About Cannibal Crag
Cannibal Crag is an outdoor natural rock formation offering free hiking, scrambling, and bouldering opportunities with spectacular views of Red Rocks and Las Vegas. It's ideal for families seeking an adventurous, active outdoor experience without a fee, though it demands self-sufficiency and caution due to poorly marked trails.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Experienced climbing families looking for a challenging, unguided outdoor adventure.Families seeking a free outdoor activity to play on rocks and enjoy natural scenery.Parents and children who enjoy scrambling and bouldering without formal ropes or gym settings.Those specifically looking for spectacular views of the Red Rocks and Las Vegas.Younger children (e.g., under 8) can enjoy informal rock play and bouldering in accessible, supervised areas.
Why families love it
- Offers spectacular panoramic views of Red Rocks and Las Vegas.
- Provides free natural rock formations for hiking, scrambling, and bouldering.
- Great for informal family fun playing around on rocks without needing paid equipment or entry fees.
- Known for challenging 'straight up a series of rock formations' climbs and scrambles.
- Opportunity for natural, unguided rock climbing and scrambling.
- Access to bouldering sections.
Insider tips
- Only attempt the challenging climbs and scrambles if you are a confident and capable climber with experience.
- Bring a reliable trail map app, but be aware that trails are still very difficult to follow and prepare for self-navigation.
- Consider parking at a nearby picnic area as street parking is limited.
- This is an outdoor natural area; no formal climbing gear or safety equipment is provided, so plan accordingly.
Good to know before you go
- Families with young children (under 8) attempting the main, challenging routes due to confusing trails and safety risks.
- Beginner climbers or those without significant outdoor climbing/scrambling experience.
- Anyone expecting clearly marked, easy-to-follow trails.
- Families looking for a structured, supervised, or formally equipped climbing gym experience.
- Trails are extremely difficult to follow, even with a trail map app, leading to a risk of getting lost or stranded.
- Crowds
- Not explicitly mentioned, but the mention of meeting 'great locals' suggests it's a known and frequented spot. No specific times for crowds are indicated.
- Value
- Excellent value as it's a free outdoor activity. Families can enjoy extensive natural rock play, climbing, and scenic views without any entry or equipment rental fees. The value is in the access to natural beauty and physical challenge.
- Accessibility
- No specific accessibility accommodations mentioned; due to the nature of a natural rock formation and poorly marked trails, it's likely not suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.
- Safety
- No formal safety features (e.g., staff supervision, ropes, first aid stations, marked trails) are mentioned for this natural area.
What parents say
"This place is so amazing. I love living here. The section before the loop has some amazing hiking straight up a series of rock formations. We kept going up and up. Down the other side to find some bouldering."
6 years ago
"This is a fun scramble to the top of the mountain with spectacular views of both red rocks and Vegas. We met some great locals along the way that mentioned some other good local trails."
3 years ago
"The climb was nice, and the views are spectacular, but even using a trail map app it was impossible to follow any semblance of a trail. Thankfully my husband and I are both fairly confident and capable climbers or we would have been stranded at the top."
6 years ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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