Red Rock Canyon, Nevada, USA

Red rocks feature prominently in place names of Southwest USA - New Mexico, Arizona and California each have a Red Rock State Park and there are several similarly named towns in these and other states. Nevada has at least three Red Rock Canyons; two are in sections of the Toiyabe National Forest near the center of the state but by far the most well-known is location is along the east side of the Spring Mountains - one of the ranges of hills that surround Las Vegas in most directions. Just five miles from the edge of the city, the flat land rises to a great colorful escarpment, formed along a fault zone (the Keystone Thrust) with peaks over 8,000 feet, and including huge cliffs and ravines composed of bands of grey, white and red sandstone, all heavily eroded. The wide empty plains beneath the hills are studded with Joshua trees and other plants typical of the Mojave Desert, contributing to a most impressive spectacle.

About Red Rock Canyon

Just a two hour drive north of Los Angeles, Red Rock Canyon State Park is located 25 miles northeast of the town of Mojave along Highway 14 in Kern County. The park is situated where the southern most tip of the Sierra Nevada converge with the El Paso Range.

Imposing cliffs of otherworldly red rocks create the scene for one the most spectacular natural wonders in Southern California. The area is famous for its vivid history, desert wildlife, and as the setting for many movies.

The rocks in the Red Rock Canyon region contain a rich history of geology during the past 14 million years. Volcanic eruptions, basin sediments, and fault activity help to shape the unique geology of the region.  The fossils of prehistoric animals from 7–12 million years ago can be found entombed in the sediments, including extinct elephants, rhinos, three-toed horses, giraffe-like camels, saber-toothed cats, and bone-crushing dogs. There are also fascinating small creatures such as ancestral skunks, alligator lizards, and shrews.

Major Sites in Red Rock Canyon

Calico Hills - the hills are a large outcrop of eroded red Aztec sandstone, excellent for climbing. There are several overlooks, and trails for the more energetic. The top of the ridge - reachable by careful off trail scrambling - has good views over the colorful Calico Basin at the far side, and of all Las Vegas to the east - as ever the distinctive shapes of the casinos are clearly recognizable.

Icebox Canyon - Icebox is one of many narrow canyons that drain the mountain slopes. A path leads up the drainage for about a mile, though more can be seen by scrambling off-trail, over boulders and up small dryfalls.

Calico Tanks - the tanks (also known as tinajas) are natural cavities in the Aztec sandstone which hold water for some time after rainfall; they may be reached by a 1.2 mile trail starting at the parking lot at the north end of the Calico Hills.

Lost Creek Canyon - this is the largest canyon through the cliffs, and it provides the only through route to the west side of the Spring Mountains. A 20 mile dirt track (requires 4WD) follows the streamway past more of the characteristic colorful, layered rocks, then across the western foothills to the desert town of Pahrump.

La Madre Spring - this is found in a ravine at the base of La Madre Mountain; a fairly easy, 1.8 mile path leads to the waters, starting from the end of the spur road to Willow Spring picnic area.

Pine Creek Canyon - this pleasant canyon features a permanent stream, large shady trees and the remains of an old homestead, all accessed by an easy, 2.5 mile loop trail.

Spring Canyon - a narrow, sheltered ravine containing a short trail that follows alongside the creek bed to the base of a (seasonal) 30 foot waterfall, Spring Canyon is dry during summer although the creek does flow year round in one short section, where the waters rise up in a narrow, overgrown channel, trickle down the hillside for several yards then sink below ground again.

Spring Mountain Ranch - historic ranch dating from 1876, adjoining pasture, woodland and a lake; managed by the Nevada Division of State Parks.