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Visiting Red Rock Canyon is one of the top things to undertake on the outskirts of Las Vegas, so if you’re spending time in Sin City, you must go! In under 30 minutes, you could be driving through an expansive show of red sandstone peaks and walking amid thousands of years of geological history. No doubt why this is one of the most popular attractions in Nevada.
This location is conveniently reachable in a day from the Las Vegas Strip, allowing you to hire a vehicle in Las Vegas or take part in one of the excursions to Red Rock Canyon from Las Vegas. Whichever you choose, you’ll be able to experience all the top activities available in Red Rock Canyon, such as hiking, rock climbing, and the Scenic Drive.
We’ve explored this breathtaking natural area during our trips to Vegas, and it’s always the perfect method to detach from the busy city and get some fresh air. Red Rock is also a very good family destination, especially the ancient carvings you can find on the rock walls.
In this guide to Red Rock Canyon, I’ll share the top 10 things to do here, as well as information about tours, transportation, hours, and fees. By the end of this article, you’ll know everything you need to maximize your time and appreciate all that this place has to offer!
Table of Contents
1. Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive, a fun thing to do in Red Rock, Las Vegas
One of the most obvious things to do at Red Rock Canyon involves taking a trip along the scenic route. This 13 mile stretch provides the perfect way to see Red Rock`s most famous attractions, so bring your camera!
Most travelers tend to go down this paved road via automobile or bicycle. During the trip, you`ll pass trail portals, scenic overlooks, stunning landscapes, and ancient etchings in rock. I suggest venturing onto the route just after sunrise so you can appreciate the red stones in all their magnificence.
Currently, the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive demands a timed entrance passage, which you can reserve up to 30 days in advance here.
2. Calico Tanks Trail, one of the best hikes in Red Rock Canyon
If you’ve read our guide on the best hikes in Red Rock Canyon, you’ll know that the route of the Calico Tanks Trail is an excellent one to take. The trail is just over 2 miles long and provides magnificent views.
While the hike isn’t an extensive distance, it necessitates a moderate level of ability as it entails some climbing and scrambling over rocky areas. Your compensation is some incredible vistas and hidden gems.
You’ll see the sandstone cliffs that make Red Rock Canyon Park so renowned, as well as the Calico Tanks water hole. This hike is also a brief history lesson, as you’ll pass an Indian roasting pit and stunning geological formations. Be sure to stop and take in the views!
3. Calico Hills, one of the most popular places in Red Rock Canyon, Nevada
Speaking of the Calico Tanks Trail, if you enjoy hiking and want to further explore the area, check out Calico Hills. The trail runs from the basin at the base of Calico Rocks to a beautiful sandstone summit.
Reaching this Red Rock Canyon outlook demands physical exertion, so I only recommend it for seasoned hikers. Of course, the lovely scenery of the distinct reddish hills, formed as dunes millions of years ago, merits the effort.
Scaling the impressive slickrock terrain in this region provides an incredible activity to engage in at Red Rock Canyon, and you’ll be able to gain better perspectives than what is seen on the Scenic Drive.
4. Ice Box Canyon, a stunning place to visit in Red Rock, Nevada
Another attraction you must see at Red Rock Canyon Park is Ice Box Canyon. It’s an especially magnificent sight given the red sandstone that characterizes this preserved area.
Ice Box Canyon also offers a shady place of refuge from the hot sandstone. It’s a narrow ravine with white, yellow, and gray-striped rocks, so reaching it necessitates some fun climbing over boulders. After traversing the boulders, you’ll see one of the few waterfalls in Red Rock Canyon, but only if you go between December and April.
Alongside the pleasant change of scenery, the landscape around Ice Box Canyon provides good bird-watching potential, so keep an eye out for mourning doves, white-throated swifts, and quail.
5. Lost Creek, the Red Rock Canyon waterfall you must see
Another place to see a waterfall at Red Rock Canyon is at Lost Creek. Again, you’ll have to visit between December and April when the temperatures aren’t as intense.
That stated, the Lost Creek – Children’s Discovery Trail deserves doing whenever. It’s a short, simple course, and you’re bound to see an assortment of wilderness plants and creatures along the way. This is additionally an extraordinary thing to do in Red Rock Canyon with kids since the course passes a few petroglyphs.
Again, if viewing the waterfall is a priority, I recommend going in the spring season. At this time, you may also see blossoming wild flowers and wild burros taking a morning stroll to the watering hole.
