Red Rock Canyon

Skip “the Strip” and take the time to explore all the natural beauty just outside of Las Vegas, you won’t regret it. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking in a way that no photo or video could ever fully capture. There’s something almost surreal about standing in the middle of such vast, untouched landscapes with towering red rocks, sweeping desert valleys, and quiet trails that wind through it all. Everywhere you look, there’s another stunning view waiting for you, each turn reveals something even more incredible than the last. Whether you’re hiking one of the many scenic trails or simply standing still to take it all in, it’s an experience that makes you feel small in the best possible way. It’s peaceful, quiet, and a refreshing contrast to the noise and chaos of the city. I highly recommend making time for a visit if you’re in the area, hike, explore, and just soak in the serene beauty. This is the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and truly appreciate the moment.

Absolutely stunning location to hike, bike, photograph, and explore. Visited here with my family during spring break 2025. Everyone had a fantastic time. Really appreciate the visitor center and the attention that my children received from the rangers there. Great activities for all ages. It was above and beyond. I also received some helpful tips and advice from the rangers which I found to be very helpful. Thank you!!!!! Location and grounds were very well maintained and the park was wonderful. Can’t wait to be back here and bike through it. Highly recommend!

Red Rock Canyon is an absolute gem just outside of Las Vegas! The scenery is stunning—vibrant red rocks, unique formations, and panoramic desert views that take your breath away. The scenic drive is beautiful, and there are so many great trails for all levels, from easy walks to more challenging hikes and climbs. It’s the perfect place to escape the city and connect with nature. Everything is well maintained, and the staff at the visitor center are super helpful. Highly recommend spending a day here—it’s one of my favorite spots in Nevada!

The scenic drive alone makes it worth the trip. Stopped by Red Rock Canyon and checked out the little visitor center store first—super cute, and had plenty of souvenir options. Then we did the scenic drive, and honestly, you’re just in awe the whole time. Every stop, every stretch of the road—just beautiful.

$20 per day pass Perfect for pictures, hiking, trailblazing and biking. There are restrooms at most of the stops. Cell service is limited but not completely disrupted.

Beautiful canyon that is pretty close to LV. It has 13 miles, one way road that you can drive by car or motorcycle, car entrance is $20 and it's valid whole day so if you leave area you can enter again. There is (I think) 9 stops for sightseeing, walking, and taking pictures. Some stops have hiking trails, not all, but there are plenty of miles you can do by walking. This place is definitely worth visiting since you can see beautiful rock formations with very unique colors and it's so peaceful there too.

Red Rock Canyon, just outside Las Vegas, is a stunning natural escape filled with dramatic red sandstone cliffs. A must-see if you’re in Vegas and want nature, adventure, or simply a quiet break from the Strip.

This spot is gorgeous. The views are stunning and the hike is great. I would highly recommend visiting if you enjoy a good hike and wonderful views.

Red Rock Canyon is a favorite scenic and hiking spot of mine as a Las Vegas local, and a must see for anyone visiting our city. As the name suggests, a lot of the scenery is of the beautiful orange/red colored sandstone (the color is actually due to iron oxide - aka rust - in the rock) but if you explore the many different hiking trails you will find it is actually quite varied. The canyon consists of a one-way 13 mile scenic road loop, with many stops and parking areas along the way where you can get out and enjoy the scenery. There are numerous hiking trails, ranging from relatively short and easy ones to longer more intense ones, and a few hard core ones I can't say I've even done personally, but that are there for the more intense hikers. It would take several days just to do all the easy and moderate hikes, so for those visiting wanting to make the best of a day trip here, be sure to ask at the visitors center and they will help you best plan out how to use your available time. The entrance fees are about $20 for a car at the time of writing, with lower fees for motorcycles, bicycles or pedestrians. Just be aware that during the peak months (October through May generally - but check the website to be sure) you do need to get a reservation online and set an entry time. You can stay as long as you want, but you do need to arrive in your slot, this can come as a surprise and trip up those not in the know. Also, please be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and wear a hat and appropriate shoes if you are hiking. The desert heat can quickly catch up with you, especially if you're not a local and used to it.

