation website they have is pretty good, and you can pay your fee ahead of time online. The Visitor Center itself is new, very clean, modern, and has many interesting exhibits about the local wildlife and area history to view, both inside and ouside. You can get information about the park and the different hikes that are available, which span all different skill levels from ones that kids can do, all the way to pretty extreme advanced trails. (They also have Junior Ranger badges here.) As for the Red Rock Canyon loop drive itself, the best spot is probably at the beginning, near the first main parking area. There is a giantic group of banded red rock boulders the size of hills which have some caves, crevasses, and other interesting features to explore. There are trails leading in all directions and it is all worth checking out if you have the time. The rest of the drive is very scenic and beautiful, and has many hiking opportunities and places to explore as well. National Conservation Areas like this one are a bit different than National Parks in that they are sometimes less well-developed and not as well-known, but they are no less awesome. Turns out there are 873 federally recognized National Conservation areas, encompassing approximately 32 million acres, primarily across 12 western states. They are run by the Bureau of Land Management, not the National Park Service. Five stars as a must visit!

Red All About It Visitors' centers are always the first stop for us whenever we visit any park, but especially National Parks. The Good: *Get your NPS stamp! *Clean restrooms *Great gift shop w/ some very unique locally-made items. *Plenty of parking *Surrounded by gorgeous views *Get your Jackson the Burro swag! *Several volunteers manning info booths The Meh: *Park is currently only available to visit by reservation only. The Ugly: *While they limit the amount of visitors in the Park, they don't limit the amount in the visitors' center. So if you're still a little squeamish around a lot of people you might want to try and come early. TLDR: Must-stop when visiting Red Rock Canyon to get info, pick-up some souvenirs and drain the Lizard.

Must see right here in our backyard. Support our local parks. They have a great informational exhibit about how natural elements affect Red Rock Canyon. The gift shop is great as well. Tons of items from the Native Americans that once's lived in these mountains. Take the kids and have a great time outdoors.

The drive was picturesque. Each vista point was well kept and views were wonderful. The surrounding landscapes are impressive

A must do in Las Vegas... When you're a tourist in Sin City and don't want to go shopping... and are tired of Gambling, why don't you come to Red Rock Canyon? This was my second time to the Visitor Center and I was just as amazed this time as I was when I visited the first time! I have to thank Jean C. and Niki S. for driving me here because they both have the Annual Pass for National Parks all across the USA. If you don't have a pass it's $15 a day per vehicle (as of 3-1-20). This Visitor Center is well organized and has clear directions. The Gift Shop, Restroom, Theater, and Exhibits are all distinct and labeled. Make sure that after you park your car, use the restroom first, then go inside and get a map before going on the scenic loop drive. Inside the Visitor Center, the movie is free and informative. The exhibits are educational and the gift shop has some cool items. Take a look at the fabulous view of Red Rock! I showed my mom my photo of it and she couldn't believe that I was looking through a window at it! She said that it's like a painting! My friend got a map and was eager to go hiking. We chose one of the most interesting and shortest hikes (0.1 mile): The Petroglyph Wall. I knew that we were going hiking. Luckily, I didn't wear shorts because it was 39 degrees on March 1, 2020 in the afternoon! This is the first time that I have hiked while wearing jeans, jacket, scarf, cap, and hoodie. Thank goodness I had a pair of gloves in my jacket pocket! OMG!!! Brrr!!! When we return, we hope we can hike after it rains so we can see the waterfall! Note: The staff is knowledgeable and helpful! Come and ask them anything! Tip: Cell service is off and on, so keep trying!

This place is beautiful! Wish we would have gone earlier in the day to be able to go hiking more.

