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Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Climbing and Camping Information

With the increased popularity of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (NCA) for camping and technical climbing, certain impacts associated with these uses have become noticeable. Outdoor enthusiasts should be aware of the following considerations and take steps to minimize impacts on natural and cultural resources within Red Rock Canyon.

Cultural Resources

Because of the potential of impacting cultural resources in the NCA, camping and climbing is prohibited at archaeological sites including rock faces on which rock art (etched petroglyphs or painted pictographs) is present. Climbing on or within 50 feet of any rock art is prohibited by law. Also, do not climb on rock faces that must be accessed through archaeological sites. In the Willow Spring Canyon, these climbs are: Lower Butler, Upper Butler and Paradox. Presently these are the only locations closed.

Natural Resources

Many climbing routes are located adjacent to developed hiking trails, but final approaches require cross county travel. In some areas this activity causes serious vegetation damage and soil erosion. Vegetation regrowth is very slow in the dry desert climate, and damage to vegetation is occurring faster than it can be repaired. Try to minimize damage when traveling off constructed trails by using established trails and contouring around steep slopes where possible.

Clean Climbing

With the shift towards wedge-type anchors, the old issue of beating Iron into the rock is no longer common, but is still a concern. In some locations nylon webbing has been left hanging from fixed anchor points and is a visual intrusion to other visitors to the area. Please remove all webbing at the conclusion of a climb. The use of chalk is causing a visual problem in many popular climbing areas of Red Rock Canyon. Many routes and practice boulders are covered with unsightly layers of chalk on various holds. Clean off chalk as you leave the route. The use of bolts or other permanent protective devices on climbing routes within wilderness study areas (La Madre Mountain and Pine Creek) is prohibited.

Extended Hours Permit

All climbers who desire to make long multi-pitch climbs and leave their vehicle parked on the scenic loop drive may obtain an extended hours permit at the Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Vehicles found on the scenic loop outside of posted hours without a permit may be ticketed and impounded.

Extended hours permits expire upon return to your vehicle and you must immediately exit the scenic loop.

Camping

You may camp in Oak Creek, located approximately four miles south of the Visitors Center on State Route 159. Backpack camping above 5000 feet along the Rocky Gap Road is also popular. Visitors must register at the Visitor Center to backpack. All camping at Red Rock Canyon is primitive, and there are no facilities.

Back country camping within the NCA shall be conducted with minimum impact techniques, as we strive for no disturbance to vegetation. There is a 14 day camping limit. Camping is prohibited within archaeological sites and within 200 feet of any spring or water source. The protection of natural and cultural resources can be accomplished with your assistance.

Fires

Please help prevent the destruction of Red Rock Canyon from wildfires. Fire grates are provided for your convenience at Oak Creek Canyon. All firewood must be brought in. The collection of any firewood is prohibited in Red Rock Canyon. Due to the desert vegetation's dry condition, no open wood pit fires are allowed.

Litter and Trash

Please pack all of your trash out. Litter bags and information on where to dispose of bagged trash are available at the Visitor Center. Decomposition of human waste is slow in the desert. We request that visitors assist in removing solid human wastes along with trash where sanitary facilities are not provided at camping and hiking areas.

Water

Potable water is available at the Red Rock Canyon NCA Visitor Center and Spring Mountain Ranch State Park. Water from streams, springs, or potholes may not be safe for drinking unless it is boiled, filtered, or chemically treated. Water could be contaminated with Giardia cysts or other parasites. Many persons claim they drink untreated water with no ill effects, but the time, effort and personal expense that you have invested in planning a trip to Red Rock Canyon should not be wasted due to preventable waterborne illness.

Safety

For safety, hikers and rock climbers should be properly equipped and have knowledge of the area. Hikers, climbers, and campers should have sufficient water, food, clothing, and equipment for the planned activity. A check of local weather is also advised. Leave word with someone where you are going and when you plan to return.

Search and Rescue

Emergency services are provided by the Bureau of Land Management and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. In the event of an accident, contact the Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily. After 4 p.m., a phone call to the number listed below will initiate a response. Pay telephones can be found outside the Visitor Center and in Blue Diamond, six miles south of the scenic loop exit, and in Las Vegas.