We had a bit of a bumpy start on our trip to Red Rock Canyon, as we did not know reservations are required October through May. When we entered the park, there were two options: have a reservation or leave. We ended up pulling over and making an online reservation that was available about 20 minutes in the future and paid a $2 fee for to do so. Then we were able to enter the park...It was all a bit silly really. There weren't many people. The fee to enter is $20 per vehicle and it was a nice scenic drive. For anyone unaware, there is a 2-lane road but both lanes are going the same direction. It was made this was so that you can easily pass slower drivers who are taking in the views. Some people seem not to understand this. There really is only one "Red Rock" area but the rest of the park is still lovely. We decided to do a short hike to a waterfall area and the paths do not seem to be maintained in any capacity; multiple people were wondering "lost" and there were spots where you had to cross muddy pools of water or climb a bit to get passed. This was an easy way to get some nature into our day, but prosaic as far as hikes and parks go in my opinion.

Red Rock Canyon is a beautiful natural spot you can visit right outside of Las Vegas, which is great if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Sin City. The name doesn't lie - you will see many "red rocks" while there. It almost feels like you're on another planet, when you look out over the horizon and see all those rougey stones and cliffs. Speaking of cliffs, there are those, but there are also mountains and valleys too. You can drive through a lot of the routes through Red Rock Canyon and stop along the way at things that look interesting to you, but there are tons of other ways to experience it too, including biking, hiking, and camping. Whichever way you decide to experience Red Rock Canyon, just remember that it is a desert (in the middle of Death Valley), so make sure to take lots of hydration and cooling aids with you. Even though it's hot and dry, as mentioned above, it's definitely worth the sweat and sunburn to see this gorgeous landscape just 45 minutes outside of Vegas!

One of my most favorite places on this beautiful planet! It's truly an amazing experience. The hikes are great. Just plan ahead, be prepared, and be wise. Definitely recommend hiking shoes versus sneakers, carry water with you, and know where you are or where you plan to go. One favorite area to visit is Calico Basin (also referred to as Red Spring), which has a nice hiking trail as well as a lovely observation deck area that's very relaxed when you don't wish to endure a hike. Love that it's dog-friendly, too. Public restrooms and picnic tables are provided in this area, too. Also, if you're up for a more leisurely way to see Red Rock Canyon, enjoy the "drive-thru" experience. This road has pullover areas that you can get out for a stretch and enjoy the views. Various walking trails are offered, including ones right from the visitor center. The visitor center also provides Wi-Fi, so if you need to order a cab, etc., you can from there. I recommend planning to spend about 2 hours when visiting and to visit in the morning hours whenever possible. Beautiful place and an experience that I highly recommend.

An absolute must do if you're in Vegas. This is about 25 mins away from the Vegas strip I wanna say. You feel like you're in a different world seeing this. We followed the driving loop which is perfectly designed with small parking areas for you to hop out of the car to get a closer look or to even hop on a trail and start walking if you wanted to! The views were INSANE. Driving through here was jaw dropping. I can only imagine hiking or walking within inches of it. I couldn't believe how close we got to it. Absolutely stunning. They have it down to a science where you have to reserve the time slot for your visit (at least that was the case for the driving loop) so make sure you plan ahead of time is all. :)

Nice scenic drive about 45 minutes to complete but take the time to make stops and take pictures. Bring sneakers don't be like me And bring a sweater if you come in the winter Book your entrance and pay on your phone ahead of time (day of should be fine)

Who doesn't love a nature day and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city?! Plenty of beauty to explore with miles of trails to hike as long as the 13 mile scenic drive. Something for everyone of all abilities, ages, and interests. Keep in mind that this is one of the busiest nature areas in Vegas and receives a lot of tourists and locals alive. You must go online to make a Recreation reservation in advance if you plan on entering the park from 8am - 5 pm during certain months (in effect now until May 31st I believe....so always in effect except the hot summer months); no drive ins without a reservation allowed. I recommend coming early in the morning on weekends to avoid the larger crowds as this place tends to get crowded. Pretty place with plenty of variety and scenery to enjoy :)

A wonderful way to spend a few hours or longer. Purchase your pass online in advance of your visit. Try to time your arrival with a ranger stroll at the visitor center and you will get a good overview of the area. There are many places to park along the scenic loop with multiple hiking options.

