Most visitors come to Las Vegas to take advantage of the party scene on the strip. However, if you’re craving a breath of fresh air and an escape from the crowds, head about 25 minutes off the strip to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area! Keep reading to discover the best things to do in Red Rock Canyon Las Vegas.
*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product or book a tour through the link then we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. We really appreciate your support!
Best things to do in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Table of Contents
- How to get to Red Rock Canyon Las Vegas
- Red Rock Canyon Visitor Information
- Things to do in Red Rock Canyon
- Best stops on the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive
How to get to Red Rock Canyon Las Vegas
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is located about 23 miles east of the Las Vegas strip. The address for the visitor center is 1000 Scenic Loop Dr. Las Vegas, Nevada 89161.
Depending on what area of the strip you are coming from, you can either take US-95 N to Summerlin Pkwy, then south on 215 South to Charleston Blvd.
If you’re coming from the south end of the strip, take 1-15 South to 215 West, then exit on Charleston Blvd.
Once you are on Charleston Blvd, follow it until you reach the visitor center.
Red Rock Canyon Visitor Information
- Entrance Fee: The current fee is $15/vehicle, but check the site for updated fee information. This is a national conservation area, so entrance is free if you have a National Park Pass. If you have a 4th grader, be sure to take advantage of the free National Park Pass initiative.
- Scenic Drive timed entry: If you are visiting between October 1-May 31, you will need to make a reservation for a timed entry. This helps limit the crowds during peak season.
- Hours: The Visitor Center is open daily from 9 am to 4:30 pm. The scenic drive is open daily from 6 am, but closing time varies depending on the time of year. From Nov-Feb it closes at 5 pm, in March and October it closes at 7, and from April-Sep it closes at 8.
Things to do in Red Rock Canyon
- Visitor Center: Start your visit at the visitor center where you can find maps and information about hiking trails and programs. There is also a gift shop and exhibits, including the desert tortoise habitat.
- Scenic Drive: The scenic drive is a 13-mile loop road that has several points of interest along the way. This is a one-way road so once you begin the drive you must complete it in its entirety, so plan accordingly. The speed limit is 15-35 mph, so plan for about 30 minutes for the drive, not including stops.
- Biking: Take an electric bike tour and relax while you take in the views along the Red Rock Canyon scenic drive. Bikes are allowed along the paved scenic loop drive and spur roads, as well as designated mountain bike trails.
- Scooter Tour: Take a guided scooter tour to experience the freedom of cruising along the scenic drive with the wind in your hair.
- Hiking trails: There are 26 total hiking trails in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, including mountain peaks, canyon trails, desert paths, and scenic river walks. Here is a complete list of the hikes. For the best kid-friendly hikes, check out these five trails.
- Jeep Tour: For a little off-roading adventure, check out this Jeep tour that takes you along the Scenic Drive with an added 4WD adventure through the Rocky Gap Road!
- Rock Climbing: Red Rock Canyon Las Vegas is becoming a popular rock climbing destination for visitors around the world. There are a variety of routes that cater to everyone from beginners to advanced climbers. If you are new to rock climbing, I would recommend booking a rock climbing tour.
- Camping: There is only one designated campground located within the Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area. The Red Rock Canyon Campground offers 53 campsites. There are no electric hook-ups or showers, but there are vault toilets and shade structures. Rates are $10-$20 per night, depending on the site. Advanced reservations are recommended.
Best stops on the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive
Red Rock Canyon offers such a unique landscape that you’ll feel as if you’re a world away from the crowded Las Vegas Strip.
These rock formations are millions of years in the making and geologists actually believe that this area looks much as it did after the last Ice Age over 10,000 years ago.
The best way to take in the diverse scenery is along the 13-mile Scenic Drive where you can access popular hiking trails and lookout points.
Below are a few of the most popular stops along the one-way Scenic Drive in Red Rock Canyon.
Calico Hills
Calico I is the first stop you’ll come to and is arguably the most popular.
Here you’ll find incredible rock formations boasting the fiery red rock that gives Red Rock Canyon its name.
It actually reminded us of the scenery at the nearby Valley of Fire State Park.
There is a viewing deck overlooking the petrified sand dunes and trails leading down to explore the area.
If you are traveling with kids, they will love climbing all over the boulders, scaling up the rocks, and searching for hidden caves!
There is also a 1-mile hiking trail that leads to the Calico II parking lot. Alternatively, you can just drive to Calico II as it is the next stop on the loop.
*And while you’re visiting Las Vegas, be sure to see our guide 13 Fun Things to Do in Las Vegas with Kids!
