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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, bring 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. We hope to encourage you to find your adventure, have fun and make lots of memories!

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Route Distance: Up to 370 miles Suggested Time: 3 to 4 days

Nothing is more extreme than a road trip from Las Vegas to Death Valley National Park or rather, nothing has more extremes. Along this journey, you’ll encounter the lowest point in North America and the nearly 12,000-foot peak of Mt. Charleston, the highest and lowest elevations in the Lower 48.

Get ready to explore some of Nevada’s most mesmerizing sites, including a bewitching ghost town, breathtaking national and state parks, and quirky roadside attractions. This adventure takes you far from the neon glitz of the Las Vegas Strip into a world of stark beauty and rich history.

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.

Leg 1: Wake Up in Vegas, Sleep in Pahrump (130 miles)

Red Rock Canyon & Spring Mountain Ranch State Park

Start your journey by heading west to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, just 30 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. Take the 13-mile scenic drive or stretch your legs on one of the stunning hiking trails. Passes are $20 or use your America the Beautiful Pass. Be sure to stop at the visitors center to learn more about the park. I always have to stop at visitor centers and get a magnet, but they have quite a few nice things here you may be interested in purchasing.

 Pro tip: Timed reservations are required from October 1 through May 31, so plan ahead!

If time allows, stop at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, adjacent to Red Rock Canyon. Tour historic structures, including an 1860s blacksmith shop and the Sandstone Cabin, home to Nevada’s early settlers. There are plenty of hiking trails here, including Lake Harriet loop.  It’s also a great place for a shaded picnic lunch before continuing your trip. Park fees are $10 for Nevada residents, $15 for non-residents. You can also use your Nevada State annual park pass at this park.

Mountain Springs Saloon

As you drive toward Pahrump, make a quick stop at Mountain Springs Saloon, a quirky biker bar covered in dollar bills.  Grab a cold drink and soak in the offbeat atmosphere.

Pahrump

Just 60 miles west of Las Vegas, Pahrump is your stop for the night. Explore the local wineries, a meadery/cidery, or check out a uniquely offbeat attraction, a mom-and-pop coffin shop! Feeling lucky? Try your hand at one of Pahrump’s casinos before settling in for the night.

Leg 2: Pahrump to Beatty via Death Valley (170 miles)

Death Valley National Park

Head west to the ominously named Death Valley National Park, where stark landscapes reveal incredible natural beauty. Enter via Highway 190, making a beeline for Dante’s View, which offers a stunning vista over the Badwater Basin salt flats, the lowest point in North America and on clear days, a view of Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the Lower 48.

Stop at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center to get your bearings before spending the day exploring the park’s many famous landmarks.

Pro tip: Plan your route ahead of time, the park is massive, and having a game plan will keep you from feeling overwhelmed.

After a day of desert exploration, head to Beatty for a well-earned rest. While there, you can enjoy the friendly burros. Please don’t feed the burros. First, people’s food isn’t good for them, and if they get accustomed to being fed, they won’t go forage for their natural food sources. If you love chili, then be sure to stop at Happy Burro Chili & Beer for dinner.

Leg 3: Beatty to Las Vegas (via Rhyolite & Mt. Charleston)

Rhyolite Ghost Town

Before leaving Beatty, make a detour to Rhyolite, one of Nevada’s most photogenic ghost towns. Wander among the ruins of this once-bustling mining town, where you’ll find the famous Tom Kelly’s Bottle House and eerie outdoor art at the Goldwell Open Air Museum.

Beatty’s Quirky Attractions

While in town, stop at Death Valley Nut & Candy, Nevada’s largest candy store, for some road trip snacks before heading back toward Las Vegas. For information about these and other quirky road trip attractions in Nevada check out our blog.

Spring Mountains National Recreation Area & Mt. Charleston

Before returning to the city lights, take a scenic detour through the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. If visiting in spring or summer, enjoy hiking and lush alpine scenery. In winter, this area transforms into a snowy wonderland with skiing and other winter sports.