What a great place!! We easily made our reservation online. I have a National Park Pass so I only had to pay $2dlls convenience fee or online fee. Active duty and veterans get in free. The 13-mile loop drive starts off with the visitors center. They have useful information, educational displays, a gift shop, clean restrooms (1 by the parking area and one by the building), a few displays and a couple of areas perfect for pictures. As you proceed through the one-way 2-lane road, you have opportunity to stop at certain points to take pictures and walk over to the red rocks. It can get really busy though. There are restrooms at almost every stop. There are roads off the main highway but they are dirt roads, so I would not recommend it without a rental. I could describe more but honestly this you better see in person. Do spend as much time as you can on each stop because this is a one-way road. At the end of it, you will be out of the park and will have to reserve to get back in. Bring layers, as weather can change quickly. There was some visible snow on top of some of the highest mountains.

This is a great spot to venture too if you want a break from the Strip and get some fresh air! Access: It's located about 20 miles away from the Strip, about a 30 minute drive without traffic. There's plenty of signs directing you to the entrance. There's a $15 charge per car + $2 processing fee at the gate, it's the same price if you make a reservation online ahead of time. The roads are in beautiful condition, making this a smooth 13 mile round loop through the park. Restrooms: There are several restroom facilities at the visitor center and along the scenic drive at various points. Unfortunately it was very windy the day we visited and we weren't able to enjoy much of the outdoors but I was impressed with how well taken care of the area is. There are signs with hikes at almost every stopping point along the drive. I would definitely recommend stopping by the visitor's center and grabbing a map and checking out their informational area to learn more about the park's history. I do wish there was more red rock as that's the name of the park. Once we entered, we saw red rock for the first 1-2 stops of the drive and then there was no more to be found from the car. We would have definitely ventured out more if it wasn't so windy, so maybe we would've seen more red rock that way. It's also a one-way loop so we couldn't re-enter the park to go back and see the red rock again.

Great spacious and busy visitor center. We came on a Monday and it was super busy so I can't imagine how the weekends are! So much info, friendly staff. The movie is really interesting. Bummer is no pets allowed but I had my tiny hypoallergenic one in my arms and nobody complained.

A well-run and informative stop to enjoy before you head out on the drive. You'll learn a lot about the natural forces that created this amazing canyon as well as the people and animals who have called it home. Last clean restrooms in the park. Go here or face the brutal pit toilets on the loop. FILL UP ON WATER!!! You can never have too much, but you can definitely have too little. One little bottle NOT enough. Don't be the one we read about in the paper tomorrow.

A visit to the visitor center is always worthwhile before continuing on to the drive. There are volunteers who can answer your questions as well exhibits and a small gift shop. On our recent last trip we toured the outside exhibits and lucked out by finding a tortoise out for a stroll.

Nice little visitors center at one of our very favorite places to hike in Vegas. This is a great place to stop if you've forgotten to brig snacks and maybe just need a few minutes of air conditioning. The biggest hike we've ever done here is Turtle Head. It's definitely a nice challenge. The first part is quite easy and flies by. But the second half is a lot a large steps up. And coming done, it's easy to slide on small, loose rocks. But definitely doable in a 4-5 time span. Enjoy!

A simple visitor center, but it gets the job done. Gift shop, restrooms, lots of maps. Great views. Some exhibits, almost a mini-museum. Staff that answers questions. Bike air pumps. Water fountain. Maybe a few other items I'm forgetting.

If the Grand Canyon and Sedona had a baby her name would be Red Rock Canyon. Great start to your Las Vegas vacation! If you love the outdoors, hiking, horseback riding or just driving to see the spectacular red rock formations come here. The visitors center provides a quick start to your adventure. Information, maps, critters to see (both live and stuffed) and a cute little gift shop with lots of great trinkets. A 13 mile road around the park lets you see it all with plenty of stops for picture time. Free entrance and free yearly pass to all Natl Federal US parks for active duty military! This should be your first stop after feasting on a buffet! Especially if you're staying nearby (like the Red Rock Resort which is only a 10 minute drive from here). My out of town guests loved it! Bring your camera!

