BLM: Expect crowds at Red Rock Canyon this weekend
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times of the year at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, so the U.S. Bureau of Land Management is warning visitors to expect large crowds, heavy traffic and even the occasional closure over the long holiday weekend.
Visitation is expected to peak between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, when locals and their out-of-town guests descend on the area to work off some pie and escape rabid holiday shoppers.
During periods of especially heavy traffic, the 13-mile scenic loop will be temporarily shut down to relieve congestion and maintain access for emergency vehicles if necessary.
Road signs will be posted along state Route 159 to announce any closures, which generally last 30 to 45 minutes at a time. Visitors also can call 702-515-5350 to find out whether the scenic loop is open.
The loop is generally open 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The visitor center will be open 8 a.m. to noon on Thanksgiving and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily the rest of the weekend.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area draws about 1 million visitors a year, making it the busiest site BLM manages anywhere in the nation.
Contact Henry Brean at hbrean@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0350. Follow @RefriedBrean on Twitter.