6. Petroglyph Wall, something you can’t miss in Red Rock Canyon, NV
If you’re visiting Red Rock Canyon, Nevada with kids, I have another must-see for you! The Petroglyph Wall is one of the best showings of ancient rock art in the entire park. It’s just a 20-minute stroll from the Willow Spring Picnic Area, so you can easily complete it with children.
Here, you are able to examine the carved pictographs on the rock walls, which depict ancient symbols and sketches of animals and figures from long ago. Stopping at the Visitor Center initial allows you to see the exhibits that shed light on the Paiute Indian civilization inhabiting this region around 800 years in the past. That noted, you’ll find informational signs along the route.
This is one of the most intriguing places to visit in Red Rock Canyon, but avoid touching the petroglyphs since the natural oils from hands can harm them.
7. Watch for wild burros along the First Creek Canyon Trail
Without doubt, hiking is among the top activities to undertake at Red Rock Canyon, and the trail through First Creek Canyon is one of the finest options. This 4-mile path sees significant traffic as it offers scenic views passing through cottonwood, pine, and willow trees. It ultimately leads to a small waterfall, although depending on when one visits, it may be dry.
However, this area is frequently inhabited by wild donkeys, so travelers should remain alert for these furry animals. Vistas of the boldly striped sandstone rock formations and accompanying green scrub also impress, presenting a picturesque contrast.
8. Go rock climbing, one of the best activities in Red Rock Canyon, Vegas
While enjoying one of the hiking routes in the Red Rock Canyon area, you may see some daring hikers rock climbing on the sandstone cliffs. This location is a premier climbing destination, and you can find climbing paths for beginners and experts throughout the park.
Red Rock Canyon contains world-class boulders and rock faces that attract climbers from around the globe. Throughout the park, you can find designated routes for traditional and sport climbing, such as the cliffs along the Calico Hills Trail.
Therefore, if you’re uncertain what to do at Red Rock Canyon, consider an rock-climbing experience! You can go to the Visitor Center for climbing routes and guides or visit this website for extra information and to speak with the Red Rock climbing team.
9. Fly over Red Rock Canyon by helicopter, the best thing to do in Red Rock for couples
The beautiful scenery of Red Rock Canyon, Nevada is already quite extraordinary, but imagine seeing it from an aerial perspective.
A helicopter flight above the region is one of the best activities to partake in in Red Rock Canyon as a pair or for a unique event. If you want to make your visit unforgettable, I endorse this helicopter excursion to Red Rock Canyon from Las Vegas.
The flying apparatus leaves the area along the Vegas Strip and travels above the Mojave Desert prior to landing at an astounding viewpoint. You’ll have 30 minutes to enjoy a champagne toast and a secluded vista overlooking the canyon and Las Vegas Valley from 2,900 feet above sea level. The excursion is also accessible in the afternoon, so you can see a stunning sunset over Red Rock Canyon.
10. Bike in Red Rock Canyon, the perfect way to see Red Rock Canyon, Nevada
Earlier, I mentioned the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive, which you can take by vehicle or bicycle. Another comparable option is to do a cycling tour of Red Rock and get a different view of the park.
The initial excursion I propose is this 3-hour cycle trip, which permits you to explore 20 miles along the Blue Diamond and Red Rock scenic routes. Travel by power-assisted bicycle at your own tempo, riding throughout Red Rock and the neighboring Summerlin area.
Another proposal is this electric bike tour along the Scenic Drive. You’ll be able to leisurely cycle through the area, stopping to capture photos along the way. This is definitely an enjoyable activity at Red Rock Canyon as a group, and both tours include an electric bike rental, helmet, water, and guides.
Where is Red Rock Canyon and how to get there
When planning a trip to Red Rock, some details warrant consideration. Specifically, multiple locations share this name, such as sites in California and Colorado. This guide focuses on Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area in Nevada, and the following section outlines access.
Red Rock Canyon from Las Vegas
Given Red Rock Canyon’s proximity to Vegas, it’s one of the best day trips from Las Vegas. Many tourists hire an automobile in Vegas and travel to the conservation area. The excursion takes less than 30 minutes, and the guidance to Red Rock Canyon from the Strip are straightforward:
- Take Las Vegas Blvd N to I-515 N/US-95 N.
