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The
Trip: To get to Red Rock Canyon from Las Vegas, we take State Route 159, also known as Charleston Boulevard, west for about twelve miles to the entrance. The Red Rock Canyon Scenic Byway takes visitors into the area. The road is a winding thirteen-mile one-way loop with a number of pullouts for drivers to stop and see the incredible views.
Climbers usually rate climbing routes on what is known as the Yosemite System, which categorizes the difficulty of a climb on a scale from 5.0 to 5.13, beginners usually start on a 5.4 or 5.5 and a 5.11 or a 5.12 will challenge even the most experienced climbers. Our approach to the Magic Bus begins as a leisurely hike, but soon we have to do some significant scrambling to get to the crag. We find ourselves in some precarious positions, but careful and measured movements ensure that we make it safely through. Setting up and checking our gear is one of the most important parts of safe climbing. Fred and Dave have the experience we need to make sure we do things right. Any time you attempt an activity like climbing, you must be certain that your gear is in good condition and is well maintained. There are many guide services in the area that can help.
Following our adventure on the rocks, we complete the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Byway Loop and head into Cottonwood Valley to go mountain biking. We return to State Route 159 for a few miles drive through Blue Diamond, and head down State Route 160 to Cottonwood Valley. Just off the highway, we meet Jared Fisher of Escape Adventures, a mountain bike and multi-sport tour company. Jared leads us on a single-track route that is popular with local mountain bikers. There are trails in the area to accommodate mountain bikers of a variety of levels from novice to extremist. Cottonwood Valley is wild horse and burro territory, and it's not uncommon for riders to find themselves alongside a few four-legged friends. We don't see any on our ride, but if you find yourself pedaling around in this area, don't be surprised if you have company. Jared leads us back to the car as the descending sun illuminates the cholla cactus. We thank him and head back to town. After a day full of ropes and bikes, we're ready for some rest.
Neil Sobelson, owner of Hike This!, a local hiking service guides us into Willow Springs and onto the White Rocks Loop. This is only one of the many trails in Red Rock Canyon. Here paths cover countless miles, from the canyon floor to the tops of the surrounding mountains. Avid hikers could spend weeks here and never touch all that Red Rock has to offer. The trail begins with an incline that serves as a good warm up for the legs, then flattens out. Neil points out the diversity of vegetation in this area. Manzanita, cholla cactus, pinion and ponderosa pine are all plentiful out here, only a few miles from barren desert land. It's enjoyable enough just to spend the day out here in this gorgeous setting, and the views along the hike enrich the experience. What a satisfying way to end our trip, and what a incredible place to explore. Thanks to the advisors and contributors of Wild Nevada Program #119:
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This
trip we are exploring some of the multitude of recreational activities
available to people visiting and exploring the Red Rock Canyon National
Recreation Area. Red Rock Canyon is located in southern Nevada only
about 12 miles from Las Vegas, but in attitude and natural beauty it
is a world apart.
Our
first adventure takes us into the maze of Red Rock's slabs for some
Climbing
on location is a very different experience than scaling the wall in
a climbing gym. Instead of exercising skills in a control environment,
here a climber contends with both the rock and the elements. Our adventure
includes brisk temperatures and considerable winds. What an exhilarating
way to start our day!
The
second day of our adventure finds us