Fun Things to Do in Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is only 17 miles (20 minutes) west of the Las Vegas Strip along Charleston Boulevard. The main attraction is a one-way, 13-mile Scenic Drive with overlooks, short nature walks, and trailheads for longer hikes.
A visitor center near the entrance helps you choose what fits your time and ability.
For a longer road trip from Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon is a great first stop before you head to other destinations. (Related: 7 Stunning National Parks near Las Vegas, Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon Road Trip, and What are Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks?.)
Planning your Trip to Red Rock Canyon
Timed Entry (Peak Season: October–May)
Timed entry reservations are required to access the Scenic Drive during peak season from October 1–May 31, for entry between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. This is separate from the entrance fee.
Entrance Fees
Red Rock Canyon requires an entrance fee year-round: $20 per car, $10 per motorcycle, $8 per bicycle, or $5 per pedestrian. The Red Rock Annual Pass ($50) and America the Beautiful passes are also accepted.
How Long to Spend in Red Rock Canyon
A quick visit can still feel worthwhile if you take one short hike and add a few Scenic Drive overlooks.
A half day gives you time for the visitor center, the full Scenic Drive, and a longer hike.
A full day lets you add a second hike, more stops on the Scenic Drive, and extra time for photography.
The Scenic Drive itself takes about 45 minutes without stops, so decide how many trailheads and overlooks you want to see, then add up your time.
What to Bring
Bring plenty of water and sun protection. The BLM recommends at least one gallon of water per person per day for strenuous activity in hot conditions, and there is no water available along the Scenic Drive.
Plan for limited cell phone connectivity. Coverage can be unreliable to nonexistent in large parts of Red Rock Canyon.
Red Rock Canyon Weather
You’re in the Mojave Desert, so summer heat is a real factor for hiking and camping. The warm-but-not-scalding temperatures in spring and fall usually make it easier to spend more time outside, and winter is typically best for longer hikes when daytime highs are cooler.
Camping In Red Rock Canyon
All 79 campsites (6 RV-only and 73 tent/standard or group sites) at the Red Rock campground require reservations, so book as far in advance as possible. Reservations open 6 months prior and must be made no less than 48 hours in advance.
Due to extreme summer heat, the campground closes June–July. If you visit during these months, you’ll be dry camping (also known as “boondocking” or “off-grid camping”):
no electric, sewer, or water hook ups
no dump station
no shower or laundry
The campground does have vault toilets, trash disposal, and drinking water.
Rent an RV in Las Vegas from Blacksford with a generator, fill up your water and propane tanks, and empty your black and gray tanks beforehand, and you’ll be set.
What to Do In Red Rock Canyon
Start at the Red Rock Visitor Center
Stop in the Visitor Center (open 9 am–4:30 pm daily) to learn about hiking, biking, horseback riding, educational programs, and rock climbing in Red Rock Canyon.
Then check out its indoor and outdoor exhibits, a book and gift store, and an outdoor desert tortoise habitat. Holiday hours can vary, so make sure they’ll be open before you arrive.
Take the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Loop Drive
The 13-mile Scenic Drive is a one-way loop with multiple overlooks and trailheads. It's also open to cyclists, and vehicles must stay on the paved road. Plan your stops in order since you cannot backtrack on the loop.
Get your timed entry reservations for visits October 1–May 31 for Scenic Drive access between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Hike Based on Your Time and Ability
Red Rock Canyon has more than 28 designated trails for all ability levels, all of which offer beautiful views of the colorful desert landscape.
Here are three of the most popular trails:
Lost Creek/Children’s Discovery Trail - this 0.8 mile easy walk is great for all ages and abilities. The self-guided interpretive walk includes petroglyphs, lessons on desert life, and views. Between December and April, you’ll see a gorgeous waterfall.
Calico Tanks Trail - this 2.2 mile moderate trail takes you past an old Paiute roasting pit and sandstone steps. The trail requires some scrambling over rocks and has a 400 foot elevation gain, but the sweeping views make it worth the effort.
Calico Hills Trail - this trial can be as short as two miles and as long as six miles, depending on your starting point. It has about 1,000 feet of elevation gain and is considered moderate to strenuous. You can hike a short section for views of the colorful Calico formations, or keep going for a longer outing.
Bike and Climb In Red Rock Canyon
Cycling is allowed on the Scenic Drive and on designated roads and bike routes. Bikes are not allowed on hiking trails.
Red Rock is also a major rock climbing destination. Rules can vary by activity and location, so check current BLM guidance before you plan a climbing day.
Add a Nearby Stop
Spring Mountain Ranch State Park is adjacent to Red Rock Canyon and can be a good add-on for a picnic, ranch history, and an easier walking day between hikes.
Visit Red Rock Canyon in a Blacksford RV
Red Rock Canyon works well as a first night of an RV trip or an easy day trip from Las Vegas. Pick up your Las Vegas RV rental from Blacksford be on the Scenic Drive within an hour!