Fossil Canyon is located in Red Rock Canyon outside of the scenic loop. It’s less traveled which means you might have the gorgeous views all to yourself.
Quick Takeaways
- A lightly traveled desert route with real fossil layers and shifting terrain.
- Expect loose rock, mild scrambling, and very little shade.
- The Echo Canyon portion is the highlight with narrow walls, textured stone, and towering enclosed feel.
- The trail is unmarked, so bring gps and your route finding skills.
- Best for hikers who like geology, solitude, and hands-on terrain.
Trail Stats
- Distance: ~3.8 miles (our route – up Fossil Canyon, back through Echo Canyon)
- Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Elevation Gain: ~686 feet
- Trailhead: Fossil Canyon Trailhead (off the horse stable access road)
- Best Season: October–April (too hot otherwise)
- Typical Conditions: Hot, exposed, and rocky
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Quick Links: Trailhead on Google Maps * Alltrails Reviews
What to Expect
You start climbing immediately from the Fossil Canyon trailhead, but the payoff comes fast, Red Rock’s scenic loop spreads out to the northwest, and Echo Canyon opens to your left.
The area is dotted with cactus and if you look closely, you might find small seashells or bits of fossilized pieces. They were easy to miss, but fun when you spot one.
We felt the Fossil Canyon trail was clear enough (less so on the Echo Canyon portion), though not signed. There’s horse dung everywhere and loose rock to keep you alert. When you drop left into Echo Canyon, it turns into light scrambling and short shaded sections. The terrain keeps changing so be sure to pause and look back from time to time.
At one point, we could see horses high on the ridge line. You can actually book tours to go on a sunset horse ride. It’s a little pricey but people rave about it.
On the way down, one of our group got dehydrated and slipped on some slick rock. He was ultimately fine, but it reminded us how easy it is to take a wrong step on loose/sharp rocks and get yourself in trouble.
After exiting the scrambling area, the route passes by the horse stables, and from there, you walk the dirt road back to the small lot beside the highway.
Who Will Love This Trail
- Desert adventurer who enjoys a side of geology.
- Hikers craving a Red Rock feel without Red Rock crowds.
- Anyone who gets excited about scrambling through slot-like canyon walls and finding fossils in the rock.
Who Might Hate It
- If you need clear signage or cell signal, this isn’t your trail.
- Those expecting a loop you can casually jog. You’ll be scrambling through echo canyon, and dodging an uneven trail with sharp rocks.
- Horse droppings on the Fossil Canyon Trail.
What We Liked
- The fossil layers. We saw actual seashells and sponges embedded in stone. They are hard to spot, but it’s a fun treasure hunt!
- The views of Red Rock Canyon from a non-traditional side.
- The varied terrain. It started with sweeping desert panoramas and then dropped into a twisting canyon for some hands-on scrambling.
What We Didn’t
- Route finding takes focus; there are no signs and it’s lightly traveled so if you run into trouble you’ll need to be able to self-rescue.
- Loose gravel can be a bit annoying, but we wouldn’t recommend treking poles due to the scrambling.
- Shade is scarce until Echo Canyon narrows, bring extra water and grit. Even in the canyon it was scarce.
Pair It With
- The Red Rock Canyon scenic drive (reservations required in high season).
- A burger and beer at Al’s Garage on your way back into town.
More Information for your trip to Red Rock Canyon
- Plan your visit: Top things to know about Red Rock Canyon near Las Vegas
- Choose a Hike: A list of every hike in Red Rock Canyon Area
- Best Views: Summiting Turtlehead Peak
- Fun Scramble: Kraft Mountain to upper gateway
- Quick Hike: Calico Tanks Trail
- Overlook: High Point Overlook (accessible via car)
- Overlook: Red Rock Wash Overlook (accessible via car)
- Overlook: Red Rock Canyon Overlook (accessible via car)
- Nearby: Calico Basin’s Red Spring Boardwalk