The course continues over downhill, flat and rolling terrain where you can pick up the pace to the finish line at the EXIT of the scenic drive. You'll run with traffic climbing to the summit overlook (4771' elevation) by mile 5.3. You'll run a complete loop around the Visitors Center before joining up with the paved scenic drive. The 1/2 Marathon course starts at the Visitors Center (elevation approx 3740 feet), roughly 2 miles from the marathon start (also your finish) at the Exit of the scenic drive. The course continues over downhill, flat and rolling terrain where you can pick up the pace to the finish line back where you started at the EXIT of the scenic drive. Now running with traffic you'll put in some work as you climb back up to the summit overlook at mile 18.4. Descending off the overlook you'll cruise the next 4 mile downhill, run up to the Visitors Center (elevation 3740'), make one complete loop around the Visitors' Center the rejoin the scenic drive. Rejoining the scenic drive just after mile 1, runners will continue running against traffic and gradually climbing to the summit overlook at 4771' by mile 8.6. Runners will run against traffic making a left hand turn down a short out and back section on Oak Creek dirt road (total 0.7 mile). The Marathon course starts at the EXIT of the paved scenic drive at roughly 3800' elevation. The birthplace of Calico Racing! The trailheads 'Calico Hills' inspired the namesake and dictated the company logo colors.

Sandstone formations, desert vegetation, and wildlife bring this place to life. Federally designated as a Backcountry Scenic Byway, the 13 mile paved scenic drive traverses some of the Mojave Desert's most stunning vistas. Watch out for these impressive viewpoints (in order!) along the aptly-named Scenic Loop: 1.Majestically framing the west side of the valley, Red Rock Canyon is the most notable natural treasure in the Las Vegas area.

Because it is one-way and you cannot turn back without paying again to re-enter, it’s best to plan your stops out beforehand. So, what kind of scenic beauty can you expect to see at Red Rock Canyon? Once you arrive at the National Conservation Area (NCA), you will be sent along a 13 mile one-way loop leading you along the best views Red Rock has to offer. In addition to providing a scenic backdrop to entertainment programs, it also offers beautiful hiking trails, camping, climbing, tours, and it is a very short drive from the Las Vegas Strip. Evidence of this type of plate-shifting activity can be seen all the way up the west coast of North America, but thanks to the Keystone Thrust fault, Red Rock Canyon is one of the most exposed examples, and it offers some of the most impressive viewpoints.īecause of the unique scenery it boasts, you may recognize this National Conservation Area from such films (and shows) as G.L.O.W. Approximately 65 million years ago, the shifting of tectonic plates forced the oceanic plate underneath the North American Plate, creating the Keystone Thrust fault. Here’s the slightly-more-complicated geological answer. What makes Red Rock Canyon so unique? Simple answer: The Keystone Thrust fault.

Red rock canyon