Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Beautiful area and great for hiking of all sorts whether you’re experienced or just want something easy for the kids. There is a nice boardwalk area which is nice for the kids to experience the area without any trouble. I love taking people here whenever they visit the area because it shows just how beautiful Las Vegas is outside of the city.

Absolutely a breathtaking place. So many jaw dropping views, it’s amazing!!!
Yes, the rocks are really red and on fire. At one point I was singing, «these rocks are on FIREEEEE».
Beautiful beautiful place. It’s a must go to place. There’s also a hiking trail if you’re down for that. Otherwise, take lots of pictures while you’re here.

Being from Las Vegas, my husband and I are always looking for more than the «vegas experience» when we return annually. We buy the season pass and hike most mornings of our 7 day visits. The temperature drops at least 10 degrees and the views and hikes are unmatched. Its a side of Vegas everyone should see!

This is a beautiful, peaceful canyon that is spectacular and awesome. The colourful peaks tower thousands of feet and the red patterns in the rock are quite stunning. This area is so close to Las Vegas it would be understandable it is crowded with people, but it isn’t. The scenic drive is easy and there’s enough room for all visitors to find their own solitude and peaceful spot. The wildlife around includes wild burrows, desert chipmunks, rattlesnakes and road runners. The circuit takes as long as you’d like to spend here.

Very nice canyon to visit it’s so beautiful and textured lots to see and can hike around temperatures vary depending on the time of the month and season. Everything is pretty much done by car or bicycle if you prefer to ride a bike if you’re in shape to do it lol. I tried to get as close as I could but as I was walking close and down to the rock I noticed the hike down was still a long way to go and I turned around and looked up and said Craig you do realize you have to walk all the way back up so I went back cause I knew I would make it back up in my shape lol. I’m sure if I was in shape and had time I probably would have done it but I was already huffing and puffing walking back up lol anyways this is a definite must see if you want to do something outside the Vegas area. I would go back for sure there are so many nice views to see especially if you like the outdoors and mountain scenes. Also expect a good few hours just getting around by car from the entrance driving all the way around to the exit.

Beautiful, short drive. Amazing desert views. Lots of hiking trails. Interactive visitors center. Close enough to be worth it, far enough you can shake off the Strip stank and have some fun.
Gets hella packed on the weekends, try mid week.
Avoid during summer unless you go super duper early & avoid the high heat.
Theres a huge picnic & restroom area outside the park, off the road, between the entrance & exit to it that still gives good views.

This place provides some really nice views. The best is probably the first overlook with the red rocks. All others after are beautiful, but repetitive. Only 30 – 45 min away from LV so it is a nice get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

This is a prime example of why Unilocal rocks so. I have been to Vegas dozens of times and never would’ve known about this place if it weren’t for my Unilocal friend, Heather M’s check-​ins, photos, and review. I finally made the drive, which is only about a ½ hour highway drive from the Vegas strip. The GPS on my iPhone did a fine job of guiding me here. Once you arrive, simply follow the signs. There was a $ 7 fee, per car, for a one-​time visit. An annual pass may be better for locals.
The 13-​mile route is a oneway road, wide enough for 2 cars, however, there are no painted lines. If you’re driving slowly, for whatever reason, be mindful. You may easily pull to the right side of the road and allow others to pass; this is what I did as we were sight-​seeing. Once you’re on the loop, you have to finish it; there is no turning around, as it’s one-​way only.
Try to go early enough so that you’ll have time to visit each viewpoint/​pull-​off. We went around 6pm and only had time to stop and explore at the first one. I really enjoyed this one though. It was an easy hike to the rocks. The scenery was beautiful. After 3 years of living in the desert, I had my first experience with a real, live, snake. Thankfully, a good samaritan noticed my head was in the air, not paying attention, so he warned me to watch out. It was a long, yellow and black snake. No one seemed to be alarmed, so I assume this snake was harmless, but I kept my distance all the same.
As we continued around the loop, the sun began to set, casting ravishing hues of red and orange on the rocks. Drive slowly; the roads are winding and there are some steep drop-​offs. Take your time and enjoy the views safely.
T-​mobile service is 0-​bare out here. It took a while for me to find a signal strong enough to allow me to check-​in.
The listed hours on Unilocal indicate they’re only open until 4:30pm. That is only for the visitor’s center. You may still drive and hike the 13-​mile loop until 8pm or 8:30pm (verify upon arrival).
Worth the drive and the entrance fee. If I lived in Vegas, this would be my workout place. Beautiful and quiet/​peaceful. Great spot for yoga and/​or meditation. Bring a camera; like, a real camera.

Living in MO, we don’t have scenery quite this beautiful. So I really appreciated the wonderful trip we took here. In March the temperature was perfect! I liked that there was something nice for all levels — the boys had fun doing some steep climbing while Ms. G and I took it easy on a trail. What a great place! Fingers crossed we can leave near by one day and visit as often as we like!

Every time I visit Las Vegas I always make sure I make a drive to the Red RockCanyon. This place has the most amazing views of the Vegas valley and surrounding area. Be sure to read the billboards at the stops along the drive that will explain the history.
FYI, be sure to slow down around the curves. This guy crashed his Lamborghini.

