Nature
Rainbow Mountain, a 6,811-foot peak in the Spring Mountains west of Las Vegas, rises sharply within Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and the Rainbow Mountain Wilderness. Less than half a mile from Oak Creek Canyon, it gains about 2,500 feet, giving it a strikingly steep profile. Its official name reflects the banded colors in its rock, formed in Aztec Sandstone laid down as desert dunes about 180 to 190 million years ago during the Early Jurassic. Iron oxide creates its red, orange, and brown tones. Cooler than the Las Vegas Valley below because of its elevation, the mountain is also a well-known climbing destination.
Hear stories like this as you drive
ExploreHere reads historical markers out loud as you pass them: over 325,000 stories across the US. No account needed.
4.7 · 800+ ratings · Free
FIND IT
Nevada · United States