- Follow US-95 N to NV-613/Summerlin Pkwy W.
- Take the right exit onto County Road 215 South/Bruce Woodbury Beltway South.
- Take Exit 26 for Charleston Blvd/NV-159.
- Turn right onto NV-159 W/W Charleston Blvd.
- Follow signs pointing to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Center/Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center.
Red Rock Canyon tours
If you don’t want to rent a car in Vegas, you can find several guided trips to the nature reserve. We have an article on Red Rock Canyon tours from Las Vegas, but I’ll mention that this tour is the most popular.
The day-long excursion includes entry to Red Rock Canyon and a visit to Seven Magic Mountains, an art installment in the Mojave Desert. Throughout the tour, you’ll have the ability to explore the hiking paths and the Scenic Drive. If you instead favor just seeing Red Rock Canyon, you can reserve one of the other tours highlighted in our guide.
Red Rock Canyon weather and best time to visit
Another factor to consider when planning your excursion is the weather in Red Rock Canyon. The best time to visit this place is in the spring or fall when the temperatures are comfortable and hover around 70°F-80°F.
April is a beautiful month to visit because the wildflowers will be blooming, and the waterfalls are likely to be flowing. If the fall is preferred, I recommend September or October, when you can enjoy the foliage without brutal heat.
Summers in Red Rock bring extreme desert heat, while winters can be too cold or stormy for hiking.
Red Rock Canyon hours & entrance fee
Red Rock Canyon’s hours vary depending on the season:
- November-February: 6 am to 5 pm
- March: 6 am to 7 pm
- April-September: 6 am to 8 pm
- October: 6 am to 7 pm
The Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center is accessible daily from 9 am to 4:30 pm.
As for park costs, the red Rock canyon entrance fee is $15/day per vehicle and $5/day per bike. Additional details regarding hours and fees can be found on the official website.
Red Rock Canyon reservations
Remember that currently, Red Rock Canyon reservations are mandatory to access the Scenic Drive. You can purchase a timed entry ticket online up to 30 days before your visit.
Where to stay in Red Rock Canyon
It’s a quite brief drive to the Red Rock Canyon from Las Vegas, however if you want to stay at the park overnight, you have some alternatives. Below, I’ll share information regarding camping at Red Rock Canyon and nearby accommodations.
Red Rock Canyon campground
If you’d like to spend the night here, you can book a spot at Red Rock Canyon Campground. Located two miles from the Visitor Center, it is the only campsite in the park.
The camping area is suitable for tenting and recreational vehicle camping, though no electric or water hook-ups are provided. This campsite has vault toilets and water taps but lacks showers or waste disposal stations. The majority of sites contain picnic tables, barbecue grills, and fire rings.
There are 53 individual areas, six RV areas, and seven expansive-bunch campsites. The nightly rates begin at $10 for individual areas and $20 for RV areas. Huge-bunch campsites fit up to 20 individuals and expense $60/night. You can book your Red Rock Canyon camping area here.
Be aware that lodging areas commonly close for periods in summer.
Hotels near Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
If camping in Red Rock Canyon is not desirable, lodging can be found in the nearby town of Summerlin, Nevada.
Summerlin is partly within the city limits of Las Vegas, so it’s perfect if you plan to visit both Red Rock Canyon and the Vegas Strip. Summerlin is also where you’ll find Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa, one of the finest Las Vegas hotels off the Strip.
Other tips for visiting Red Rock Canyon, Nevada
That’s about all the info I have for you concerning Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Before wrapping up, I’d like to share some suggestions for your visit:
- Be sure to bring ample water as there will be no sources of it on the trails.
- Prepare for the climate! Conditions are generally warm, sunny, and dry, so pack sunglasses, a hat, and lightweight, loose layers. Hiking is a top activity at Red Rock Canyon, so sturdy footwear like hiking boots/shoes or sneakers is essential.
Renting a vehicle is also a great plan if you want to take a .
- Plan additional time to complete your hike, accounting for weather expectations, sunset, and any obstacles along the route.
- If you’re going to take the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive,reserve your entrance pass in advance.
Red Rock Canyon map
Finally, a Red Rock Canyon map is included to aid planning. Locations mentioned here and suggested lodging are marked to facilitate experiencing all this scenic region offers
That`s the end of the information from me! If you have any additional questions, feel free to leave a comment below, and I`ll do my best to provide assistance. Travel safely!