From 4÷26÷16
Came to Redrock Canyon to do a little hiking, and enjoy the scenery. When you drive into the area, you-​you are provided with a map of all the trails or the option to drive the scenic route. It’s beautiful up here; I instantly wanted to stay all day. There are picnic areas if you just want to be leisurely, and plenty of mountains to scale if you dare!

Beautiful place to go for a hike, rock climbing or just sight seen.
Low entrance fee, has restrooms around the scenic drive which is about 3 miles, plenty of parking once you are on the loop and just spectacular over all.
We went here on a family trip and not prepared for a hike so we just walked around close by the trail and didn’t venture in deep to the canyon. We saw people rock climbing and once we got to the highest peek on the loop we stopped to take more pics. From there you over look the city and the lower part of the canyon along with some tall red mountains to the side of the loop.
You can also get a guided tour but I have no details on this besides the pink jeeps.

I enjoy visiting this park every time we come. The scale of the place is truly hard to fathom until you see a teeny tiny person hiking and you realize how huge the red rocks really are!
Last visit, we brought a picnic and we enjoyed relaxing and eating in the cool breeze and warm sun at Willow Springs Picnic Area. A western scrub-​jay came by a few times to pick up some cheetos unfortunately left by a previous visitor. I, on the other hand, didn’t share my delicious Capriotti’s sandwich. The jay let us know about his disappointment!
After a while, we could hear a woodpecker hammering away. Our of respect for my parents who are avid birders, I decided to try to spot it and take a photo of this elusive fowl. Happily, after ten minutes of searching, I found a beautiful and amazingly striking ladder-​backed woodpecker industriously making holes in a large tree. It was quite a find and the photos came out awesome!
Whether you come to Red Rock to hike, explore, or just experience life, you’ll have photographic memories for the rest of your life. I know I do.

Red rock canyon is awesome. Totally worth the drive from Las Vegas. It takes about 40 minutes to get there and then you can drive through the park at your leisure. There are many overlooks and stops throughout the 13 mile scenic drive. The visitors center is also very nice.

This place is gorgeous.
I wish I got to hike it when I visited! Maybe in the future. There’s a nice scenic drive for people who aren’t picnicking or hiking.
It’s not too far from the strip. There’s a lot to do in Vegas besides your traditional, buffet-​ing, gambling, and clubbing.

After living in Vegas for almost 9 years now, I have to say this was my first visit to the Red Rock Canyons. I have always heard nothing but good things about this place and I think after living so close (20 minutes) you kind of take advantage of having something like this in your backyard. Finally decided to come out on a beautiful Saturday afternoon with perfect weather. I’ve read reviews that the park will be packed on the weekends, we were in line to pay for entrance right around 12 pm. There were a lot of cars, but since it was my first visit, I really had nothing else to compare it to. With 3 pay stations open the wait was about 20 mins before we actually got into the park. As soon as you pay, you are given a visitors map which is pretty easy to follow and clearly marks the 1 way drive path, hiking trails, restroom areas etc. The first stop is the visitors center where you can go down and see the outdoor exhibits for a few minutes, we probably spent about 15 minutes here before heading out to the drive.
Each of the hiking stops have separate parking lots which were full so we had to end up driving further to park. But I guess if you don’t really want to walk far for parking you probably don’t want to do much hiking right? I thought I was a little more prepared then I really was. I had a small cooler in the car with water and snacks but I failed to bring a backpack for when you actually leave your car to do the hike. We didn’t do too much hiking because of this but will definitely be more prepared for the next visit! *Wear appropriate clothing! I was so surprised to see how many people were climbing down hills in flip flops, high heeled sandals or converse chucks!

This is a beautiful spot just north of Vegas. Geologically it is very interesting with plenty of rock formations to look at and there are plenty of hiking trails to go on too. The place is pretty packed on weekends. No wonder!
There is a great visitor center to browse and learn about the ecology of the park. Great views and plenty to walk and gawk. Definitely recommend this place to visit in the cooler months. Not sure it will be so great in the heat of summer.

My annual pass is about to expire soon! Time to renew!
$ 30 for the year? CHEAP! Rather do that than spend $ 7 per car visit. Worth it!
Grab a map so it tells you what kind of hike it is. Easy to strenuous.
Favorite hike is Pinecreek and Icebox especially when you go off trail and have a more hardcore hike!
That sun is killer, but do it up! The colors are beautiful! Try to go when the sun sets. It’s gorgeous when taking pictures! Keep hydrated, and bring snacks too! Don’t get lost! You will lose reception on your phone. So be safe!
Be aware there are snakes and such out there. So be careful! You will also see some bunnies and if you’re lucky, some big horns! There are a ton of bugs, of course.
As far as serenity and some zen, go and hike up and get to a peaceful spot. Meditate and forget all the mess you left behind for a minute. Take in all of nature’s beauty and just enjoy life.
If you want, get a permit to rock climb or bike that whole loop! That’s definitely a workout. As for me, I’ll climb up big rocks and go off trail on some of the hikes for my work outs! Love it!

