So you've seen one of the Seven Wonders of the World, but you've yet to sow your wild oats when it comes to desert jaw-droppers? Red Rock Canyon is the perfect stop for outdoor junkies and Las Vegas wanderers alike. Less than an hour's drive from downtown "Sin City," Red Rock Canyon is one of the most awe-inspiring places to hike, climb, bike or run in the Southwest. With peaks over 8,000 feet, the magnificent colors of the red rocks and the petrified sand dunes are enough to occupy anyone for a day or two.
The Valley of Fire, Nevada's oldest and largest state park, is known for its striking red sandstone formations, petrified wood and 3,000-year-old Indian petrogryph. If you can rent a car, you can experience the "Best Scenic Drive in Southern Nevada" to its maximum and head just six miles further to Lake Mead for a day of sun-bathing, swimming and boating. Spring and fall are ideal times to visit the Mohave, as summer temperatures can get as high as 120 degrees, but climbers, photographers and road trip lovers will have a wonderful vacation in Nevada any time of year.
Red Rock Canyon and the Valley of Fire in Nevada
- Tourist Information: Red Rock Canyon (Wikipedia)
- Tourist Information: Valley of Fire (Wikipedia)
- Regional Map (Google)
Travel Resources
Travel Advice
Asia
- If You Love Kuala Lumpur, Visit Shenzhen
- If You Love India, Visit Bhutan
- If You Love Tibet, Visit Ulan Bator
- If You Love Phuket, Visit Hua Hin
- If You Love Pandas in China, See Orangutans in Borneo
Africa
- If You Love Wildlife, Visit Rwanda
- If You Love Real Local Flavor, Visit Mali
- If You Love Beautiful Beaches, Visit Mozambique
- If You Love History, Visit Ethiopia
- If You Love Ruins, Visit Great Zimbabwe in Zimbabwe
Europe
- If You Love Prague, Visit Riga
- If You Love Florence, Visit Cesky Krumlov
- If You Love Ibiza, Visit Ios
- If You Love The Alps, Visit The Tatras
North America
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Tips for Travel Around the World
Gayle Forman traveled around the world for a year with her husband, Nick, and wrote about the trip.
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- Ecotourism: What You Should Ask When Planning a Vacation
- Tips for Traveling with Children Abroad
PHOTOS: Nevada Commission on Tourism, Ethan Miller - Reuters
NOTE: As always, check the State Department's Web site to ensure that locations are currently safe for travel and tourism.
