Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Las Vegas

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, located just a few miles west of Las Vegas, is named for the deep red 3,000-foot-high sandstone cliffs that are perched above the dusty wastelands of this part of the Mojave Desert. The view from any part of the park is breathtaking: mostly nature fills the view, but from some points the entire Las Vegas Strip can be seen in the distance. If the temperature is extremely hot, climbing, hiking, bicycling throughout the park is not recommended; instead, opt to drive around the park (expect to pay a small fee for motorized vehicles) along a 13-mile paved loop. A visitor's center provides information on area history, geology, flora, and fauna (visitors may encounter burros, big horn sheep, or desert tortoises). Visitors can also pick up a map of the park with detailed hiking routes (beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels). Rangers offer guided tours at no charge.