Final Thoughts

Nevada is full of incredible landscapes, ghost towns, and outdoor adventures, far beyond the bright lights of Las Vegas. Whether you’re drawn to stunning desert vistas, quirky roadside attractions, or rich Wild West history, this road trip offers something for every traveler. If you’re looking for other road trips in Nevada or another state, go to Roadtrippers.com for help planning your dream trip. Use code BTR5QTP to save $5.

We give you information and tips that we learn along the way to help you make informed decisions when planning your vacation. We hope to encourage you to find your adventure, have fun and make some amazing memories!

The post Nevada’s Death Valley Rally: An Epic Desert Adventure appeared first on scenicroutetravelers.com.

What is a Joshua Tree? The Joshua Tree, Yucca brevifolia, is a member of the agave family. Joshua trees are an important part of the Mojave Desert system, giving food and shelter to reptiles, birds, mammals, and insects. When you’re there you will be amazed at the trees that have grown as tall as some pine trees with many arms as well as the fields that are covered in these beautiful trees.

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.

Unique Desert Ecosystem

One of the park’s most fascinating features is its dual desert ecosystem. The Mojave Desert, in the higher elevations, is where you’ll find the park’s namesake Joshua trees. This is the northern end of the park. The Colorado Desert, on the other hand, sits at lower elevations and has a more typical desert landscape, with sparse vegetation and vast expanses of creosote bushes and ocotillo. If you go in the southern entrance to the park, this is where you will find this ecosystem.

This diversity of environments makes Joshua Tree a haven for a wide variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, coyotes, and desert tortoises. Birds are abundant here too, especially in the springtime when migrating species fill the park with their songs. Please remember to keep your distance from the animals and enjoy them in their natural environment. When we pulled into one of the parking lots, there were 4 or 5 crows looking for food in the trash and they weren’t afraid of people so I got a good picture of one. Just reminded me not to feed any of the animals. We don’t want them to become dependent on people for their food.

Adventures Await

Hiking in Joshua Tree is a must for those who love to hike, with trails ranging from short, accessible walks to challenging treks that lead to sweeping vistas. The Hidden Valley trail, a favorite among visitors, is a gentle 1-mile loop through an enclosed valley surrounded by massive rock formations. For those seeking a more strenuous hike, the Ryan Mountain trail offers a 3-mile round-trip adventure that rewards hikers with panoramic views of the park from the 5,461-foot summit. Hiking is really not our thing, but the short hikes were pretty easy so if you’re looking for some beautiful views but don’t want to walk a lot, consider the shorter trails.

For rock climbers, Joshua Tree is a world-renowned destination. The park boasts over 8,000 climbing routes, with craggy rock formations that cater to all skill levels. Climbers flock to iconic spots like Intersection Rock and Cap Rock, where they can challenge themselves on the same boulders that have attracted adventurers for decades. My knees can’t handle climbing rocks anymore, so I can’t tell you much on this except that we did see some of these huge rocks and they look pretty challenging.

Beyond hiking and climbing, Joshua Tree offers opportunities for stargazing like few other places in the world. Its remote location, far from city lights, makes it an ideal place to witness the night sky in all its glory. The park even hosts an annual Night Sky Festival, where visitors can join astronomers to observe the cosmos through telescopes. Joshua Tree was recently designated as an International Dark Sky Park. Click here to learn more about what constitutes a Dark Sky Park.

Conservation and Respect

When visiting, it’s important to remember that Joshua Tree is a fragile ecosystem. Visitors are encouraged to follow the Leave No Trace principles, ensuring that the park remains pristine for future generations. The Joshua trees themselves are particularly vulnerable to environmental changes, and it’s essential to avoid damaging these ancient symbols of the desert.

These are the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife.

Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park

Below is a big list of things to do in Joshua Tree National Park. This is an extensive list and covers most of the sights, viewpoints, scenic drives, and hiking trails in the park. It is a LOT to do, and for most people, this list is too big to tackle on a typical visit here. However, I am listing all of these sights, just so you know what there is to do in this park. If you have limited time to enjoy the park, read the descriptions below to help you decide what interests you the most and plan you itinerary to see those sites. It you have 3 or 4 days you can view most of the park. If you are limited on time, driving through the park will give you a wonderful tour of the Joshua trees, including some of the largest ones and you will have easy access to Skull Rock, one of the most visited rock formations in the park because of the easy access. We started at the Twenty-nine palms entrance and drove through the park and really enjoyed everything we were able to see and do.

Hikes in the park

Here is a list of 4 of the easier hikes in the park. If you go on the NPS website, it gives you really good descriptions of the hikes and ratings from easy to hard. Please check this before you go to make sure your ability matches the hike.

Arch Rock Trail 1.8 miles, easy, 1 hour. On this trail, you get to see two of the most iconic rock formations in the park: Arch Rock and Heart Rock. The scenery is some of the best in Joshua Tree and great photo opportunities along the way.

Cap Rock Nature Trail 0.4-mile loop, easy, 30 minutes. This hike may be short, but it offers some wonderful views and photo opportunities of Joshua trees. It is a good hike for all ages.

Skull Rock Trail 1.7-mile loop, easy to moderate, 1 hour. For most of the hike, you will be walking past enormous boulders and unique rock formations, such as Skull Rock. This hike is great for all ages and ability levels.

Hidden Valley 1.0 miles loop, easy, 30 -60 minutes. This rock enclosed valley is rumored to be where the cattle rustlers would hide. It is one of the most photogenic hikes in the park. This is a great walk for all ages. It also has a picnic area nearby with barbeque grills. The parking area can get crowded around mid-day so keep that in mind for your itinerary.

More places to explore

Tour Keys Ranch

For 60 years, Bill and Frances Keys lived on this ranch. They raised five children in this harsh environment, cattle farming and mining. This ranch is now on the National Historic Register Site.

On a ranger-guided tour, you can visit their house, the school, and see the mining equipment. Tours are typically held from October to May and have a fee in addition to the park entrance fee. It’s best to make reservations in advance.

Enjoy the View from Keys View

Keys View is one of the best viewpoints in Joshua Tree National Park. From this overlook, you have a panoramic view of the Santa Rosa Mountains, San Jacinto Mountain, Coachella Valley, the San Andreas Fault and Palm Springs. The views can be hazy at times, but it’s worth visiting. Keys View is located at the end of Keys View Road. From the parking lot, it is a 0.2-mile loop to walk to the viewpoints.

Hike to Forty-nine Palms Oasis

This is one of quite a few oases in the park and can be a bit of a challenge for some. It is 3.2 miles with a 775 ft. ascent. It is rated moderate and takes 2-3 hours. You will have to hike up and over a rocky mountain to here, but the beautiful oasis is worth it if you are able.

Drive Geology Tour Road

Geology Tour Road is the most popular 4WD road in Joshua Tree National Park. It is well maintained by the National Park Service, but since some sections of the road are really bumpy and/or have deep sand, a 4×4 vehicle is recommended if you want to drive the full loop. Also keep the weather in mind as it can get muddy if there has been rain. Check the NPS website for alerts.

Standard vehicles can handle the first few miles of the road (until Squaw Tank at marker number 9). Beyond this point, 4×4 vehicles are recommended by the National Park Service. Along this 18-mile loop are 16 stops. If you get the guide at the entrance, you will see these listed. If you stop at all of the stops, it can take 2 hours to drive the full loop.

Cholla Cactus Garden

The Cholla Cactus Garden is one of the most unique sights in Joshua Tree National Park. This large cluster of cacti are fun to visit and photograph. One of the more popular is the teddy bear cholla because of the way the thorns look so soft, but beware! These are one of the most difficult thorns to get out, so don’t touch. Another popular cactus is the Prickly Pear with its colorful fruit.