Sandstone Quarry
Sandstone Quarry is the third stop along the scenic drive. This is where you can see the sandstone hills transitioning from red to white.
In the early 1900s, the Sandstone Quarry was used to extract colorful sandstone for use in buildings constructed in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
If you are looking to hike, the Calico Tanks and Turtlehead Peak trailheads can both be found here.
*Related post: If you like desert hikes, be sure to plan a day trip to Death Valley National Park!
High Point Overlook
The next stop is High Point Overlook, the highest point in the park. At 4,771 feet, this overlook offers the best panoramic views over the valley.
Starting from the left and moving right, you can spot Turtlehead Peak, Calico Hills, Blue Diamond Hill, and then Wilson Cliffs.
You can even spot the strip far off in the distance. See our guide Things to Do in Las Vegas with Kids for recommendations.
The beautiful 360-degree view is completed with the majestic limestone La Madre Mountain Range looming in the background.
Lost Creek and Willow Spring
The next stop is White Rock, but the road leading to the parking lot and hiking trails is unpaved and a bit rough.
If you continue on, the next stop will take you to the Lost Creek Children’s Discovery Trail and the Willow Spring picnic area.
The discovery trail is a short 0.8-mile loop trail with interpretive signs highlighting the flora and fauna of the Mojave Desert.
You’ll also discover pictographs, cultural sites, a bubbling creek, and even a hidden seasonal waterfall. The waterfall can generally be seen from December to April.
If you continue to Willow Spring, you’ll find a well-maintained picnic area with tables and restrooms.
There is also a 1.5-mile loop trail that leads from the parking lot to the Petroglyph Wall and agave roasting pits. A portion of the trail is paved, making it easy for strollers and wheelchairs.
Ice Box Canyon
Continue along Scenic Drive until you reach Ice Box Canyon.
The Ice Box Canyon Trail leads across the open desert before reaching the wash and entering the shaded box canyon.
While the open trail is quite hot in the summer, the narrow canyon stays cool even in the heat of the summer.
The 2.2-mile roundtrip trail also leads to a seasonal waterfall that can usually be seen from December through April.
The trail is rated moderate to difficult as there is quite a bit of rock scrambling involved once you reach the wash.
There are also no trail markers once you reach the creek bed and it can be easy to lose your way. It is recommended to download the AllTrails map before you go.
Allow plenty of time and pack extra water for this hike as the rock scrambling will slow you down.
It really is such a pretty trail and feels a world away from the neon lights of the strip!
Pine Creek Canyon
The next stop on Scenic Drive is the Red Rock Wash Overlook. If you are short on time, this could easily be skipped.
The views aren’t much different than those that you can see from the road. However, in the spring this is a good spot to see wildflowers and blooming buckhorn cholla cactus.
After the Red Rock Wash Overlook, Pine Creek Canyon is the next stop.
The 3.4-mile roundtrip Pine Creek Canyon Trail offers a variety of scenery, from the arid desert landscape to a ponderosa pine forest that has survived since the last Ice Age.
There is a creek that runs through the canyon and a seasonal waterfall. Small frogs and tadpoles can also be found hanging out in the pools of water.
You can even spot the crumbling remains of a homestead that you’ll pass along the way.
If you are hungry after hiking, see our guide for the Best Restaurants in Las Vegas!
Red Spring at Calico Basin
Pine Creek Canyon is the last stop on Scenic Drive before exiting onto Charleston Blvd. As you head back towards Las Vegas, it is worth stopping at the Red Spring Picnic Area within the Calico Basin.
This area is located outside of the Scenic Drive, so you do not need to pay the admission fee to visit this area.
It is also a great spot to visit if you want to get a taste of Red Rock Canyon but don’t have much time. Since it is not located on Scenic Drive, you will not need to complete the entire loop.
The Red Spring Picnic Area is located on the other side of Calico Hills, so you’ll find the same striated red rock boulders and formations.
Once again, my boys could have spent hours climbing and exploring these sandstone hills.
At the base of the mountain, you’ll find a verdant spring-fed meadow surrounded by a .55-mile boardwalk. Three springs flow into the meadow, giving life to the saltgrass and surrounding cottonwood and ash trees.
You’ll also find picnic tables, fire grills, and restrooms. This is a great spot to come in the summer evenings. As the sun sets behind the hill, you’ll have a nice shaded picnic area for dinner.
As you’re planning your Las Vegas vacation, I hope you set aside some time to visit the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area!
And if you’re looking for more things to do off the strip, see our guide 10 Things to Do off the Las Vegas Strip!
[convertkit form=3250084]
Pin it for later:
[…] For more information, see our guide Red Rock Canyon: A Las Vegas Hidden Gem! […]