Beautiful Amazing scenery , lets keep it clean . Thank you for such an amazing experience. Yours truly, Mark LaBray aka #BigDaddyLaBray

Been to Vegas many times, but hardly ever outside of the summer (for whatever reason). Therefore, it was my first time at Red Rock Canyon in 2024. Needless to say, the 30 minute drive away from the strip was so much worth it. We went in January and was met with gorgeous red canyons and snow tipped mountains. Actually it started to snow there a little bit when we were there at the high altitude lookout/trail. If you go to Vegas with kids/family you should definitely check it out since you'll need a little break from the smokey casino's anyway. Tip: If you are in Vegas outside the summer (this place is probably too hot in the summer), if you have time and transportation (you will need a car there) you should definitely check it out. It is a nice break from all the glitz and glamor on the strip.

Always my go to place to escape the hustle and bustle of Vegas! You feel like you are miles away from the Vegas strip when you visit red rock! And you are only 20 minutes away! When visiting, check to see if you need reservations! During the prime season starting October you need reservations: even if you are a national park cardholder! Reservations can be made online and coat 2 dollars plus entrance fee! Without a reservation they will turn you away! The line can be long but with patience you will get through it! The park is great for drives, walks, runs and rock climbing! You will even find people renting scooters: paid tour! Rock climbing is a big thing here! There are also easy and more challenging hikes! Something for everybody! During the holidays park does get busy! With that said, the parking lots do get full! Some of the parking lots are quite small! Given the beauty of this park, always a great place to venture out to!

Came back here but forgot to make a reservation before it filled up for the weekend so we didn't get to go inside to where the visitors center was. Even though we had to turn around there were still spots to enjoy the scenery that we stumbled upon outside of the usual area inside. There were a good amount of parking space a available as well.

My oasis in the desert. We bring out-of-towners every time and it's always a hit. You can probably find more impressive views and hikes in/near Nevada, but this place is so close to the city and so well-maintained - it's hard to beat the convenience. It's a fantastic option for beginner and casual hikers, and I highly recommend it. $20/vehicle - worth it in my opinion, given how well-maintained the park is. Do consider getting an annual pass for $50 if plan to visit at least 3 times. Online reservations are required on some, but not all days. Don't risk it - check their website before you visit, as there is no cell reception at the park, so you may not be able to get in if you decide to wing it. Grab a map at the visitor center or download it from their website beforehand (again - no cell service at the park!) Calico Hills trails are most popular and sometimes crowded. They're worth a stop if it's your first time. My favorite hike here is Pike Creek Canyon and Fire Ecology trail, but there are many more I have yet to explore. They have a decent gift shop. Do pack and dress appropriately; however, you can always purchase extra water and snacks (or hats and gloves, as it does get cold in the mountains in the winter!), so no stress :) They have several bathrooms throughout the park.

Just 30 mins from the Las Vegas strip! If you're a photographer/nature lover, this is a beautiful place to drive to. It's a 13 mile loop of never ending sights. So many pull off to take pictures and a lot of trails as well! I loved that the road was big enough for people to go around slower drivers so nothing got backed up! Heads up-if you're looking to go during peak season (spring and summer) you need to make a reservation in advance to your trip before you can enter, so keep that in mind when planning your trip!

Can't say enough good things about this visit. Firstly, make a time entry reservation. You won't get in without it. But when you do, you'll drive the scenic drive along the canyon. Don't rush. Take in the sights. Yeah some stops will be more crowded. It's alright, there's enough space in nature for everyone. The rocks are gorgeous, the hikes can be short or long. We saw some people doing hardcore hiking, rock climbing and of course there is the Instagram photo opportunities. We did a short 0.8mile hike and it wasn't too hard. I highly recommend going to the visitor center. The volunteer rangers have a wealth of knowledge. The gift store is really good too, they gave lots of fun gifts for souvenirs.