They have some really pretty necklaces for $10 VERY resonable. Loved shopping here. Lots of information. We also got a coin made. It is located on the right as you walk in the doors. Its super cool!! Not the penny rolling tupe coin but an actual pressed one already made. They have alittle museum in there where you can see the artifacts and learn about the area. A must for kids and adults of all ages. Clean restrooms also. Below is the picture of my $10 necklace!!

This is a great place to visit that's off strip. So many fun hikes with all different elevations, difficulty levels (including easy ones). The visitors center has a lot of information on the desert including wildlife, the different plants, flowers, and cacti. Get back into nature and do this instead of a day of gambling. You'll be happy you did!

I visited Red Rock on a particularly windy day in April. All I knew was that this was a BLM-managed site and I would probably enjoy it more than the casino or the pool. The visitor's center is located right inside the fee gate. You must pay to get in, and then you can choose to start your drive or make a stop inside. Both inside and outside the visitor's center, I was impressed by the wealth of information available as well as the eye catching displays and exhibits. Inside, I particularly liked the long window that gives you an amazing panoramic view the moment you walk into the room. Outside, the exhibits are organized by elemental symbols - fire, water, etc - in an attempt to make the geological processes that formed the sandstone rocks and the keystone thrust understandable to all visitors. It was very well-done and I also liked the beautiful bronze sculptures they used throughout the walking area. I wish it hadn't been so cold and windy... I could have spent hours there! Of course, you'll want to do the drive too and perhaps a hike, but that's another story. The visitor's center is a good introduction to Red Rock and makes the info and sights accessible to all ages and ability levels, so start there. Certainly, 100%, worth the visit!

My friend who lives in Vegas met up w/ me to take me around outside the Vegas Strip and DTLV which are the only spots I usually stay when visiting. So she decided to first take me to Red Rock Canyon. As we entered we parked here at the visitor center to use the restroom and see the store and other things here before heading to the actual canyon and other attractions to see. Note the restrooms are outside of the visitor center there are none inside. Once inside you do get a nice window view of the Red Rock Canyon and some history notes and other things to look at and read about the canyon. Of course there is also a gift shop as well. Also cell service here is very spotty most areas you won't get a signal at all.

Yay, Visitor Center! Hubby and I are now always making a point to stop at the Visitor Center if we're visiting Red Rock Canyon. You can get most of your questions answered here, and you can also just casually browse outside to see the area that houses their tortoise(s) and some of the wildlife. There is a museum that we haven't gone through before, but it seems to be pretty good. One of the big reasons that hubby and I like coming to the Visitor Center is because of their token machines! Each year, they have a different design on the tokens, and they always show the year! They're $2 each, and very good quality. Another big reason to visit is the gift shop! As they are a non-profit, there is no tax; all of the sales goes into funding the Red Rock Canyon. :) They get some really good quality stuff for the gift shop, and the prices are reasonable. Love seeing the local artists' provide their work, too, such as pottery, photos, and decorative pieces. They also have postcards and can sell you stamps if you want to send a quick postcard to a friend/family. They have a mailbox near the flagpole if you want to drop off the postcard for mailing. :) Always clean, friendly staff. Will be back!

I volunteer at the Visitor Center for Friends of Red Rock Canyon from time to time. It's an interesting place and it's a lot of fun to meet people visiting from many different places. The VC is so much nicer and larger after the remake that opened a few years ago. There's also a nice area outside with exhibits and the tortoise habitat. Make your visit to Red Rock Canyon better and get some expret advice from volunteers like me.

If you have an hour or two to burn, the Red Rock Canyon visitor center and scenic drive are worth a visit for the $7 (per car) admission fee. The visitor center has information on the geology, habitat, and animals that live in the area displayed through videos and indoor and outdoor exhibits. Pets are not allowed inside the visitor center but you can walk to the outdoor exhibits with them just fine. Once you're done with the visitor center, get in your car and begin the 13-mile scenic drive where you'll see multiple stops to take photos. Each stop has a few parking spots to pull into, take photos, and then continue on your way. This was a fun and relaxing place to go with my wife and puppy because we wanted something away from the hustle and bustle of the Strip.

