Next, we hiked Ice Box Canyon which is a moderate to strenuous 2.6-mile hike in and back out with 300 ft elevation gain. Nothing too exciting except some views of the red rocks and Las Vegas in the distance. Apparently, we were hiking along with one of these faults. This motion creates thrust faults and displaces existing rock layers. After climbing to a high spot and getting some internet, we learned a thrust fault is what happens when compressional tectonic forces cause rocks and landmasses to move together. According to park trail descriptions “The Keystone Thrust is one of the most significant geological features of Red Rock Canyon.”Īt first, it wasn’t really obvious what the Keystone Thrust was, and some older hikers we talked to who had been coming for decades also didn’t know. We made a spot at the Keystone Thrust parking lot which was also nearly full! The Keystone Thrust hike is an easy roundtrip of 2.2 miles with an elevation gain of 400 feet. Hoping to have better luck, we took the dirt road off of the Upper White Rock parking lot. Our original plan was to first hike Calico Tanks, but the adjacent parking lot to the trailhead was already full! After slowly circling the lot, we just opted to go for whatever had room.
We later found out it could also be due to it being spring break (3/29) because the outlets we visited afterward were also packed. Apparently even during COVID19, this is still a popular spot, which I speculate is due to the proximity of Las Vegas which is bringing in some of the tourists. When we arrived at 10 am mid-week, there was a line of cars, but the queue went fast. Reservations are required again starting October 1, 2021. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance, and are required until May 31, 2021. The cost is $2 in addition to the National Park Fee which is waived if you have an annual pass as we do. Expect about a half-hour drive to the park, but after a day of hiking, you can enjoy the hotel's outdoor pool as a reprieve from the desert heat.You have to make reservations in advance online and show up during your one-hour arrival time slot, although you can spend as much time there as you want once you are in. Comfort Inn & Suites: For a basic hotel option, complete with an outdoor pool, the Comfort Inn in Mojave, California, fits the bill.The hotel offers both guest rooms and suites, a complimentary breakfast, and is about a 25-mile drive from the park. Hampton Inn & Suites Ridgecrest: The Hampton Inn in Ridgecrest is located just 2 miles from the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake and down the road from the Maturango Museum, giving you additional opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the Upper Mojave Desert.Complimentary hot breakfast and access to their fitness center and outdoor pool come with your stay. The property offers basic queen and king rooms and spa suites, complete with a jetted tub. Best Western California City Inn & Suites: The Best Western in California City is the closest lodging option to Red Rock Canyon State Park.This trail climbs approximately 2,200 feet, goes by the Red Buttes, and takes you just beyond park boundaries before returning to the road.
HIKING RED ROCK CANYON FULL
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