Archives: Activities

The South Oak Creek Trail is a scenic 2.5-mile round-trip hike located in Red Rock Canyon, offering hikers a delightful experience through a picturesque canyon setting. Starting from the South Oak Creek parking area, the trail features a well-marked path that winds its way along the creek, surrounded by lush vegetation, including cottonwood trees, willows, and various desert shrubs. This vibrant greenery provides a striking contrast to the dramatic red rock formations that define the landscape, creating a unique and beautiful environment. As you hike along the trail, you’ll encounter...

The Ash Spring Trail is a 2.5-mile round-trip hike located in Red Rock Canyon, offering a moderate trek suitable for families and nature enthusiasts. The trail begins at the Ash Spring parking area, meandering through a stunning desert landscape filled with unique rock formations, diverse plant life, and beautiful vistas. The path is well-marked and features gentle elevation changes, making it accessible for hikers of various skill levels. As you approach the trail’s endpoint, you’ll discover the tranquil Ash Spring, a natural oasis that supports lush vegetation in contrast to the...

The Girl Scout Trail is a 2.6-mile loop located in Red Rock Canyon, offering a moderate hiking experience suitable for all skill levels. Starting from the parking area off the Scenic Loop Drive, the trail meanders through beautiful desert landscapes filled with vibrant wildflowers and diverse vegetation, including creosote bushes, yucca plants, and various cacti. Along the way, hikers are treated to stunning views of the iconic red rock formations that define the canyon, making it an excellent spot for photography and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. As you traverse the trail, you’ll...

First Creek Canyon is a scenic hiking destination in Red Rock Canyon, featuring a 2.5-mile round-trip trail that is rated as moderately easy, making it suitable for families and hikers of various skill levels. The hike begins at the First Creek Canyon parking area along the Scenic Loop Drive and starts with a gentle incline leading into the canyon. As you hike, you’ll be treated to stunning views of sandstone cliffs, unique rock formations, and diverse desert vegetation, including cacti and wildflowers, particularly vibrant in the spring. The trail culminates at a picturesque creek,...

La Madre Spring is a picturesque oasis located in Red Rock Canyon, accessible via a short, easy trail that is approximately 1 mile round trip. Starting at the La Madre Spring parking area along the scenic loop drive, the well-marked path meanders through diverse desert flora, including various shrubs and cacti, showcasing the area’s natural beauty. The spring serves as a vital water source for local wildlife, creating a lush microhabitat that attracts birds and other animals, especially in spring and early summer. Visitors can enjoy picnicking at designated spots near the spring, take in...

The Keystone Thrust is a notable geological feature located within Red Rock Canyon, representing a significant example of tectonic activity in the area. The thrust fault occurs where older rock layers have been pushed over younger formations, creating a striking visual contrast between the two. This unique geological phenomenon is a result of millions of years of geological processes, making it a fascinating spot for geology enthusiasts. The Keystone Thrust trail is a relatively short and easy hike, typically around 1.2 miles round trip, and begins at the Keystone Thrust trailhead located...

The Petroglyph Wall trail is a short, 0.2-mile out-and-back hike located in Red Rock Canyon, offering a quick yet fascinating glimpse into the area’s history. The trailhead starts near the Willow Spring Picnic Area and is accessible to hikers of all skill levels, making it a great option for families, history enthusiasts, or those looking for a brief walk. The main highlight of the trail is the Petroglyph Wall, a rock face featuring ancient carvings made by Native American peoples who once inhabited the region. These petroglyphs are estimated to be hundreds to thousands of years old...