Love coming here! When friends or family are visiting, I make RR a must see for them. Depending who, I suggest a hike! A hidden gem in Las Vegas, more tourists should make a visit. The visitor center has gorgeous views from the panoramic Windows and is spotless inside! The staff always great you with a smile & are informative about RR Canyon. A couple of miles away is RR Casino & Hotel. Some nature & gambling and such! Something for everyone!

Least expected and pleasantly surprised for a beautiful national park for sightseeing and hiking so close to downtown Vegas. Brand spanking new park feature swirling red rocks, off-road high clearance driving, and clean bathrooms throughout the 13-mile scenic drive. There is even Indian petroglyphs near the picnic and offroad trail. Best of all, the park allow our pooch hiking on all of the trails in the park; just use dog poop you scoop mentality. Will come back again for some offroad excursion in near future.

The remodeled center features indoor and outdoor exhibits that focus on the canyon and are relevant to both kids and adults. The gift shop is also worth checking out, and there is a small area for a rotating art exhibit.

This is really a step up from most conservation areas in the Las Vegas area. It is slick, spacious, and informative. You have to love the overlook window and the tortoise areas. It really adds a dimension that the scenic loop of the Red Rock area. You really have to hand it to the designer of this place. There is a nice meandering trail of exhibits and I love the little bronze life-size statues of animals scattered and partially hidden on the grounds. I think this place really captures the vista and does justice to the location. I wouldn't bother with the gift shop much. Just take in the clean sense of space and keep that in mind as you go on a few hikes and enjot the 13 mile loop.

We stopped by here for guidance on a trail and they were extremely useful! I suggest coming here for advice before starting if this is your first time.

Very short drive from the strip, nice longish scenic drive loop. Many many hiking trails, sport climbing, and bouldering. Im a short 9 miles drive from my house and have to get an annual pass to take advantage of this beautiful park. I have seen Gila Monster, a small tortoise, and a couple of snakes sunning on the black top. Im always hiking pretty fast. Now that im here in Vegas permanently i can come during the cooler months and take my time looking for wild life.

Great park. The red rocks are striking. The exhibit at the visitors center is well done and has great views. There are trails to hike with a variety of difficulty levels. I wish the trail markers were a little better defined, however. You definitely need sturdy shoes for these trails as they are mostly rock. You see a lot wildlife on the trails which is a huge plus. If hiking is not you thing, take the scenic drive.

What a gem of Las Vegas! Take a short drive out Charleston to see how beautiful the high desert is! The visitor center was recently remodeled and is now such a fun and educational experience. The outdoor exhibit is really interesting and interactive. It is really neat if you are from a different environment. You can really learn about the desert here and appreciate it for what it's worth. It is also a great thing to do with your kids. And my favorite, Mojave Max lives there in the outdoor tortoise habitat. If you get to see him, he is pretty cute! He is also a Vegas celebrity, kind of like Phil the groundhog is on the East coast. You also want to stop here for practical reasons, a potty break! Once you are on the loop, you are on it for 13 miles and the bathrooms are far between and a little stinky, especially in the summer.

So it was almost 100° and my thoughts were: breeze in, grab my senior lifetime pass, drive the loop and go find some air conditioned space and get on with my vacation. I got entranced with the visitor center and spent over an hour there and can't wait to make another trip there as I really didn't spend time with all the exhibits. I also spent over an hour driving the 13 mile loop and doing some easy hikes. I WILL be back.

OUTSTANDING! A MUST GO if visiting Las Vegas. A special shout out to Lynn who was the person we spoke to about the hikes available. She recommended the Calico Tank hike. This hike is considered a "moderate" level difficulty. Moderate, if you are a 24 year old collegiate athlete but not moderate if you are a 61 year old ex collegiate athlete with balance issues. It was tough but worth it! The view at the top was INCREDIBLE!

Informative visitors center and rest stop before starting the scenic loop drive. Staff is friendly and helpful.