Rainbow Wall - Red Rock Canyon - Las Vegas Nevada

Just outside of Las Vegas is some of best hiking in the desert southwest. The standard scrambling route (Class 4) for Rainbow Wall goes through Oak Creek Canyon in Red Rock Canyon, an absolutely gorgeous, particularly in spring and in the depths of the back canyon, when the melting snows from the mountains above send their waters down into the deep sandstone canyon. The result is spectacular cascades, the constant sound of rushing water, and even the occasional waterfall. Oak Creek runs year-round, but spring is unquestionably the best time of year to be in the canyon. The appeal of this route is not just the creek-- the remainder of the route also covers some beautiful ground with stunning views of the Red Rock back country. Round trip numbers are around 13 miles, with about 3100 feet of gain.