Red Rock Canyon Natural Conservation Area in Las Vegas, NV 89124

The winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the 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 Visitor Center, open 8am to 4:30pm, offers information on all of the park's offerings. Its gift store sells books, maps, and items handcrafted by locals.

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.