Ice and Snow are Not Your Friends in Red Rock

Snow on Mt. Wilson

Sure you like to hike in Red Rock Canyon.  Who doesn't? However, during the winter months snow and ice makes rock scrambling very dangerous for a few reasons. Snow is not only slippery, but it weakens the rock. Even if you don't slip, your handhold or foothold might break.  Ice is worse since it's sometimes hard to see and is even slippery than snow. With so many nice days it's foolish and risky to hike in Red Rock Canyon when there's snow or ice.

Quick Tips

• If you can see snow on Bridge Mtn from the valley, there's lots of snow in Red Rock.
• The Kraft Mtn/Calico Basin area is the first area that will be snow/ice free
• The nighttime temps in Red Rock are at least 10 degrees colder than the valley.
• The last routes to be snow/ice free are northern facing routes.
• It rarely snows out at Lake Mead.

Alternative Hiking Areas

Luckily, we have some alternatives. Lake Mead has hotsprings and peaks people can hike.  Arizona Hotsprings is a local favorite.  Northshore Peak and Fortification Hill are fun hikes. 

Death Valley is less than two hours away from Las Vegas and offers very different and very scenic hikes.  Manly Beacon is one of the most unique hikes in the country!

China Date Ranch is only 90 minutes from Vegas and features Death Valley type hiking. Fence Post Peak might be the craziest hike you will ever do! After the hike, you can enjoy a Date Shake. 

And the good news is: All of these hikes are led by the 52 Peak Club!
Not into group hiking? Cool.
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