Red Rock Canyon is composed of a series of large red rock formations, including sandstone peaks and walls known as the Keystone Thrust. Some of the walls reach up to 900 meters (3,000 feet) in elevation, which is part of what makes the area such a popular rock climbing destination.

La Madre Mountain, at 2,485 meters (8,154 feet), is the highest point in the conservation area and attracts many hikers and climbers aiming to reach its summit and enjoy the views from the top.

The area did not become a popular rock climbing destination until the late 1960s, but now is well-known for both its easy and challenging routes, attracting rock climbers of every level from all around the world.

Popular sport climbing routes include Calico Hills and Sandstone Quarry. Meanwhile trad climbers tend to head to Brass Wall and Necromancer Wall for excellent single-pitch ascents and any of Eagle Wall, Mescalito and Solar Slab for more intense multi-pitch ascents.

Climbers also come from all around to take on the various cracks, many of which are 30 meters (100 feet) long or more.