Red Rock is beautiful! It’s definitely a must-​visit place (after Lake Mead) if you’re visiting Vegas. The colors of the rock are so vibrant and at times you’ll literally feel like you’re on location in a movie! It’s great for all fitness levels because you can pick trails based on their ease/​difficulty and it’s also a great place to explore with your dog. If you have out of town guests I definitely recommend taking them when the weather is nice. Entry was $ 10 a vehicle. It was a 25 min drive for me to reach there from South Vegas (Eastern and 215). Go out and be active while also having fun and appreciating God’s masterpiece! You will love it!

This is one of my favorite places to bring out of town guests. It’s great way to show visitors that Las Vegas is about more than just the Strip. Red Rock is also very unique to landscapes people from other parts of the country have to enjoy.
We don’t have an abundance of outdoor options here so this spot can get pretty busy and parking through the park is very limited. I’d definitely recommend getting here early. The admission for cars is less than $ 10 and passes are available if you want to visit regularly. We like to just buy the annual pass for National Parks. It works since we like to visit other parks and don’t mind the donation if we don’t visit enough parks to get our money’s worth from the pass.
The 13 mile scenic drive is one of my favorite aspects of this park. This has been a great way for me to show visitors that aren’t outdoorsy the landscape of the area. I’ve brought people here just to drive the loop and stop occasionally for photos. The park is very scenic and enjoyable even if you don’t have time for hiking.
One of the only real negatives here is the parking. The parking lots for many of the trails are tiny. It’s hard to get a spot at all if you don’t get here really early. Most times you’ll have to park along the side of the road in places that aren’t real spots. Disclaimer: I worry about my car, but maybe this is no biggie for everyone else.
I would highly recommend researching hiking trails before visiting if you want to hike. Have a plan B in case the parking lot is full as well. The trails are not marked well. I really hate to have to say that because this is our best hiking option in Vegas, but the markers are nearly non-​existent. I appreciate every other park more every time I come here. The lack of markers won’t be the end of the world if you’ve researched and know where you are going. You’ll have a good time as long as you prepared for the lack of direction.
Beautiful park with hiking for a variety of skill levels. Definitely one of the best places to see in the Vegas area.

The perfect quick getaway from town…
As Friday’s approach I start thinking about this place pretty much every weekend. If I’m in town and not exploring other parks this is super convenient and really the perfect, quick getaway. Just over half an hour from the strip for tourists and just 15 mins from my home in Summerlin. If I could start everyday in this park I would. I’m absolutely smitten by it and I continue to discover more of its beauty on each visit.
The 13 mile scenic drive is great but I highly encourage everyone to get out of their car and get on a trail. The deeper in you get the more beautiful and serene it gets. It’s so worth it to sweat a little and explore what this area has to offer. You can get on a very easy trail or you can pretend you’re a mountain climber and risk your life the way I do. Whatever floats your boat.
My favorite area so far is the Lost Creek Trail that is less visited & not too many visitors go all the way so I love the peace & quiet you can get out there. I’ve started bringing a blanket with me & I’ll lay out in the middle of nowhere just off the trail & I hope to have many more of these blissful moments.
The trees, flowers, birds & sun never get old. This place is lovely all year round and you can plan your hikes accordingly based on the time of year. Pick the shady ones during peak summer months like Ice Box Canyon & the wide open ones with tons of sun during the colder months like Lost Creek Trail.
There’s also random waterfalls and they are spectacular. Explore & discover…

What a fabulous way to spend your afternoon or morning.
Getting to Red Rock is super easy from Blue Diamond Rd. and takes 10 – 15 minutes from Mountain’s Edge. It is a beautiful drive and makes for some great pictures.
If it is your first time, I advise that you go to the Visitor’s Center first to get a map and to ask any of the rangers/​workers questions that you may have. It’s all a 1-​way drive so park on the side of the street if you can’t find any spots in the designated parking areas.
Bring water of course, wear the correct shoes, bring sun glasses, slap on some sun block, & you’re bound to have a good time.
We went to the Calico Springs. I’m not an expert hiker so there were some areas on the hike that had me a little nervous (jumping from 1 ledge to another, climbing down, etc). I would advise you definitely use the buddy system and be safe! There were people of all ages and many people brought their dogs.
Trail Map:
HOT TIP: Look out for «Free Days» like President’s Day, but know that they will be extremely busy… Also, the restrooms in the Visitor Center are nice and clean. If you forget to bring anything, they have a little shop there that sells souvenirs and other items like sunglasses.

Word of caution… DON’T visit here on a holiday weekend if you really want to do some hiking. You won’t be able to find a place to park, unless you get in as soon as it opens.
So bummed I ended up driving the loop and there were cars parked along the street about a quarter mile-​half mile from the trail heads at some locations. The views are gorgeous though just driving through the loop. I’ll have to revisit at a time where it is less congested. Wish they could do what ZNP in Utah does with the busses!

Red Rock is just 30 minutes outside of Vegas. And for $ 7 bucks you escape into a natural wonder of red rocks.
This is a beautiful area for hiking, rock climbing or just a scenic drive away from the neon lights and loud slot machines in town.
For a quick visit drive the 13 mile loop, stopping to take pictures along. You may even get an opportunity to see some wild burros.
There is a visitor center for those interested in learning more about the area and wildlife.
But if you have more time and really want to take in the natural sights, definitely check out the numerous trails offered here.