This place is a conservatory and not a park. It is still open like a park for hiking, rock climbing, and camping. The people at the visitor center are super nice and helpful. The trails are beautiful and vary in difficulty. Most of the visitors to this location are friendly. Just make sure u make a reservation online before going. They were booked on our visit and were turning ppl away who did not have reservations at the entrance gate. Be sure to bring water if hiking. Most if the trails have outhouses at the parking lot/trail head. The toilets at the visitor center are superior and especially the one outside the center as opposed to the lot. We have been on 4 trails here. The more challenging ones can be pretty difficult for inexperienced hikers like us. The easier and moderate ones are not bad. Overall this is a wonderful place to visit for quiet and natural beauty. We highly recommend it and will likely be back. We have only been in Nov and if u go in the morning and leave by noon, the temperature is wonderful at this time of year. Other months may be very hot or cold in this region depending on the season.

We took the one way 13 mile scenic drive Visit: Wednesday, August 2022 around 1pm Very warm outside, clear skies, some clouds Very few guests Beautiful views, several point of interest stops, infinite photo ops, some areas have similar views to previous stops, no shady areas, flat land, rocky. Dress accordingly, wear sunscreen, bring water/snacks

Go, Go, Go! It is so amazingly beautiful! Pictures really cannot do this wonderment justice!

I love this place!!! It is such a beautiful place to come hike, rock climb or even for just a drive on the scenic loop. Ar the end of the summer I had a bit of an accident and my doctor did not want me going hiking until my bones were all healed up. So this weekend I finally got to go out and do my first hike since the end of the summer when everything cools down and the rattlesnakes and scorpions go hide in the rocks. Just gorgeous as always. There are a bunch of different trails and you can get a map at check in before you enter the park. If you are an early morning hiker come before 8 am and you don't have to reserve a spot.

Red Rock Canyon in Las Vegas is a breathtaking natural wonder that never fails to awe visitors with its stunning vistas and vibrant hues. The 13-mile scenic drive offers a mesmerizing journey through this rugged landscape, showcasing towering cliffs, winding canyons, and unique rock formations at every turn. What makes exploring Red Rock Canyon truly special is the ability to park your car and embark on multiple trails along the way, each offering its own distinctive beauty and challenges. There's something for every nature lover to discover and marvel at. With its unparalleled beauty and diverse hiking opportunities, Red Rock Canyon is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to experience the raw majesty of the Nevada desert.

Red Rock Canyon is one of my favorite places to go to in Las Vegas. It has some of the best hiking trails in Nevada. During peak periods, December - May, you'll need a reservation. You can do this online. You'll also have to pay a $22.00 per vehicle. My family and I decided to go hiking on a Saturday morning. We placed our reservations for 11:00 A.M, but arrived at around 10:50. Check-in was a breeze. We had our QR code scanned and paid the remaining $20.00 in cash to go into Red Rock Canyon. We drove around slowly through the scenic drive and stopped by Lost Creek - Children's Discovery to go hiking. The distance for the hike is around .80 miles and the average time is an hour. It actually took us two hours as we slowly hiked up the path to the waterfall. There is a hidden seasonal waterfall through December and April in the canyon. Parking can get a little difficult depending on how busy it is. We had so much fun though! Next time, we plan on trying out Oak Creek Canyon.

If you're looking for a break from the chaos of the Vegas Strip, come check out Red Rock Canyon! It's about 25 minutes from the Strip. It's a nice, relaxing, scenic national park full of hiking trails and picturesque views. Even if you're not an avid hiker, you can drive down the 13 mile loop which takes you to various stops along the way. There's a parking lot at each stop. The visitor center is a must! There are various attractions and information about Red Rock and clean bathrooms. They also have an outdoor exhibit that's entertaining for the kids including a real turtle who lives there! Tip: recommend coming before 10am due to the hot weather and traffic. We got in around 930am and had no wait at the ticket booth or issues finding parking at the various scenic stops. As we were leaving, there was a long line of cars trying to get in. Plan to wear a hat, sunglasses, and tennis shoes. Bring snacks and water.

I wish I had more time to hike this area. There are several spots along the 13 mile drive to stop and hike, with varying types of rocks and mountain range, representing centuries of aging mountains. The red rocks are evident throughout the drive, and resembles prehistoric landscapes we can only imagine. Apparently, tortoise and other creatures are found in this desert-like environment, so it's look but don't touch if you happen to cross paths. There are signs of wild horses and mules in the area, so drive safely through this generally untouched environment.

