The Wilson Cliffs

A spectacular string of soaring, jagged mountains that dominate the horizon.

The Wilson Cliffs, also known as the Keystone Thrust, are a striking rock formation within Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, just west of Las Vegas. These towering cliffs, composed of vibrant red and gray sandstone layers, are part of the Keystone Thrust Fault, a major geological feature formed around 65 million years ago due to tectonic activity. Rising over 3,000 feet above the desert floor, the cliffs create a dramatic backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts exploring the area. Their rugged beauty attracts hikers, rock climbers, and photographers, while their geological significance offers insight into the powerful forces that shaped the Mojave Desert. The contrast between the red Aztec sandstone and the older gray limestone layers tells a story of ancient seabeds, shifting landscapes, and the immense power of nature over millions of years. 

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Keystone Thrust
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Calico Hills
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Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon is a National Conservation Area close to Las Vegas, famous for its stunning desert landscapes and dramatic red sandstone formations.

Related Tours

Red Rock Canyon Adventure: Private Jeep Tour from Las Vegas

There is much to discover in the urban jungle of the Las Vegas Strip, but did you know that some of the most incredible landscapes in the US are just a stone’s throw away from the city limits? The Mojave desert boasts many natural wonders, including the towering sandstone rock formations at Red Rock Canyon, which reach up to 3000 metres in height and captivate visitors with their bright colours and incredible scenery formed over hundreds of millions of years. Red Rock Canyon is an ideal destination for lovers of the great outdoors, and taking one of our Jeep excursions makes for a fun and hassle-free way to get there. Our thrilling private driving tour will sure you get to experience the best of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area in the company of an experienced local-driver guide.

On this half-day excursion, you will:

  • Embark on an adventure from Las Vegas to Red Rock Canyon in an eye-catching pink Jeep;
  • Enjoy the comfort and convenience of pick up and drop off from your Las Vegas hotel;
  • Have the undivided attention of your private tour guide who will bring the canyon’s stories to life;
  • Journey along the 13-mile Scenic Loop Drive;
  • See the most important landmarks along the way, including Wilson Cliffs, Spring Mountains and Calico Hills;
  • Walk the Sandstone Quarry Trail and get a closer look at the remarkable red rock formations;
  • Get a crash course into the incredible geology of the area;
  • Discover an impressive array of plants and wildlife as you learn about the ecosystems of the Mojave desert;
  • Take in stunning panoramic views and capture breathtaking photos from the best local viewpoints;

Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply looking for a unique way to experience the Las Vegas region, this private Jeep tour offers the perfect blend of adventure, comfort, and discovery. Hopping aboard your private distinctive Jeep, you will escape the city, explore the untamed beauty of Red Rock Canyon, and create unforgettable memories in one of Nevada’s most stunning landscapes. Your exhilarating excursion will begin at your hotel in Las Vegas, where you will step into your private, custom-built Jeep and head west towards the world-famous Mojave Desert. With your own personal guide, you’ll receive undivided attention, tailored storytelling, and fascinating insights into the geology, history, and ecology of Red Rock Canyon. You will cruise along the 13-mile Scenic Drive, making sure to pause at the most picturesque viewpoints and hidden gems of the canyon.

You will stop by the visitor centre to check out their informative exhibits and, if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of the Desert Tortoises native to the area in a protected habitat. You will then have a chance to stretch your legs on a guided nature walk, where you’ll tread along ancient landscapes, feel the textures of prehistoric rock, and witness the power of erosion and time in shaping this dramatic terrain. You should keep an eye out for a variety of other desert wildlife, from majestic bighorn sheep and wild burros to the unique plant life that thrives in the Mojave Desert’s harsh yet beautiful environment.

You will quickly be amazed by iconic landmarks and geological marvels including Wilson Cliffs, the towering rock walls formed by prehistoric fault lines which showcase some fascinating tribal artwork; the Spring Mountains, home to an unexpected diversity of flora and fauna; and the mesmerizing Calico Hills, with their waves of deep red and orange sandstone. All the while, your knowledgeable local guide can explain how Red Rock Canyon’s stunning rock formations date back millions of years, uncovering the region’s fascinating past, from shifting tectonic plates to ancient sea beds and petrified dunes.

Last but certainly not least, before returning to Las Vegas, your guide will end your tour on a high note by stopping at some additional scenic overlooks to soak in the sweeping vistas, capture stunning photographs, and feel truly immersed in the raw beauty of the desert landscape.

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