Nice getaway from the casino oasis.
Wish we’d had more time/​proper attire to do one of the REAL hikes.
We took the ~13.5 mi scenic drive, pulling off at our own little spots here and there to explore (many of the designated pull offs were super crowded — I wanted to escape PEOPLE)!
It was $ 7 for our vehicle and I believe we got a good bang for our buck… I wasn’t fortunate enough to see any wildlife (although there were many fresh droppings — burrows — on our off the beaten path mini «hikes»).
There were many bikers and joggers on the scenic road and quite a bit of traffic off and on (we went on a Saturday at 10:30am)!
Bring hiking shoes and a light jacket (can get realllllly windy) if you wanna explore more!
When we departed around 12 the line to get in was almost 100 deep!
I’d def visit again!

Solitude just outside the city of splendor. Taking in the scenic drive of Red Rock Canyon is a stark contrast from the traffic fueled energy of the strip. The ascent up Turtlehead peak is certainly a worthy challenge, perhaps more taxing then a weekend of partying and certainly more rewarding. The late afternoon view from the summit offers a gorgeous perspective of Las Vegas for locals and tourists alike. It can get busy, and parking for the more popular hikes and activities can be sparse, but the visual expanse and beauty of the rocky terrains supercedes all.

Breathtakingly beautiful and a must see if you’re in Vegas for more than a day or two. Located surprisingly close to the city, it’s $ 7 per car to enter the park. The visitor center is decent, but the expansive and accessible park is the real draw.
There’s a paved road that travels between defined observation points that’s the spine of the experience. Some of the stops are basic places to snap a picture, some allow you to wander around a bit, and some are trailheads to long hiking trails. What you do is up to you and the time you can dedicate to it.
If you’re in Vegas for longer than 48 hours, make the trip out to Red Rock. You won’t regret it.

The loop is definitely a very convenient way to explore the park if you are short on time… and they also have parking lots at major vista points which is very nice. Each vista point also has a variety of trails that you can choose to explore, but this is where I was a bit torn.
Paths are unmarked which is great, to show that nature was generally undisturbed… but for someone not necessarily adjusted to fairly rocky terrain hiking, it did limit us to what we felt comfortable exploring… and it wasn’t much, given that maps weren’t even accurate for some paths. And in choosing to stay on the main road, it just didn’t feel like you were a part of nature. Literally, you drove from site 1 to site 2, parked, and snapped a few shots.

For a small fee of $ 7 per car you can experience the beauty of Red Rock Canyon. Their visitors center was pretty big with an outdoor look out that had lots of facts on the wildlife & plants in the area. Inside there’s a fun little photo booth, gift shop, & taxidermy/​statues of wild animals.
On to nature:
A short drive from the visitors center are a couple of hikes. Lots of rock climbers out there as well! A little further down & there’s more hiking, look outs, & also a lovely outdoor picnic area where our group shared a yummy bento box lunch at. I’d definitely come back to do more hiking & picnicking. Loved it there!

Red Rock Canyon is amazing. Want to drive down a road surrounded by beautiful rock formations? You can do that here. Want to hike on well maintained trails that wind through aforementioned rock formations? You can do that here. Want to scale the side of said rock formations? You can do that here!
All this plus a visitor’s center that is filled with all kinds of information about the area, a chance at seeing desert tortise and wild burros (they’re super cute) all add up to a great way to spend your day.
When you are tires of all the dirty, drunken, wild times that the Strip has to offer, head over to Red Rock and find your tranquility.

Red rock lives up to its name with red rock everywhere, beautiful sights and plenty to see for the hiking enthusiasts. With many 2016 resolutions being health and fitness this is the place to be. Take a quick hike for half a Day and breath in the fresh air and scenic sights.
Best time to come is during fall or spring with perfect temps. Do not come during winter or rain time as temperatures are freezing and there are flash floods that do occur often. I bring my daughter here often on weekends to see the sights, getting her two hours of recommended exercise and to feel away from the city. Even taking a picnic and blanket is a fun activity many families don’t have a chance to do any more.
The red rock visitor center is full of fun facts, a gift shop and an activity center for children and adults into education information.
Get out of the city. Just do it!

My favorite escape from Vegas! Located only 30 minutes by car from the strip, this place is a world away. Great visitor center and an interesting 12 mile loop ride provides access to many short and long trails.
The Calico Basin area when you first enter seems to be the most popular area for hiking and picture taking, but further into the park there are many less traveled trails. In summer time, bring lots of water and get to park early, ideally before 7:00am. In winter time, be aware of cold, ice, and possible snow. Dress appropriately and bring your own water.

We wanted to take a trip to the Summerlin area to see how that compared to Vegas, while we were there we realized that the Red Rock Canyon was nearby.
My husband and I are originally from New York, so we really enjoy taking in the unique mountain areas of the west coast.
The thing that I really like about this spot is that there is something for every physical ability level. For example, my mom broke her hip last year and has limited mobility, but this would be a great place to take her. However, there are also many hiking opportunities for those that enjoy more strenuous activities.
It was quite chilly the day we were visiting, so we chose to simply take a drive through and stopped for a few photo opportunities.
There was a $ 7 entry fee per car for admittance to the park, I thought that was pretty reasonable.
There is a visitor’s center at the beginning, but we didn’t stop. There is a very scenic 13 mile loop through the park. I really enjoyed seeing the different types of rocks and mountains.

