Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

The looming sandstone cliffs at Red Rock Canyon are a popular haunt for rock climbers.

The endangered desert tortoise makes its home in Red Rock Canyon.

A short drive from the flashy lights of Las Vegas is the famed Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

This area encompasses almost 196,000 acres of wild Mojave Desert lands. There are more than 25 miles of hiking trails, dramatic 2,000-foot sandstone cliffs, deep canyons and dozens of hidden desert springs.

The huge, 180-million-year-old sandstone walls at Wilson Cliffs are a major draw for rock climbers and there are many other popular climbing routes throughout the area, especially along the Keystone Thrust Fault. Most climbs are accessible by foot trail.

In Red Rock Canyon, traces of ancient Indian art are evident along the dark sandstone walls.

Wildlife abounds, drawn to the area's springs and natural catch basins. Sightings of bighorn sheep, wild burros, mule deer, cougars, bats and endangered desert tortoises are common.

A paved, 13-mile scenic loop road is popular with touring bicyclists. Mountain-bike trails have been developed in the southern area.

Temperatures reach well over 100 degrees F in summer, so visitors should make sure they have plenty of water.