Red Rock Canyon Natural Conservation Area551

A Parents' Picks winner as best place for family bonding in Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon is a reserve of the Mojave Desert. It features stunning crimson volcanic rock cliffs and ravines, as well as desert wildlife and vegetation. Visitors follow a one-way, 13-mile scenic drive that includes several overlooks where vehicles can stop.

The scenery includes embedded cliff fossils and petroglyphs, secret water holes, gnarled Joshua Trees, and occasional wild burro sightings. Active families who love to hike will find ample trails, and picnic areas are available at many of the loop's pull-offs.

A brand new, state-of-the art Visitor Center opened in the spring of 2010; it features a gift store, exhibits, and hands-on activities that offer great information about the history and ecology of the park and the Mojave Desert.

Organized hikes, many of which are family-oriented, are offered through the Visitor Center. Call ahead to learn about program times and to make a reservation. If little legs need stretching, head to the Lost Creek Children's Discovery Trail; it's less than a mile long and is accessible from the Lost Creek parking area.

Annual pass $30. A day pass for a vehicle to access the 13-mile scenic loop is $7; bicyclists' and motorcyclists' day passes $3.