It's a nice area to explore. I didn't get to see as many red rocks as I was hoping for but that's okay. Don't forget to make a reservation if you plan on coming here... especially on the weekend. We forgot to so we weren't able to go into the visitor's center because they sold out of reservations for the day. Although we couldn't go, there are still a few areas you can pull off to the side and walk around.

It's beautiful here to see the Red Rock Canyon. You can go inside during park hours and drive and stop at different spots. Once you get out of the car you can hike to different parks in the area. It is beautiful and also a great place to be with nature. I had a lot of fun and would recommend coming here. Also probably wear good hiking shoes if you want to climb on the rocks! I see some people wearing the wrong shoes and not being able to climb into certain areas. This will take up quite a bit of time so I would suggest coming early so you don't hit the hot sun.

I came here three times. It is a really good place to start when comes to Vegas. It's relaxing and enjoyable nature scenic. There are good information from the visitor center inside and they show you the map of the scenic loop.

Don't know why we waited until today to visit Red Rock Canyon! Got the Scenic Drive Timed Entry ticket ($20 + $2) online and printed our ticket with the QR code. Got in 30 minutes before 9:00 - 10:00 times entry and stopped by the Visitor Center. All the staff from the gentleman who scanned our ticket to the staff at the Information desk were very friendly and helpful. We just went on the scenic drive and stopped at the Calico I and also the Hight Point Overlook for photos and enjoyed the breathtaking views. We were in and out for an hour and a half. Totally worth it!

What a gorgeous natural wander just outside the strip. We participated in a bike tour that took us on a 13mile loop within Red Rock Canyon. It is too bad I can't upload videos. I created my own Go Pro-style videos by sticking my phone on a selfie stick, and then shoving the selfie sick down my shirt so that it would record as I rode my bicycle. Bright red rock gave way to a more hostile barrenness. But the entire route was filled with majestic views and punctuated by frequent stopping areas. The roads were very well paved, and we shared the wide roads with the occasional car driving through and the more frequent hikers. We definitely would love to come back here again, perhaps to hike the next time around because there are small routes that shoot off from the main road that we could not travel on because we could not leave our bikes behind. FYI there is an $8/bicyclist entry fee. I think the rate is lower if you are walking in.

Was ok, a bit underwhelming and pricey, compared to Valley of Fire. Good thing was it's only a little over 30 mins away from Vegas

Introducing Red Rock Canyon: Escape the casino chaos and dive into the natural wonders of Red Rock Canyon. With captivating exhibits, pristine trails, and intriguing caves, it's the perfect outdoor getaway. Plus, did you know it's managed by the Bureau of Land Management? It's a must-visit destination for all you park lovers out there!

Beautiful park to spend the day in. It is only about 20 minutes outside of Vegas. The entrance fee is $20. You do have to reserve an entry time online on their website. There's always a ton. They have a visitor center and then a 13 mile one-way scenic loop drive. There was many pull off points with parking lots to stop and hike/take photos. People can rock climb as well. Just be careful as when it rains the rock gets very slippery and falls apart. Absolutely recommend the drive as it is incredibly scenic.

If you are not much of a hiker, just go for the 13 mile scenic drive. Must stop at the first one and the one at the highest elevation. These two are great spots for photos. Feel free to skip the rest.

I don't think there is enough daylight to really take in the beauty of all the available trails here. I think the park offers a great variety of easy-difficult type of hikes and an amazing scenic drive. I have only been twice but have loved both of my visits. Both times I've visited were during winter and the natural landscape is stunning. The scenic drive has many stops for pictures and parking lots for their respective trail heads. The staff, facilities, and experience have always been great!

What a gorgeous location to explore. Pay to enter. Highly advise getting an America the Beautiful pass that allows entrance to tons of parks. There are numerous trails at varying stages from east to difficult. Picnic areas. There's a 13 mile scenic loop drive. The visitors center is rather impressive. Well kept. Clean restrooms available. Staff are helpful and informative. The exhibits are interesting and fun to explore. There's a gift shop that has everything you might need like water, sunscreen and hats to souvenir items to meet anyone's liking. Well worth the visit.

I don't even know where to begin! We absolutely loved hiking here! Before I begin spilling my love for this hike, I'd like to express that if you do decide to go hiking here, make sure to go early because the parking gets full and you'll be SOL. Also, there is a $15 entrance fee per vehicle. Veterans get in for free, so it's great to bring someone who's a veteran lol We went to Las Vegas for a little Family Reunion/Halloween Party. We decided to go hiking before the party. We hiked the Calico Tanks trail. Best decision! This place is absolutely amazing. The rock formations are very cool. The scenery is amazing and beautiful. We definitely did some rock climbing but I'm not going to complain. I loved it. Great workout for sure. The views at the top of the basin are absolutely breathtaking. I promise, if you love to hike, this is an awesome trail to hike!

We came to Red Rock Canyon to do the Calico Tanks hike which is a moderate trail. There was no reservation required since it was the month of June. If you are a Veteran it is Free entry as long as you show your ID at the entry point. The visitors center has a wealth of information, maps, merchandise store, and bathrooms. We parked at the Sandstone Quarry parking lot which also had bathrooms. There are plenty of signs to show you which way to go. Make sure you wear hiking shoes (tennis shoes will slip on the sandstone), sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Bring snacks and plenty of water. We had an amazing day. It was 84 degrees when we began our hike. This hike is the most popular one because of tadpoles, frogs, and other creatures in the Calico Tanks. Oh and the epic view of the Las Vegas strip at the end of this hike. What a fun day! Go and enjoy!

Red Rock use to be an hour outside of town and where the locals would go see plays at a crappy ampitheater. It is now right on the edge of suburbia, requires a park fee for admittance and has a paved road that weaves around the mountains. Pretty drive. Took us about 90 minutes to drive the way around with a few steps to hike briefly. There are a couple restrooms by the paved road.

This place is an absolute gem. Yes, maybe the reservation system needs to be tweaked, but that didn't detract from our experience at all. We visited in January. It was cold and sunny. We did Calico Tanks trail. It was challenging, a bit icy, but so incredibly beautiful. Easy to follow markers, lots of great places to take a break. We will definitely be back

Check to see if you need reservations before you go. I've been to many national parks /nationally run conservation areas and never been turned away for lack of reservations. The only time I am used to having getting reservations is for overnight camping in parks, apparently you even need them to enter to drive through and take some pictures. This whole process threw me off guard. So after driving 15 minutes to this park, we they have two lines, one with those who have reservations and the other if you don't. If you follow the lane for no reservations it just loops you back out of the park (there's no explanation anywhere). We ended up going back in to find out what the scoop was on the reservations. We were directed to make reservations on www.recreation.gov . Of course there is no cell reception out there or any way to make a reservation once you are at the park itself. We drive back in town to make this reservation, which takes a bit of time to set up an account, of course now we have to pay an online $2 fee to process the request in spite of being annual pass holder. Back we go to the park, another 15 mins. The reservation gives you roughly a 1 hour window for entrance which allows you to enter and stay as long as you like (not sure how this really helps congestion in the park exactly). We had planned to come to this park a couple of times during our stay, but when you are traveling and dealing with traffic, trying to narrow down a 1 hour window isn't always easy. Sadly we only got to see this one once. The park is beautiful, but it is a huge hassle to visit.. plan accordingly. I think they need a better system as this is very confusing and frustrating if you aren't used to this system (and I don't think many out of state first time visitors are judging by how many of us looped out at the "no reservation" sign).

Very beautiful 1 mile one way nature hike. This is a cute little hike and in April was not too hot yet. I enjoyed my time here and glad i got to enjoy half of my day here. Spent about an hour and half here and visited the gift shop/museum which is at the big home.

Just 30 minutes away from Las Vegas. It's a worthy side trip when visiting sin city. The scenic view offers beautiful and colorful rock formations from slopes to mountains.

