When the neon buzz of Las Vegas starts to fade and you’re craving a dose of nature’s drama, Red Rock Canyon is your golden ticket. Just 25 minutes west of the Strip, this stunning conservation area feels like a world away—think towering red sandstone cliffs, twisting canyons, and wide-open desert views that make you forget slot machines ever existed.
This post includes some affiliate links. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, we will receive a small percentage of the sale at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support.
Why Visit Red Rock Canyon?
Red Rock isn’t just a backdrop—it’s an experience. Whether you’re into scenic drives, epic hikes, or just want a jaw-dropping photo -op to make your friends back home jealous, this place delivers. The 13-mile Scenic Drive is a showstopper, winding through vibrant rock formations that practically glow at sunrise and sunset.
*Pro Tip: Before starting your journey, stop at the Visitor’s center for maps, information and some history of Red Rock Canyon and great views. You can also fill up on water and take a restroom break. These are the only ones in the canyon.
Things to Do
Take in the Scenic Drive
Starting at the Visitor Center cruise the one-way 13-mile loop to see the canyon. It’s important to remember, though, that the Scenic Drive is a one-way route. I recommend stopping whenever an overlook or trailhead piques your interest. Personally, I would stop at all of them so as not to miss anything. If you do miss a point of interest, you’ll have to catch it on a second pass through the area. There are designated pullouts and parking areas at major trailheads. Go early to beat the heat and the crowds—this is Vegas, after all.
Check Out the Red Rock Scenic Overlook
There are many great pullouts and overlooks along the Red Rock Scenic Drive and even Blue Diamond Road, but the best is the Red Rock Scenic Overlook. This overlook gives you a full view of the mountain range and the Keystone Thrust. The Keystone Thrust is a unique tectonic formation that makes the rocky cliffs look like rainbows.
Biking
Bicycling in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area can be an enjoyable way to see the local flora and fauna. Bicycles are allowed on the one-way Scenic Drive, paved spur roads, and designated mountain bike trails. Bikes are not allowed on designated hiking trails.
Hiking Trails
There are 26 numbered trails and hikes, most of the trails are between 1 mile and 7 miles round trip. These trails are typically lower in elevation and well-marked. Whether you’re in sneakers or hiking boots, there’s a trail for you. Here are some of the most popular trails:
Calico Tanks – Moderate- Strenuous, 2.2 miles roundtrip. This scurry over jumbled sandstone leads to a hidden water pocket and a great view of Las Vegas.
Ice Box Canyon – Strenuous, 2.3 miles roundtrip. A shady, rocky scramble with hidden waterfalls in the cooler months. As the name implies, Ice Box Canyon is known for its cool shade, as the canyon rarely sees sunlight. With a strenuous rating, the Ice Box Canyon Trail is not for the faint of heart. It rises steeply from the trailhead off the Scenic Drive, and the trail surface consists mostly of rock.
Moenkopi Loop – Easy 2-mile loop. Triassic fossils and various desert flora can be seen on this open country trail which starts at the visitor center and traverses a prominent limestone ridge.
La Madre Spring– Moderate, 3.6 miles. This nice hike follows an old road up a canyon with red and white sandstone cliffs on one side and gray limestone mountains on the other. The trail takes you to La Madre Spring where you’ll see water for wildlife, you may even see some burros.
*Pro Tip: Remember that all wildlife in Red Rock Canyon is just that, wild. Do not get close to them or feed them.
Lost Creek– Children’s Discovery- Easy to Moderate 0.80 miles trail. This trail introduces visitors to the many different features of the Mojave Desert, including pictographs, lessons of desert life, towering views, and a hidden seasonal waterfall (December-April) in the canyon.
Hiking in Red Rock Canyon brings you right up close to all the beautiful mountains. What’s so great about the area is that hiking trails aren’t too strenuous (unless you’re heading to a climbing area or scrambling a peak). Visit the website for maps and information about all 26 trails. There are Georeferenced GPS maps available for these hikes. Click here to get them.
See the Petroglyphs
It is a 0.20-mile easy walk from the Willow Springs Picnic Area gives you a glimpse back into time. The Mojave (and conservation area) is home to the Paiute people, who, like many of the advanced civilizations that existed here before settlers came, carved their stories into rocks. You can see examples of real Paiute petroglyphs at Willow Springs. It’s well worth a visit to check out this moment in history. Rock art dates back at least 800 years, with signs of human settlement found in the area dating up to 10,000 years ago. Look for the start of this trail in the Willow Springs Picnic Area parking lot (on the opposite side of the road from the picnic benches).
*Pro Tip: When visiting any National or State Park follow the Leave No Trace principle. This means stay on the trails, leave nothing behind, don’t touch or move anything (this is especially true of ancient art and architecture) and respect the rules of the park.
Rock Climbing
Red Rock is a mecca for climbers, drawing in both beginners and daredevils. Even if you don’t climb, it’s a blast to watch them scale those vertical red walls like desert ninjas. If you have never climbed at Red Rock Canyon and are unfamiliar with route locations, a climbing guide is available with photos, route descriptions, and directions to provide you with a brief idea of where to find established traditional and sport routes.
Where to Stay Near Red Rock Canyon
Planning to spend more than a day exploring the beauty of Red Rock Canyon? Whether you’re escaping the buzz of the Strip or staying outside of Las Vegas entirely, here are a couple of solid options close to the park:
Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa
Just minutes from the canyon, this upscale resort is the perfect basecamp for a little desert luxury. Red Rock Casino offers spacious, modern rooms, stunning views of the sandstone cliffs, and a full lineup of restaurants, bars, and amenities, including a relaxing spa and, of course, a lively casino floor if you’re feeling lucky after a day on the trails. Whether you’re here for a night or a weekend escape, it’s got everything you need to unwind in style.
Red Rock Canyon Campground
For a more rugged, under-the-stars experience, head to the Red Rock Canyon Campground, located about two miles east of the Visitor Center on West Charleston Boulevard. It’s a no-frills, primitive campground (think: no hookups or showers), but it’s a great choice for those wanting to stay close to nature. Just keep in mind, there’s no camping inside the Conservation Area itself, and this site is typically closed during the hot summer months, from Memorial Day through September 1.
While there are other hotel and resort options in the greater Summerlin and west Las Vegas area, these two are the closest to the canyon and offer completely different vibes, depending on how you like to recharge after an adventure.
Insider Tips
-Entrance Fee: $20 per vehicle (or free with an America the Beautiful pass).
*Timed entry reservations are required for the Scenic Drive between October 1 – May 31 for entry between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
-Hours: Open daily; hours vary by season (usually 6am–sunset).
-Best Time to Go: Fall through spring. Summer is scorching unless you’re part lizard.
-What to Bring: Water (seriously—lots), sunscreen, sturdy shoes, and your camera. Cell service is spotty, so screenshot trail maps if you need them. You can download and print the map from this site. Remember that the desert is a dry heat, so you will dehydrate much quicker so drink lots of water even if you’re not doing lots of activities in the canyon.
For more information to help you plan your trip check the BLM website and the Red Rock Canyon website
A Different Kind of Vegas Thrill
Red Rock Canyon is the perfect palate cleanser between nights on the Strip. It’s where you trade cocktails for canyons, sequins for sandstone, and take home a different kind of Vegas memory—one that smells like creosote bush and feels like wind on your face. Nothing beats the beautiful Red Rock formations!
We want to give you the information and tips that we learn along the way to help you plan your perfect vacation. If you need ideas for more vacation ideas, check out Trips.com. They have lots of good information to help you plan your perfect trip. We hope to encourage you to find your adventure, have fun and make lots of memories!