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| - Would you like to escape from the hustle and bustle of the LV Strip, and be catapulted into the beautiful and natural desert that is LV? It's just less than 30 minutes away, and it's called Red Rock Canyon! It's a part of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, filled with endless hiking trails and once upon a time, was previously occupied by Native Americans.
Came here with out of town visitors, and only had a short amount of time. No problem. Instead of hiking the trails, we took the quick "drive by, air-conditioned tour", aka the 13-mile Scenic Drive you do in your own vehicle. It's an easy one-way loop that took us pass huge red rock formations (hence, the name) and sandstones. The Scenic Drive is also enjoyed by bikers and runners. The loop took us less than a leisurely hour, with plenty of time for multiple scenic photo stops along the way.
There's also an informative Visitor's Center that I've been to previously, but being that it was Easter Sunday and not an easy parking day, we passed on it this time, but I would recommend it on a less trafficked day.
If you're planning on going more than once (and why wouldn't you, especially if you live nearby), then definitely opt for the annual pass for $30.00, since the 1-day pass is already $15.00. If you plan on going to other national parks, then go for the America the Beautiful annual pass, which will get you into other national parks, as well.
Definitely a fun side excursion, and a nice antithesis to the all the gambling, buffets and whatever else, you just name it, that you'd find in touristy LV!
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