$15 per vehicle, credit card taken. Sandstone Quarry trailhead has a stunning view. Most popular hike/light climb? The scenic route loop is nice but around a 40min drive to get out = don't miss your exit/stop. Sandstone Quarry is the 3rd stop with 2 restrooms. No wifi reception at entrance gate for rsvp and during parts of scenic drive. Some patches of wifi. Calico I Calico II Sandstone Quarry (with Calico Tanks trail is the most popular/View of Vegas) Etc with other stops.

Just 25 miles from Las Vegas Red Rock National Park is awaiting your visit. For $22.00 entry fee for non residents you are allowed entry but be aware most times a reservation is needed as it gets busy. There is ample hiking trails and scenic stops. This park is a 13 mile one way drive with various stops along the way. There is a visitor center at the entry and restrooms along the way. So next time in Las Vegas take a break from the casinos and come to Red Rock National Park. Beware it can get very warm April to October so bring water, sunscreen, camera and a hat.

I am in love with this beauty! Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is located about 17 miles west of downtown Las Vegas. It offers visitors and residents a well deserved break from the concrete and neon lights of Las Vegas. I first visited it sometime in the late 80s and fell immediately in love with the beauty of its landscape. That region has a long history going back to early humans. Southern Paiute and even older Native Americans occupied this area because of its water, plant and animal resources. According to researchers there were as many as six different Native American cultures may have lived here over the millennia. These 6 cultures are: - Southern Paiute- 900 to modern times - Patayan Culture - 900 to early historic times in the 1800s - Anasazi - 1 AD to 1150. - Pinto/Gypsum- (Archaic) 3500 BC to 1 AD. - San Dieguito - 7000 to 5500 BC. - Paleo-Indians (Tule Springs)- 11,000 to 8000 BC. Then came the European Americans and a few attempts at mining none of which survived due to the cost overhead. Hollywood made a few movies there too. One that I remember watching as a kid was "The Stalking Moon" starring Gregory Peck, one of my favorite actors. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) designated 10,000 acres as the Red Rock Recreation Lands in 1967. The U S. Senate and President George H. W. Bush approved establishing the Red Rock Conservation Area by transferring Federal land to the State of Nevada. In 1990 the status of the Red Rock Recreation Lands changed to a National Conservation Area, providing it additional funds for maintenance and protection. Red Rock Canyon offers a lot to the visitors. At a minimum you can opt to follow the 13-mile long scenic car route through the area. If you are visiting for the first time, make the most of your visit by stopping at every designated scenic stop to enjoy the natural beauty of the beautiful Mojave Desert and its signature red hills. High Point Overlook is one of my favorites. You get to see so much of the wide open space in front of you and at the right time of the day (lighting is the key!) take beautiful photos. If you have the right car and want to try off road driving there are designated roads that you will enjoy. If you are a hiker, the park offers many hiking options. Make sure to stop at the visitor center for a map of the area and the hiking trails. Here are a few that I have personally hiked over the years: 1 - Calico Hills (Moderate) 2 - Calico Tanks (Moderate) 3 - White Rock/La Madre Springs Loop (Moderate) 4 - The Ice Box Canyon trail (Moderate) 5 - First Creek Canyon Trail (Moderate) 6 - Calico Overlook (Easy to Moderate) 7 - Ash Spring Trail (Easy) 8 - Petroglyph Wall (Easy) 9 - Pine Creek Canyon (Easy to Moderate) If you had to do one, try the Calico Hills Trail. It is a very popular choice and it is about 6.5 miles. You can take your dog and will see a lot. If you are into picnicking, there are a few beautiful picnic areas to choose from. Willow Spring Picnic Area seems to be a very popular one. Bottom line, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers so much that it would be shame to be in Las Vegas and miss it! Here are a few helpful links: Red Rock Canyon Las Vegas https://www.redrockcanyonlv.org/ Red Rock Canyon Keystone Visitor Guide https://www.redrockcanyonlv.org/wp-content/uploads/rrckeystone2017_vfin-web.pdf Hikes & Trails - Round-trip Distances & Times https://www.redrockcanyonlv.org/lasvegas/hikes-trails/

