Set in the foothills of the Black Mountain Range, Rio Secco Golf Club is one of the toughest courses in the Las Vegas area

HENDERSON, Nev. -- Nestled within the foothills of the Black Mountain Range, Rio Secco Golf Club feels as though it is much further than 14 miles from the Las Vegas Strip. This conveniently situated course tumbles across a rugged landscape of canyons and valleys, an ideal terrain for a challenging round.

Rees Jones designed the course, stretching the layout to more than 7,400 yards. It has a reputation for being one of the toughest golf courses in the Las Vegas area.

The course offers plenty of variety, both in challenges and scenery. There are six holes that play through steep canyons, six that are perched atop plateaus overlooking the city, and another six that sweep across a broad desert wash.

Rio Secco's seventh is one of the most difficult but also one of the most scenic. This long par 3 begins in the middle of a canyon and finishes in an amphitheater of rock formations.

While the course has made a name for itself amongst both locals and visiting tour professionals, Rio Secco G.C. is also known for being home to the top golf instructor in the world, Butch Harmon.