Prime Red Rock Hiking is Almost Here

Prime Red Rock hiking season is just a few days away!  Late September through November is one of the best times to hike in Red Rock.  Most Las Vegans prefer Red Rock to hiking in Mt. Charleston or Lake Mead. 

Why Hikers Like Red Rock Hiking

Red Rock has over 50 named peaks! Most of these peaks have at least two routes and some peaks have up to five routes! There are a lot of hikes in Red Rock.

Red Rock is closer for most hikers than Mt. Charleston or Lake Mead.

There's no scree in Red Rock!

The sandstone rock in Red Rock is not nearly as loose or sharp compared to the limestone rock found in Mt. Charleston.
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​There are few thunderstorms in Red Rock compared to Mt. Charleston.

It's not as hot in Red Rock as in Lake Mead.
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Red Rock Hiking Strategy

While the days are still relatively long take advantage of the daylight and do the longer hikes: Bridge, Rainbow, Mt. Wilson, Pine Creek Peak, Black Velvet, Holiday, and Bridge Vista. These are the well known longer hikes. Of course there are longer hikes, such as: Monument Traverse, Bridge 360, The Stealth Range and others.

If you have been hiking in Mt. Charleston, you will be in good cardio shape due to hiking at elevation. This will make Red Rock hikes easier for you, since they are at much lower elevations. 

You will not need to carry as much water due to cooler temperatures, which is an advantage.  You should be able to say goodbye to 100 degree temps.

Notes:

There are actually four different main hiking areas in Red Rock Canyon. 
Calico Basin/Red Springs/Kraft Mtn. (short hikes)
The Scenic Loop (most hikes)
First Creek TH (Mt. Wilson, Indecision Peak, Decision Peak, White Pinnacle, Dead Horse Point, South Summit Mt. Wilson)
South Red Rock - Black Velvet area, Windy Peak, Global Peak

Only the Scenic Loop is subject to Red Rock Hours:
April - Sept: 6 am to 8 pm
Oct: 6 am to 7 pm
Nov - Feb: 6 am to 5 pm
March: 6 am to 7 pm

You should have a good daypack or backpack when hiking in Red Rock Canyon.

Have fun and maybe I will see you at a peak.
Branchv – Feb – 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM
March – 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Apr – Sep – 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Oct – 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM