Travel: Red Rock Canyon (Part two: the hike)

Click here for part 1 of Red Rock Canyon.

Later in the week, we returned to Red Rock Canyon to hike.  The weather that particular day was kind of crazy; it had rained earlier in the morning at our condo (which was about 30 minutes from Red Rock), but the skies had cleared and it seemed like it was going to be a beautiful day for a hike!

We had gotten to Red Rock at about 11, and by 12:30 it was sleeting.  SLEETING -- in Nevada!!

Before the sleet though, came wind, rain, thunder & lightening -- basically, a full blown storm that threatened us about half way through our hike.  So, we high-tailed it back to the car to grab a snack & wait out the storm.

After we had eaten all of the snacks we had packed in the car, the rain had passed & we ventured out a second time.  I was a little timid this time around though, because the skies still looked a little erie.  Plus, I took a bit of a tumble earlier in the day & was afraid to slip upon the wet rocks (word to the wise, wear actual hiking boots if you plan to hike on the rocks... worn out tennis shoes won't cut it...)

  

Even though our hike got cut short by the storm, we both agree that Red Rock Canyon was probably the highlight of our Vegas trip.   We hope to get back there in the future!

Travel: Red Rock Canyon (Part one: the sunset)

If you're in Las Vegas, or the surrounding area, and have an itch to hike (or not), definitely check out Red Rock Canyon.  Part of the Mojave Desert, Red Rock Canyon is a quick 30 minute drive from the Vegas strip & offers gorgeous views that you don't want to miss... 

Red Rock is a network of crests and canyons, valleys and gullies, with a surprise around every corner.  Even if you're not into hiking, Red Rock Canyon has a 13 mile scenic drive with lookout points at various spots.  You never even have to get out of your car; the scenery alone is worth the $7 entry fee... especially at sunset!

We visited Red Rock Canyon twice during our time in Vegas; the first just to watch the sunset, and then again a few days later to actually hike it. 

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After a long day of cruising the Vegas strip, Zac & I were itching to get away from the crowds.  He had a wonderful idea of grabbing some beers, opening up the hatchback of our rental car, and finding a spot within Red Rock Canyon to watch the sunset... which basically, was the best idea that he's ever had:

Because I have 10 million (more) photos from Red Rock Canyon, I am splitting this post up into two parts... come back in a few days for photos from our daytime hike!