Words cannot express the sense of fulfillment I had when I got to the top of Tinjana Peak at the Calico Basin of this range.
It was me, my backpack, cameras, and a little bit of ambition… for you see I’d never climbed anything higher than a tree. Keep in mind, it was a pretty high tree at Smokey Mountain National park — when I was balsy little 13 year old Boy Scout… LOL…but I digress.
It took me about an 2 hours to get to the tip top of that peak, and when I got there I was SPENT, but man, did it feel good to feel nothing but the bright sun and wind on your face.
I wanted to do something cool for my 50^th Birthday sabbatical, and this was pretty much it, bros. I’m sure many of you have climbed higher peaks and mountains and such, which is cool, but this was one hell of a fulfilling way to start the journey to the next half century of my life.
I met two very endearing and supportive ladies who were veterans at climbing. They schooled me on rock formations, soil erosion, continental rifts, baby dinosaur footprints, and how to take cool photos of yourself from the top of the world. Awesome chicks!
While up there, I stretched my arms to the heavens.
…said a prayer
., shed a tear
…and then pondered how the hell I was going to get down off that mug.
On the way UP you can see, feel, finesse, and muscle your way up… but on the way down, that sucker is straight down and you’re mostly blind doing it. It was a total bitch and it was starting to get dark too, so I had to man up and handle the biz! My body hurt for two days afterward, bros.
I’m grateful. I’d do it again though.

Hiking, biking and scenic– check, check and check!
If you don’t feel up for the drive to Valley of Fire, this is your next best place. Located off of Charleston, it’s an easy drive west off of the 215. There is a $ 7 fee per car to enter but they do offer annual passes. There are almost 20 different trails/​loops to enjoy. When you enter the park, they give you information regarding what the difficulty is.
There is a nice visitors center with restrooms, gift shop and much more info about the area. Red Rock Canyon is a beautiful place to visit!

This was pretty impressive. A short drive from Vegas and a quick loop around. The loop is one-​way and you can only stop at the visitor center at the beginning so don’t do what my husband did and think you’ll stop at the end. :/
Most of the impressive views are at the beginning. When we went there were lots of hikers and rock-​climbers which only helped to illustrate how massive these rock formations are.
Military annual pass gets you in free.

If you get a chance to get out of Las Vegas and you need a chance to breath some fresh non-​smoking air, head out to Red Rock Canyon. It is a beautiful park with a 13 mile drive throughout the Mojave Desert. We were able to see wild mountain goats, burros, and jackrabbits. Very cool.
Tickets to get in are under 10 bucks and you can stay as long as you like. If you are more adventurous, it looks like you can try you hand at climbing some of the rock faces. Very cool experience and shouldn’t be missed when you are in Vegas.

** Easy beginner hike, little over three miles round trip, less than thousand feet elevation gain. Great aerobic exercise, it can easily be completed in 2.5 hours. Hikers are rewarded with a spectacular view of Vegas Valley to the East, Red Rock to the West, and even glimpses of Mount Charleston in the far West.**
This hike is a great alternative to the gym. It can easily be completed in 2.5 hours, but most people will finish it in less than two. It’s also easy to get to, it’s just past the Scenic Loop Drive entrance to Red Rock. Make a left, where you see a big sign that says, «Horseback Riding.»
The beginning part of the hike is to get to the hill and it’s flat terrain. The «Muffins» are large boulders located on top of a hill. They’re called Muffins because they literally look like big muffins. That’s where you want to go. The trail gets a lot steeper once you’re on the hill and a little bit rocky, but nothing that an average person cannot handle.
At the muffins, you’re rewarded with majestic view of Summerlin and the Vegas Valley, you can even make out the Vegas Strip skyline in the distance. Turn 180, and you’re rewarded with unhindered views of Red Rock. Great place to rest and take a water break.
As you make your way down, be sure to say hi to the horses at the stables. They’re very friendly!
Overall, I really liked this hike because it’s so short and easy to get to. The views are great and it’s a lot less crowded than other hikes in Red Rock.

It’s nice to know there are a few nature things to do just outside of Las Vegas. The admission is $ 6.00 per car and you get to do a driving tour of the Red Rock Canyon and not even have to get out of the car to see the red rocks! Well, I guess it’s probably better to get out at one of the parking areas and do a hike or two. We didn’t have time this time, but it looks like a good place to come and ride bikes. The road is wide enough for cars and bikes and is one way only. The rocks are nice, not spectacular or anything, but worth a couple of hours to see it. It’s located just up the road from the Red Rock Casino and Costco!
I’d of like to stop for longer, but we made this a quick stop to see what was here, right before we head back north to the Reno/​Carson City area. It’s not the biggest park around, but does make a good bike ride and hiking. I might not make a special trip from 100’s of miles away just to come here, like Yosemite National Park or something, but if you’re in Vegas, and like nature stuff, this is a worthwhile stop.