So I've had Red Rock Canyon on my bucket list for a while now. I'm so happy I finally got to check it off on Sunday, January 15, 2023. Red Rock Canyon is about 10 miles from the Vegas strip and is well worth the visit. It's perfect for picnic'ing, camping, hiking, climbing or driving through the scenic views. There are guided tours, but I opted to explore on my own with a girl friend of mine. You'll need a car to get here. There's no cell service (or it's really spotty) once you get to the entrance of this national conservatory area. It will cost $22 (per vehicle) to enter. You can purchase the ticket in advance (which I highly recommend) via recreation.gov. What's awesome about Red Rock is that it's about a 13-mile scenic drive (hence the necessity of a car) where you can choose to hike one of 20 beautiful trails (ranging from east to difficult) into the desert wilderness. I definitely want to come back and hike this in the spring / summer because it was so windy and cold in January. If you're looking to get a break from the glitz, glamour and chaos of the Vegas strip, I highly recommend scheduling some time at Red Rock Canyon. You won't regret it!

We didn't venture too far into Red Rock Canyon but just enough to explore a bit, snap some pics and then off to another adventure. Nature is beautiful however I kept getting "Hills have eyes movie" vibes, spooked and creeped out we decided not to hike very far.. It was a nice drive through. You could also rent a buggy type of vehicle to explore. The first stop is free, Calico Basin Trail. You can park in the lot, there is a restroom, and then you can follow the trails to where other hikers/tourists are walking up on a mound to get better views and pictures.

Sometimes you need to get away from the concrete. A great outing with family and friends. We took a group of kids through a trail and they loved it. Different trials for different experience levels equaled a great time for all.

One of the prettiest scenic drives of my life!! Such a nice breath of fresh air from the strip and definitely worth the visit. $15 entrance fee which I would consider a steal for these views. The loop took us around an hour to complete, but they let us drive it again so we ended up spending around 2.5 hours here. There's a lot of hiking trails that you can take if you want, and a lot to explore. Multiple stops to park and take pictures. Breathtaking experience.

Love! if you head to las vegas, come here. some mts of the year you need to pay for a pass, so look that up. you can drive the loop and just take stops and look around or you can discover all the hikes! we did the calico tanks and icebox. both a great, we didn't finish icebox. it snowed some of the time and got cold so come prepared...layers and warm clothes. also good hiking shoes. there is rock scrambling and it can get slippery so be cautious. calico tank has gorgeous views! icebox is longer and harder, not sure it's worth it but heard it was! there a lot more hikes, look on their website, some easy and short and some long (over 10 miles). depends on how much time you have. i would get there early for the popular hikes, the parking lots fill up. bring water, it can also get very hot and it's dry. it's beautiful and worth it, it's about 20-30 mins from the vegas strip and a nice change. you can do about 2-3 short hikes or one longer one. the scenic drive take 20-30 w/o stopping but why would you do that? you can spend all day here! remember water and good shoes and layers! look through their hiking list to pick good ones for you! enjoy! great for kids and families or dates!

I originally moved to Las Vegas in 2009. Fast forward, and it's disappointing to see the impact capitalism has had on one of the natural places on Earth, which happens to be in Las Vegas. For decades, I've been an annual pass holder, even after moving to Southern California in 2015. Never in my life did I think I would get into an argument with a very rude member of the park staff over their policy change. Back in October, I paid $50 for an annual pass, even though I live in California and only visit Vegas 3-5 times a year. Every trip since 2015, my first stop was Red Rock. However, this time, because I did not have a reservation, I was denied entry. I politely explained that I wasn't aware that a reservation was needed. I asked why they didn't explain that when I purchased the annual pass in October. He said they didn't start the policy until the end of October, so I suggested that it feels like a "scam". After some back and forth, it just made me even angrier because this gentleman proceeded to talk to me like I was stupid. So I cut him off and promised him that I would write this review. It's incredibly sad that they're using the potential park over-crowding as an excuse to bring in more revenue, especially since there wasn't even a big line to get into the park. I don't complain about much, but park leadership has to do better. They need to train their staff better and, most importantly, take care of the people who have been loyal for decades. It's also unacceptable to speak to a person of color with a condescending tone. My career is dedicated to properly diagnosing and treating cancer throughout the entire state of California, but I was addressed like I was a panhandler. Going forward, I'll be switching things up and visiting the Valley of Fire instead.