Red Rock Canyon, Nevada

Red Rocks Overview

I spend a lot more time at JT than Red Rocks, and am in no way an expert on the area. That said, there's a few things I've learned that are hopefully worth passing on.

Guidebooks: Red Rocks Select, by Todd Swain, is the only guidebook currently in print. For the climbs I've done, I've found it to be accurate and easy to follow. The book can be ordered online from Amazon.com.

Climbing season: Though most heavily visited in the spring, Red Rocks is climbed every month of the year. The shadowed canyons, combined with the 4500 foot elevation, allow summer climbing to happen (watch out for those approach hikes across the baking desert floor though). In winter the temperatures can drop surprisingly low, especially when storms pass through. I've endured sleet and hail in October (worth noting that the Spring Mountains, west of Red Rocks, block much of your view of incoming weather). Then again temperatures can reach 70° F in January. The Russians have a saying: "There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing." Words to live by.

Getting there: Red Rocks is just 18 miles and thirty minutes or so west of downtown Las Vegas. Las Vegas is of course served by all the major airlines and is within easy driving distance of Southern California. While I haven't tried it yet, I've heard travel agents can arrange excellent package deals on airfare, rental cars, and hotel stays. Rental cars can be had for under $20 per day from companies like US Rentals.

Admission: Red Rocks is part of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, administered by the Bureau of Land Management. Access to much of the area is provided via a one-way, 13 mile long scenic drive. Turnouts and trailheads are well-marked. This road is open daily from 6 a.m. to dusk. The BLM recently began charging a $10 per vehicle daily entry fee. You can also purchase an annual pass or a $15 extension to your NPS Golden Eagle pass to gain access to the loop road. Note that the entry fees and access restrictions don't apply to all Red Rock climbing areas, only those served by the loop road.

Where to stay: Las Vegas offers everything from flea bags to penthouse suites. As for camping, there is a well-developed site, 13 Mile Campground. This is east of the Loop Road entrance. As of spring 2002 bundles of firewood were available here for $5.00. Camp site fees are $10.00 per night.

This document was last updated on Thursday, June 27, 2002