Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
| Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area | |
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IUCN category V (protected landscape/seascape)
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Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area view.
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| Location | Clark County, Nevada, US |
| Nearest city | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| Coordinates | 36°08′08″N 115°25′38″W / 36.135574°N 115.42724°WCoordinates: 36°08′08″N 115°25′38″W / 36.135574°N 115.42724°W |
| Area | 197,349 acres (798.64 km2) |
| Established | 1967 |
| Visitors | 1,000,000+ (in 2008) |
| Governing body | Bureau of Land Management |
The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area in Nevada is an area managed by the Bureau of Land Management as part of its National Landscape Conservation System, and protected as a National Conservation Area. It is located about 15 miles (24 km) west of Las Vegas, and is easily seen from the Las Vegas Strip. The area is visited by more than two million people each year.
The conservation area showcases a set of large red rock formations: a set of sandstone peaks and walls called the Keystone Thrust. The walls are up to 3,000 feet (910 m) high, making them a popular hiking and rock climbing destination. The highest point is La Madre Mountain, at 8,154 feet (2,485 m).
A one-way loop road, 13 miles (21 km) long, provides vehicle access to many of the features in the area. Several side roads and parking areas allow access to many of the area trails. A visitor center is located at the start of the loop road. The loop road is also very popular for bicycle touring; it begins with a moderate climb, then is mostly downhill or flat.
Red Rock Canyon is a side-canyon accessible only by a four-wheel-drive road from the scenic loop. State Route 159 cuts through an unnamed but often-visited valley; it is commonly, but mistakenly, referred to as Red Rock Canyon. The Wilson Cliffs, or Keystone Thrust, a massive wall of rock, can be seen to the west from SR 159.
Towards the southern end of the National Conservation Area are Spring Mountain Ranch State Park; Bonnie Springs, a replica of a western ghost town; and the village of Blue Diamond.
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