This post may contain affiliate links. Click here to learn more.
On our recent trip to Las Vegas, we decided to branch out from the Strip and see what else The Silver State has to offer. After a fun but brief visit to Seven Magic Mountains and the Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings, we made our way north to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
Since living in Colorado, I’ve realized that there are many “Red Rock” spaces throughout this part of the country. To clarify, this visit was to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area in Las Vegas, which we will refer to as RRCNCA or Red Rock Canyon in this blog post. Now, back to the adventure!
RRCNCA is just outside of Las Vegas proper and is such a gorgeous part of the state. The park offers numerous hiking trails and stunning sights to explore. Since we were visiting after lunch and before our dinner reservation, we were pretty low on time. That’s why we decided to just enjoy the perfectly-named scenic drive and a short “hike” at Calico Hills. However, I can tell you that this brief visit provided us with a sweet preview of RRCNCA, and we can’t wait to return! So let’s get into this visit.
How to Get to Red Rock Canyon
To visit Red Rock Canyon, you’ll need to reserve a timed entry ticket through Recreation.gov. The fee is $20. We visited in April, and the weather was perfect, with reservations still available on the same day. If you’re an America the Beautiful (National Park) Annual Pass holder, the fee is waived! You’ll just have to pay a $2 processing fee.
You’ll want to enter at the Red Rock Canyon Fee Station, which is located just off Red Rock Canyon Road, west of Summerlin. It’s just a 35-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip, which makes it a fantastic city break. Like I mentioned earlier, you can easily pair it with a visit to Seven Magic Mountains and/or Goodsprings.
Also Read: Great Sand Dunes National Park: The Ultimate Guide to Colorado’s Most Surreal Landscape
What to Expect on the 13-Mile Scenic Loop Drive
Since we were low on time, we decided to embark on the 13-mile scenic loop drive to get the most bang for our buck. This allowed us to indulge in some truly stunning scenery without taking up too much of our time. We made one stop (Calico Hills, which I’ll get into in the next section) for a brief hike before continuing on the rest of our journey.
Seriously, it was such a beautiful drive! The loop itself is a one-way paved road, super easy to follow, and the whole drive took maybe an hour (or two with stops). But you want to stop. Like, constantly. The views are insane. You’ve got these massive red and orange rock formations that just pop out of the landscape.
There are pull-offs and little parking lots all along the way where you can hop out and explore. Some of them have short trails or rock climbing spots, and even if you’re not super outdoorsy, just standing there taking it all in is wild.
We saw a few people biking the loop, too, which looked intense but fun. If you ever need a break from the chaos of Vegas, this drive is the move. You don’t even have to hike if you don’t want to — just roll the windows down, play some good music, and soak it all in.
Also Read: White Sands National Park: Wild & Worth It!
Hiking Calico Hills: A Colorful Detour
Trail Overview
- Distance: 2-6 miles (depending on trail)
- Time: 1-3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Calico Hills is one of the first stops after the fee station and visitor center. Immediately as you pull up to the parking lot, you’re greeted by these incredibly massive red rocks. Through the valley, you can even see all the way to the Strip! It’s a breathtaking view and I’m so glad we decided to stop here.
We didn’t do a full-on hike or anything, but we did walk down from the parking area to get up close to the first big cluster of rocks. Heads up: the path down isn’t paved and it’s a bit steep, so definitely wear shoes with some grip and take your time. We saw a couple of people almost wipe out, which made us extra careful.
Once you’re down there, the rocks are perfect for photos. They’re pretty easy to climb around on, but still steep enough to make it look like you’re doing something way more adventurous than you actually are. I kind of love that — our pics make it look like we’re on this epic backcountry trek when really we were like, five minutes from the car.
Know Before You Go
Red Rock Canyon is super easy to access from Las Vegas — about a 35-minute drive from the Strip — and it’s part of the National Conservation Area, so there’s a small entrance fee. The 13-Mile Scenic Drive is one-way only, which makes it nice and smooth to cruise through, but just keep in mind you can’t backtrack. Cell service is spotty in some areas, so download maps or trail info ahead of time if you plan to explore.
Best Time to Visit
Early morning is chef’s kiss for lighting and cooler temps — plus it’s way less crowded. Sunset can be fantastic too, but mornings are quieter and more peaceful. As for time of year, spring and fall are ideal. Summer can get brutally hot (like, 100+ degrees), and while winter is cooler, some trails can get icy or windy. So if you’re aiming for that perfect weather sweet spot, go in March–May or October–November.
Park Hours & Reservation Info
Red Rock Canyon is open daily from 6 a.m. to sunset, but double-check their site because hours can shift slightly with the seasons. From October 1 to May 31, you’ll need a timed entry reservation if you’re doing the Scenic Drive between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. No reservation needed in the summer months or outside of those hours.
Tips for Visiting
Desert weather is no joke. Bring way more water than you think you’ll need, especially if you plan to do any hiking. Wear layers because it can start chilly and heat up fast, and always have sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, all of it). Footwear-wise, go for comfy hiking shoes or sneakers with good grip — some of the trails and rock areas can get slick or steep. And if it looks cloudy, check for flash flood warnings just to be safe. For trail information, check out this visitor guide!
Final Thoughts on Visiting Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon was such a refreshing escape from the buzz of Vegas. It’s wild how fast you go from slot machines to serene desert landscapes. Whether you’re in the mood for a scenic drive, a quick walk, or a longer hike, there’s something for everyone out there. Highly recommend adding it to your itinerary if you’re visiting the area!
If you’re planning more outdoorsy adventures, check out our post on Valley of Fire State Park — lots of great spots to explore just outside the city!
Loved this guide? Don’t forget to pin it for later!
