Once the home of ancient Indian tribes, this magnificent canyon was formed by a thrust fault -- a fracture in the earth's crust where one rock plate is thrust horizontally over another.
Red Rock Canyon is home to wild horses and burros, as well as various species of wildlife including desert bighorn sheep and antelope. Stop at the visitor's center for tour information. There is no fee for normal activities in the canyon area.
Within the Red Rock Canyon recreation lands is Spring Mountain State Park. This picturesque ranch, once owned by Howard Hughes and another time by German actress Vera Krupp, lies beneath the cliffs of the Wilson Range. Springs in the surrounding mountains provided precious water to the early Paiute Indians.
The Bureau of Land Management, which oversees the Red Rock area, said visitor numbers have increased from 250,000 in 1985 to more than a million annually. A BLM spokesperson said plans for Red Rock Canyon include regulating the number of vehicles allowed in. Entrance to the Scenic Drive will be limited to 275 automobiles. A shuttle bus system may eventually be established to reduce vehicle traffic.
Beginning in mid August 1997 There will be a $5.00 per car charge to enter Red Rock. Season passes will be available for $20.00 per year.