Go Horseback Riding

253 miles of equestrian trails weave through the desert landscapes and canyons of Joshua Tree National Park. These trails are located throughout the park but many of them are clustered around Black Rock Campground, Eureka Peak, Covington Road, and the west entrance. Check the National Park Service website for more information on trails and rule.

Cottonwood Spring Oasis

If you want to see a beautiful oasis without having to hike to it, the Cottonwood Spring Oasis is the one! From the parking area, it is a 2-minute walk to get to this oasis. This Oasis is one of the best kept secrets in Joshua Tree National Park. It’s just seven miles from the southern entrance to the park. The spring, the result of earthquake activity, was used for centuries by the Cahuilla Indians, who left bedrock mortars and clay pots, or ollas, in the area. This area leads to quite a few hiking trails. Be sure to check website or park guide to plan your hikes near here.

Oasis of Mara

The Oasis of Mara is located behind the Joshua Tree National Park visitor center in Twentynine Palms. A paved trail loops around this oasis, so it’s easy to visit. It’s a nice option if you want to see an oasis without hiking or driving out to Cottonwood Springs.

Go Stargazing

This is one of the best national parks to view the night sky and photograph the Milky Way. As mentioned previously, this park has been designated as an International Dark Sky Park so if you like star gazing this is one park you shouldn’t miss. The best places in the park to view the stars is the Cholla Cactus Garden or Pinto Basin Road between south entrance and White Tank Road. The pull offs can get crowded so keep that in mind. Every year, a Dark Sky Festival is held at Sky’s the Limit Center and Observatory, which is located just outside of the park entrance, near Twentynine Palms. Tickets go on sale in advance and typically sell out. For more information, go to the NPS website.

Planning Your Visit

Joshua Tree National Park is open year-round, but the best times to visit are during the fall and spring, when temperatures are more moderate. Summer can be sweltering, with daytime temperatures reaching over 100°F, so it’s important to plan accordingly if visiting during the hotter months. Hiking is not recommended in the summer months. The park is open year-round, 24/7. It is $30 per vehicle to enter, or you can use your American the Beautiful pass. Dogs are not allowed on the hiking trails and must be on 6 ft. or shorter leash in other parts of the park. Be sure to stop at one of the visitors centers for information about your visit and get a park map. For more information about the park check out the NPS website. If you are flying in, Los Angles or Las Vegas will be your closest airports. If you use Southwest be sure to check your points.

The park is easily accessible from cities like Palm Springs, Las Vegas and Los Angeles, making it a popular day-trip destination. However, to fully immerse yourself in the experience, consider spending a night camping under the stars. The park has several campgrounds, with sites that offer amazing sunrise and sunset views. For those not interested in camping, nearby towns like Twentynine Palms and Joshua Tree provide more traditional lodging options, along with quirky art galleries, cafes, and shops.

Conclusion

Joshua Tree National Park is a place where nature’s raw beauty and tranquility reign. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure or simply a moment of peace in the desert, Joshua Tree offers an unparalleled experience. The combination of stunning landscapes, unique flora and fauna, and an endless sense of wonder makes this park a true desert gem. Be sure to check out the National Park website to learn more about ranger programs available and more information about the park.

If you’re planning an escape to the desert, Joshua Tree National Park should be at the top of your list, it’s a place you’ll never forget. We love to tell you about great places to visit and tips we have learned about those places so that you can make informed decisions about your trip. Even if you don’t go to Joshua Tree, find your adventure, even if it’s close to home, and have fun! If you need ideas for a road trip adventure, go to roadtrippers.com to help you find your perfect trip. Use code BTR5QTP to save $5. Don’t forget your suntan lotion, plenty of water and of course your camera to capture what will be wonderful memories!

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