What a sight; majestic, striped landscape, jutting up from the earth just a 30 minute drive from the strip. Driving into the Summerlin area and down Blue Diamond Highway into the Red Rock area you are suddenly greeted by massive red and beige rock mountains that shoot high up into the blue desert skies, seeming unreal or something you’d see in an old western painting.
Entering the park you pay $ 7 a car and can park up at the Conservation Center that allows one to peek into the life of the Red Rock inhabitants. Hawks, desert iguanas, rattlesnakes, scorpions, desert tortoises are on display along with desert landscape and environmental facts. They have a nice gift shop should you want purchase a Red Rock hat or shirt, a cactus plant or a Native American replica.
Now, it gets really good once you begin one of the many hikes. From easy to advanced, 2 – 3.5 hour hikes are there for your adventure.
Drive up through the scenic route, which is 13 miles, you have the opportunity to stop a few times to get out and explore or take pictures.
The landscape along that 13 mile road changes also, from jutting, striated cliffs and enormous boulders resting precariously upon another, inviting you to come take a look around, loads of crevasses and small caves lay awaiting to be explored. Then driving just a few miles on the winding road, it turns to bumpy, scabrous, craggy mountains dabbled with green bushes tucked within its regresses. On further still, amazing tall evergreens and lusher foliage in deep ravines and ditches look completely different than the miles before.
I can imagine a lot of time could be spent exploring the different areas of Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area, many photo ops and opportunities to discover what this southern Nevada desert has hidden away.

Get ready for for your mind to be blown as I tell you the strip is not the highlight of Las Vegas. That’s right, this discovery is nothing short of spectacular. Visiting Red Rock Canyon blew me away as I was reminded that beauty can be found everywhere. Entrance fee is $ 7 per car ($ 30 annual pass), and the price comes with a map navigating you to all the major sites.
This unbelievable place gives visitors the opportunity to hike, bike, rock climb, horseback ride, picnic, stargaze, camp, see waterfalls, or even just cruise along the scenic 13 mile road. The vivid red rocks were unlike anything I’ve ever seen, and the Calico Hills trail (my favorite) was a huge highlight.
The diverse terrain was mind boggling allowing this place to be any nature lovers dream. The first few trails were on massive red rocks, but the deeper in you drive you’ll notice a huge shift in climate. More greenery appears, and out of nowhere rocks become white. Trails range at all levels. I’d personally recommend grabbing a water bottle and exploring whichever area pulls you in. This land has been here for millions of years and has so much to see in such little time.
My personal recommendations? Hike as much as possible, dip your feet in the creek, lay down on the red rock as you gaze at the sky, search for animals, go off the beaten path, take a deep breath of the fresh air, and most importantly… appreciate every single moment. I’m so thankful I was able to fully absorb this transcendental experience.

Das perfekte Kontrastprogramm zu Las Vegas
Wer von Las Vegas etwas Ruhe braucht und ein wunderschönes Ausflugsziel für Naturliebhaber kennenlernen möchte, der kommt am «Red Rock Canyon», nicht vorbei.
Nach nur 30 km außerhalb von Las Vegas, ist man in einer anderen Welt. Der Red Rock Canyon mit seinen beeindruckenden roten und crèmefarbenen Sandsteinformationen, liegt in einem der schönsten Gebiete in der Mojave-​Wüste.
Vom Besucherzentrum (Visitor Center) aus, führt eine abgesperrte 20 km lange Pano-​ramastraße (Scenic Drive) durch das Naturschutzgebiet, an der mehrere Picknickplätze und schöné Aussichtspunkte liegen. Vorab hat man die Möglichkeit im «Visitor Center» sich ausführlich, über die geologische Entstehung und die historische Entwicklung dieses Canyons und auch über die besten Wanderrouten, zu informieren.
Der Eintritt den man für diese Rundtour bezahlt, beträgt gerademal $ 5 pro Auto.
Dafür bekommt man eine Landschaft zu sehen, so wie man sich den Wilden Westen vorstellt.
Die reine Fahrzeit dieser Rundreise, würde ca. 30 Minuten betragen. Aber an diversen Stopps anzuhalten, ist einfach ein Muss, um ein Erinnerungsfoto zu schießen, zu wandern oder so wie wir es gemacht haben, um auf die Felsen zu klettern und von dort in die beeindruckende Landschaft zu schauen (siehe Foto).
Nachdem wir die Panoramastraße wieder verlassen hatten, haben wir noch einen Abstecher zur «Bonnie Springs Ranch», unternommen. Dort wollten wir –gemäß Werbung– in einer echten Wildwest-​Kulisse, unsere Westernträume wahrwerden lassen.
Die Ranch ist eine Nachbildung einer authentischen 1880er Bergbaustadt, mit Strei-​chelzoo, ein Wachsfigurenmuseum, einer Western-​Eisenbahn, einem Motel mit Restaurant etc. An den Wochenenden sollen auch Live-​Unterhaltungen
(Food, Fun & Entertainment for the whole family) durchgeführt werden.
Leider hat sich dieser Abstecher für uns nicht gelohnt, da hier schon alles sehr in die Jahre gekommen ist und während unserer Anwesenheit nichts los war, bzw. die Attraktionen schon geschlossen waren.
Für das was wir gesehen haben, können wir keine Empfehlung aussprechen.
Dafür aber zu 100% für den v. g. «Red Rock Canyon».
Eins der beliebtesten Tagesausflugsziele für Besucher von Las Vegas,
das vom Highway 159 über den nördlichen Strip in rund 30 Minuten Fahrzeit erreichbar ist.

