This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

The glitz and glam of the Las Vegas Strip is delicious, but sometimes it can get a bit overwhelming, leading me to look behind the Strip for something a little more down to earth. Which is how I found Red Rock Canyon Nevada.

Just 30 minutes from the neon-lit Strip, Red Rock Canyon is a national conservation area that encompasses 195,819 acres in the Mojave Desert and boasts a 13-mile scenic drive and 26 hiking trails. Rock climbing, horseback riding, mountain, and road biking are also popular Red Rock Canyon activities.

A couple hundred million years ago, the Red Rock area was an arid dune field stretching from Red Rock Canyon into Colorado. Winds blew sand back and forth, leveling and building new dunes, creating the curved angled lines we see today that are known as crossbeds. The shifting sands were buried by other sediments and eventually cemented into sandstone by iron oxide, forming the cliffs we see today at Red Rock. This Aztec Sandstone, as it is known locally, oxidized, giving the rocks their rich orange and red coloring.


Lori Barbely

Hi, I’m Lori, the Chief Travel Officer for Mostly Solo Travel! I created this site for solo (and would-be solo) female travelers. My goal is to inspire your trips, give you practical advice on how to plan, and to ease your fears so you can explore the world on your own.

Recent Posts

Travel Book Club (June 2025): Nevada: A Novel

It's time to get started on the book in our 2025 Travel Book Club! You…

5 days ago

The Best Solo Female Travel Destinations for 2025 Adventure Seekers

Traveling solo as a woman comes with its own set of challenges, so it's important…

7 days ago

Travel Book Club: My Year Abroad Discussion (May 2025)

It's time for the next discussion in our 2025 Travel Book Club! In May we…

2 weeks ago

Things to Do in Tarpon Springs, FL | Sponge Capital of the World

If you’re craving a charming coastal town packed with culture, history, and sunshine, let me…

2 weeks ago

Travel to Ireland – Things to Know Before You Go

So, you’ve decided to travel to Ireland — lucky you! Whether you’re dreaming of the…

2 weeks ago

Ireland Travel Guide

Thinking about visiting Ireland? You’re in for a little treat! Whether you're drawn by the…

2 weeks ago

This website uses cookies.