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The view from this overlook (about one mile past the Hwy 159 turnoff to the Canyon) is of the Red Rock escarpment itself, which rises a breathtaking 3,000 ft (1,000 m) from the valley floor. Time your trip to get here at either sunrise or sunset when the colors of this Aztec sandstone are at their sensational best.

The Visitor Center has area maps and staff on hand to answer questions. You can peer through telescopes on the viewing terrace at the detail of surrounding formations. A small museum contains geological and natural history displays.

Of more than 30 miles (50 km) of hiking trails within the canyon, the most popular include those to Ice Box Canyon (it really is cooler there) and Oak Creek. Guided walks focus on aspects of the environment such as native wild-flowers and the area’s geology.

Look out for brown-shelled tortoises, which, with their lifespan of up to 100 years, may outlive you. They dig burrows in the desert and spend at least 95 percent of their long lives below ground. Astonishingly, adult tortoises can survive for a year without water.

Ask at the visitor center about their especially strong program for children, which includes educational funbooks and incentives for learning. Up near Willow Creek is the Children’s Discovery Trail to Lost Creek. Less than a mile long, this fun round-trip highlights points of interest along the way. Pick up the free accompanying workbook at the Vistor Center.

The area around Willow Springs contains some fascinating prehistoric rock carvings and paintings. The exact meaning of many of the incised and painted symbols is not known, but because the area’s early inhabitants were hunters and gatherers, it is believed that many symbolize the procuring of food.

The main scenic loop is a one-way road taking in the Rainbow and Bridge mountains, and the Calico Hills. Designated stopping points for views are scattered along the way. Head for Willow Spring or Red Spring for picnic areas. Most of the hiking trails are accessible from car parks on the loop.

The Visitor Center bookstore covers the local flora, fauna, and geology. Excellent Southwest-themed books for children include Gully-washer by Joyce Rossi and Cowboy Country by Ann Herbert Scott.

Common to the western United States, these small lizards have pointed snouts and forked tongues, which help them eat termites, spiders, scorpions, centipedes, and other lizards. Recognize them by the four or five light stripes along the back, and yellow-or cream-colored belly with scattered dark spots.

Prevalent in the Calico Hills and at White Rock Spring, tinajas (or tanks) are naturally formed rock catchments for water. They serve as drinking basins for wildlife and so are good places to head for photo opportunities.