Who knew such beauty existed 30 minutes away from the famous Las Vegas strip?
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a breath of fresh air. Jaw dropping scenery that takes you away from reality. No matter which option you choose (driving, hiking, biking or stopping for a quick picnic), you’ll be surrounded by beauty. If you’re choosing to hike, be sure to bring water with you! I can not stress the importance of staying hydrated.
I can’t wait to be back in Vegas! My first stop will be a hike through the Red Rocks with my fiancé.

Hiking. It’s our new thing to do. It’s 7 $ per car for a day trip. I am so glad we purchased the 30 $ all year round pass to Red Rock. There are so many trails to hit in this area. Creeks springs canyons and loops. Rocks to climb and scramble. From easy .5 mile strolls to sprawling difficult 11 mile round trip excursions. The drive is 13 miles long This is one of the best natural places to visit in car or on foot in Vegas. Given the 10 — 15 degree weather drop, it can be one of the greatest escapes for your mind and body or soul (if you believe in that sort of thing).
You would need a permit to rock climb. Many anchors are already set in the most popular spots. Everyone we have encountered on the loops have been in great moods and of all ages. You get complete descriptions of each trails rating of elevation and duration before ascending. Most walks are maintained respectively and simple to navigate. No problemo as long as you bring enough water and are up for the challenge.
The visitors center has a few out door exhibits that explain the natural phenomenon of the canyon in contemporary museum style. You’ll find many knowledgeable people who are helpful to explain the information that you can learn about Red Rock in the visitors center. A very nice gift shop is there where many native objects and souvenirs can begot. They close the visitors center at 4 or 4:30 I believe.
Majestic, beautiful, peaceful, awe inspiring, neato, super cool. All of these words I’m sure you may read in all the other reviews, and they are just about right too. I think I’ll use NEATO. Yeah Red Rock Conservation Area is super cool and way neato! Animals are everywhere. All kinds of cacti. Long curving roads and many scenic stops for those not trail friendly. This is some of the best Vegas has to offer.

Amazing! I’m not sure how Stephen discovered this gem, but I am so glad we came on this visit to Las Vegas.
Located ½ hour outside Las Vegas is this Conservation Area. You can view this place by car, by bike, bring a picnic, hike it, and some even get permits to climb the rocks. It was a typical 90-​degree plus day (rather cool for Vegas) so we opted to just stay in the car.
The fee is $ 7 per carload (up to 4 people I think) and they give you a map with the trails and the loop. First stop should be the Visitor’s Center, where you can get a hat, check out the magnificent view, use the toilet, get lip balm or sun screen.
At the bottom of the visitor’s center, you can find vending machines offering Gatorade and Water, and a water fountain where you can refill your bottle with FILTERED cool water.
The route with the SOLID line are the paved roads, which everyone should be on. The dotted lines are the unpaved roads that lead to trails or off the beaten path areas. Note: If you’re not in a sturdy car, don’t try to go off roading on the unpaved roads.
The 13 miles supposedly takes 35 minutes if you don’t stop. Of course, you have to stop! How can you not check out the magnificent rocks and landscape? Various sections has different type of rocks, with the beginning offer the «Red» rock, to the tiered colors, to eventually the White rocks.
There’s bathrooms at most of the turn outs, trash receptacles, and even doggy poop bags at most stops for your 4-​legged family member.
I think we got there around 2:00 when the sun was still up, and by the time we came to mile market 10, it was close to 5:00. The sun was settling down, the clouds were forming a shadow on the rocks, and it even looked like it was starting to rain.
You don’t have to be a tree hugging hippy to enjoy this. You don’t even have to get out of your car. Just come for the enjoyment of seeing the colors of nature, and how cool these rocks look like with the brilliant blue sky and fluffy clouds. Its one of those #NoFIlter instagram moments.

In the Mojave Desert, there exists a slice of heaven: the Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area. This conservation area is just a scant 30 minutes outside of Vegas, so it’s perfect for those who need a break from the ringing and whirring of the casinos, buffets, and crowded sidewalks of the Strip.
There is a lot to do at this conservation area — driving, hiking, biking, rock climbing, camping, horseback riding, you name it. I was there for a short visit with my grandmother, so we opted for the drive. The conservation area has a 13 mile loop with designated spots for cars to pull over and admire the desert scenery. Prior to driving the loop though, we had stopped by the visitor center, which contained an excellent exhibit on the Mojave Desert and the role of the 4 elements in an arid climate.
Just beyond this exhibit, there was a boardwalk that took visitors out into the middle of a desert area. My grandmother and I were the only ones out there on the quiet Monday morning, but needless to say, it was simply beautiful. the air smelled clean and fresh. The silence was overwhelming. I don’t think I have ever been in a place so quiet. Again, it can be hard to imagine that such a tranquil place exists outside of one of the noisiest cities, but let me tell you, it does. And it’s amazing. After our tour through the visitor’s center, we drove the loop around the area and stopped at a few places to take pictures.

