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Places We Protect

Red Rock Canyon

Nevada

Towering red rock mountains in the background with a desert landscape in the foreground.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Located just outside of Las Vegas. © Simon Williams/The Nature Conservancy

Red Rock Canyon is one of southern Nevada’s most beautiful and heavily visited scenic areas.

Viewing

Overview

Description

We protected the gateway to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area nearly 30 years ago with partners. Today we’re thrilled there’s permanent signage sharing this amazing collaboration! See photos from the unveiling from the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Inspiring Future Generations

The Nature Conservancy is proud to support the Mojave Max educational program at Red Rock National Conservation Area.

Our Conservation Legacy at Red Rock Canyon

Towering behind the Las Vegas skyline, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area’s iconic red-banded peaks are one of Southern Nevada’s most beloved outdoor destinations. More than 2 million people visit Red Rock Canyon each year to hike, bike, rock climb and more. But in the 1980s, this incredible area was almost permanently changed by a housing development planned next door.

To ensure your views from the canyon’s incredible trails aren’t spoiled, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, The Howard Hughes Corporation and The Nature Conservancy formed a strategic partnership in 1988, creating a 5,302-acre buffer zone, relocating the housing development and safeguarding where the Visitor Center and beyond stands today. By relocating Summerlin, The Howard Hughes Corporation’s 22,500-acre master planned community, a “win-win” was achieved that supported continued economic growth for Las Vegas while protecting a fragile natural desert community.

This $25 million transaction was one of the largest ever completed by the Conservancy in the West and, thanks to the generosity of The Howard Hughes Corporation, resulted in a savings to taxpayers of over $1 million.

By coming together in a spirit of innovation, cooperation and community goodwill, together we ensured public access into Red Rock Canyon was permanently protected and residents (and visitors alike!) could enjoy hiking, biking, rock climbing and more. Visitors can also see desert bighorn sheep, numerous bird species, threatened wildflowers, rare insects, and sensitive reptiles such as Gila monster and desert tortoise—all in their native habitat.

Check out some unique Mojave Desert wildlife living at Red Rock Canyon.

Access

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Wheelchair Accessible

The visitor center is fully accessible. Accessible restrooms are available at the visitor center and most pullouts on the scenic loop. Wheelchair accessible trails are at Willow Springs Picnic Area, visitor center, and the overlook.

Highlights

Hiking, rock climbing, wildlife viewing and Mojave Max education program

Explore our work in Nevada

Red Rock is owned and managed by the Bureau of Land Management. For full visitor information or questions, visit their website.

Accessibility

The visitor center is fully accessible. Accessible restrooms are available at the visitor center and most pullouts on the scenic loop. Wheelchair accessible trails are at Willow Springs Picnic Area, visitor center, and the overlook.

Fees, Annual Passes, and Hours

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area began collecting fees in 1998. America the Beautiful Pass, which replaced the National Parks Pass, Golden Age, Golden Access and Golden Eagle, began sales in 2007. Passes are available at the Red Rock Canyon entrance station. For current fees and more information about visiting, including hours, visit the Red Rock National Conservation Area website.