The Keystone Thrust Trail via Lower White Rock Trail at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area in Las Vegas, Nevada is a moderate 3.1-mile out-and-back hike with stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains and features a thrust fault area.
Trail Name: Keystone Thrust Trail, accessed by Lower White Rock Trail.
Trailhead Location: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Las Vegas, NV.
Allowed activities: Hiking, biking, birding, geocaching, horseback riding.
Forbidden activities: No camping, no overnight parking, no target shooting.
Hours: Parking areas close depending on the season. Any vehicle left in a parking areas after closing or overnight may be fined if they do not have a permit. Seasons defined as:
Winter = Nov. 1 to Feb 28/29 6:00am to 5:00pm
Spring = 3/1 -3/31 6:00am to 7:00pm
Summer = 4/1 to 9/30 6:00am to 8:00pm
Fall = 10/1 – 10/31 6:00am to 7:00pm
Warning: Please make sure to carry plenty of water with you. Temperatures can change quickly, winds can be gusting. Thunderstorms with lightening and flash flooding are possible in summer. Wear a hat, dress in layers, wear sunscreen. Make sure someone you are not hiking with knows of your hiking plans. Cell service is not reliable in case of an emergency. Don’t hike above your skill level.
Parking: There two parking areas here. The first is at Lower White Rock trail with a good amount of unmarked parking spots. At least 10 cars could easily fit here. There is no bathroom or trash here. A short walk up this wide dirt road will bring you to the second parking area at Upper White Rock Trail. The road is rough, rocky and not maintained. It is possible to drive up and park at the Upper White Rock Trailhead, but ONLY if you have a vehicle that has plenty of ground clearance or is 4WD. If you are renting a car, it might be best to park in the lower area. Then walk up to the next trailhead to avoid damaging the undercarriage of the car. There is limited of parking at the Upper Lot, but there is a bathroom and trash receptacles.
Fees: There is a daily fee to use the park and trails off of the Scenic drive loop. Daily passes are: $15.00 for cars and trucks, $10.00 for motorcycles, $5.00 for bicycles or walk in’s. Discounts passes are available for persons who are permanently disabled, active military and seniors. Proper documentation is required for the purchase of those special passes. For more information please follow the link below for details:
https://www.redrockcanyonlv.org/fees/
Pets: Dogs on a leash are allowed on the trails. Please carry out animal waste with you.
Accessibility: This trail has many uneven surfaces, steep sections, and rocks. It is not stroller or wheelchair accessible.
Sanitation: There are restrooms and trash bins at the Upper White Rock Trail head parking lot.
Trail information: There is a kiosk with trail information at the Upper White Rock Trailhead. A copy of the trails can be downloaded or printed by following the link below:
https://www.redrockcanyonlv.org/keystone-thrust/
Length and features: This is a moderate 3.12 mile trail done as an out and back hike. The trail substrate is somewhat pebbly with a lot of loose river rock looking areas. Footing can be tricky and care should be taken to avoid slipping down steep slopes. Be aware of where you place your hands and feet, as this is a desert and rattlesnakes, spiders and scorpions live here. There are no blaze trail markers and very few trail signs. The trail, especially toward the end, can be somewhat ambiguous. The views are gorgeous and depending on the season, the blooms are abundant. Those of us who are not geologists, may not realize just how special this thrust fault area is, geologically speaking, but they will not doubt appreciate the beauty of the textures and colors created by this natural wonder.
