The first time I spent any real time in the Alabama Hills was for the Wild West Run we did in May. I had been to Lone Pine many times, but only in passing on my way up to Langley or Bishop. I’d never thought to hang out down in the desert when the tallest mountains in the west were right there. We stayed at Tuttle Creek Campground, which was also where the start of the race was. Our run was gorgeous, taking us all through the hills and down past the creek. The next day, we spent some time climbing the Shark’s Fin, which was a perfect spot to get some outdoor sport leading practice.

Tuttle Creek Campground is a nice way to get out of town without having to go too far, and you get such a fabulous view of the iconic Eastern Sierra Mountains. As the weather continues to cool, and snow caps the peaks, its only going to be a more perfect time to spend a weekend out here. It would also be a perfect stopover to break up your trip to Bishop or Mammoth or Tahoe.

My dad is Red Rock’s biggest fan. He’s been hiking out there for years, and picked up right where he left off when he moved back to Las Vegas after a ten year hiatus. He’s proof that no matter how many times you’ve been to the same place, there is always something new to explore. The pictures posted here are all from him. Still, though, there are places in the park I’ve been to that he hasn’t, and there are spots neither of us have seen.

If you’re a resident of Las Vegas or not, Red Rock should be on your list of places to go. Hike the many trails in or around the park. Scramble along the red sandstone rock slabs at “the quarry”. Drive the scenic loop at sunset on your way to a night out on the town. Boulder low at Craft Boulders or climb ten pitches high. Run on the Grand Circle through the center of the park, or go in search of the little stream in Icebox Canyon. See pictographs and flowers and wildlife like vibrant-colored western tanagers or burros.

Look very closely in the photo above. There’s more to it than the beauty of the snow on the rocks.