It was truly a breathtaking area, even though we experienced just a small slice of it. I would love to return to hike the trails and experience more of its beauty. Granted, it would be wise to return in a cooler season, as like most other places in Nevada, the temperature skyrockets in the summertime.
I am grateful that the Bureau of Land Management has protected this area from outside impact. Preserving nature’s beauties is as important as ever as we face continued consequences of pollution and humans’ general lack of care for their surroundings. And equally importantly, I love that a lot of thought and care went into the educational component that the visitor’s center has to offer. Many tourists, including myself, pass through this area not knowing much about the harsh terrain, and it was wonderful that this need to educate was recognized. Next time you’re in Vegas and need to decompress, be sure to take the time to visit Red Rock and explore.

After four days of excessive eating, drinking and gambling, we decided to do something different on our last day outside Sin City. The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is practically 30 minutes away from Las Vegas Strip.
With $ 7 entrance per vehicle, you will be treated with a breathtaking view of the Red Rock Canyon. We took the 13 miles scenic route with viewing stops such as the Calico Spring, Sandstone Quarry, Red Rock Wash Overlook and my personal favorite the High Point Overlook.
There are many suggested trails if you are a hiking enthusiast. The Visitor Centre and the staff are genuinely helpful and friendly but don’t expect too many amenities there. This place is not to be missed, it’s well worth the trip.

Der Red Rock Canyon ist ein wunderschönes Gebiet ausserhalb von Las Vegas. Für Wanderer gibt es diverse beschilderte Touren mit unterschiedlichen Längen.
Aber nicht vergessen: Mütze und viel Wasser mitnehmen!

A 30 min du strip, Red Rock Canyon est un magnifique endroit où vous verrez de superbes nuances de couleur dans la roche.
Si vous cherchez à faire une petite excursion, allez y vois né serez pas déçus.
Tapez Red Rock Canyon sur Google et vois trouverez tous les renseignements nécessaires.

Zum Sonnenaufgang in den Red Rock Canyon!

Einfach überwältigend diese Natur hier! Das muß man einfach auf sich wirken lassen … FERNAB VOM BUNTEN TRUBEL DIESE SCHÖNHEIT!!! Die Farben in der Nachmittags– oder Abendsonne sind überwältigend! Ein absolutes MUß wenn mann die Klimper-​Scheinwelt mal verlasssen möchte.

In gut 40 Minuten hat man den Glamour und die Betonwelt von Las Vegas hinter sich gelassen und dafür die Ruhe, Natur und die roten Felsen des Red Rock Canyon erreicht. Ideal für einen Vormittags– oder Nachmittagsausflug als erholsame Alternative zum emsigen Treiben von Vegas.
Auch wenn meines Erachtens dieser Canyon bei weitem nicht an das Valley of Fire (
) heranreicht, das allerdings auch knapp 2 Stunden von Vegas entfernt ist, ist ein Besuch durchaus lohnenswert. Der Eintritt ist mit $ 5 recht preiswert. Am Visitor Center bekommt man alle Informationen.
Der Ranger dort erzählt wohl gerne eine Besonderheit dieses Naturschutzparkes: Die berühmten Wildpferde, die aber leider kaum jemand zu Gesicht bekommt, weil sie sich wohlweislich von den Besucherströmen fern halten. Aber selbst er habe sie vor langer Zeit zum letzten Mal gesehen. Unwillkürlich zuckt der Gedanke durch den Kopf: Gibt es sie wirklich oder sind sie nur eine Marketingidee?
Der vorgeschriebene Weg im Park ist ein Rundweg (Autoweg) mit mehreren Outlooks, von wo man aus weite Blicke in die Landschaft hat. Die Fotomotive laufen an einem vorbei und man sollte sich ein wenig Zeit gönnen. An einigen Stellen besteht auch die Möglichkeit für markierte Wanderungen.
Etwa auf halber Strecke ist ein Picnic-​Platz eingerichtet (mit Bio-​Toilette).
Fazit: Den Namen hat der Canyon von der rötlichen Farbe der Felsen, die besonders intensiv in der späten Nachmittagssonne leuchten. Der Südwesten der USA hat so viele wunderbare, zum Teil atemberaubende Nationalparks, dieser hier ist kein Muss, aber von Vegas aus eine nette Abwechslung. Vier Sterne.

Wen man mal das wilde Las Vegas für einen Tag vergessen möchte fährt man einfach ca 26 Km in die Berge hinein und man stößt auf den süßen kleinen Red Rock canyon State Park. Klein im amerikanischen Maßstab natürlich. Man kann einfach eine Looptour fahren und kommt so an allen schönen Aussichtspunkten vorbei. Klasse Fraben und super Foto Kulissen sind garantiert.
Man kann sogar ein bißchen in den Canyon hinein klettern ohne gleich sein Leben auf’s Spiel zu setzten. Ein toller ausfluf der so nah liegt