Red Rock Canyon sits 20 miles west of Las Vegas and is the area most locals tell visitors to see first. It’s the closest escape from the strip and into true desert wilderness: sandstone cliffs, quiet canyons, a 13-mile scenic loop, and some of the best hiking in Nevada. This guide breaks the area into simple sections so you can choose what to see first and plan a smooth visit.
Quick Essentials
| Where | 1000 Scenic Loop Drive, Las Vegas, NV |
| Entrance Fee | $20 per vehicle or the America the Beautiful pass. |
| Reservations | Required Oct 1 – May 31, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| Park Hours | 6 a.m. – 8 p.m., April through September 6 a.m. – 7 p.m., October and March 6 a.m. – 5 p.m., November through February |
| Current Info / Closures | Official Website |
How Red Rock Canyon Is Organized
Red Rock covers a large area, but visitors typically focus on three places:
1. The Scenic Loop (fee area)
The classic 13-mile drive with trailheads, overlooks, and the big sandstone walls you see in photos. This is where you’ll find Calico Tanks, Turtlehead, Ice Box Canyon, Pine Creek, and the main viewpoints.
→ If you only have time for one area, start here.
2. Calico Basin (no fee)
Outside the pay station. Known for Red Spring Boardwalk, picnic areas, climbing walls, and trailheads like Guardian Angel Pass and Kraft Mountain.
→ Great for a quick visit without reservations.
3. Visitor Center + Overlooks
The visitor center includes exhibits, a gift shop, and seasonal tortoises. Outside the fee area you’ll also find the popular Red Rock Canyon Overlook along Hwy 159.
→ Best for first-timers and quick trips.
Top Things to See
Top viewpoints
- High Point Overlook – highest point on the scenic loop; big valley views
- Red Rock Wash Overlook – quieter, wide-open scenery
- Red Rock Canyon Overlook (NV-159) – free viewpoint outside the loop
Most popular short walks
- Petroglyph Wall (0.2 mi) – easiest place to see ancient markings
- Red Spring Boardwalk (0.5 mi) – accessible loop with sandstone views (one of our favorites)
If you want a hike
- Calico Tanks – moderate, fun/light scrambling, great Vegas view
- Ice Box Canyon – boulder-hopping to a seasonal waterfall
- Pine Creek Canyon – quieter canyon with seasonal pools
- Turtlehead Peak – challenging summit with skyline panorama
- Keystone Thrust – short history-focused trail with geology payoff
Red Rock Canyon Tours (Good options if you don’t want to drive)
Red Rock Canyon eBike Half-Day Tour: Guided eBike ride through the sandstone canyons; an easy, low-effort way to enjoy viewpoints.
Red Rock Canyon Scooter Car Tour (with Transport from Las Vegas): Open-air “scooter car” ride along the scenic loop with pickup from Las Vegas.
Sunset Red Rock Canyon Helicopter Tour & Champagne Toast: Short, dramatic flight over the cliffs timed for sunset, with a landing stop and toast.
Red Rock Canyon Hike with Transport from Las Vegas: A guided half-day hike with round-trip transportation. Good if you prefer not to rent a car.
How Long to Spend
- 1–2 hours: Visitor center + one overlook
- Half day: Scenic loop with 1–2 short hikes
- Full day: Scenic loop + Calico Basin + a moderate hike
- Multiple days: If you want deeper hiking or climbing
Fees, Reservations & Timing
Reservations are required Oct 1 – May 31, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Entering before 8 a.m. does not require a reservation, but the entry fee still applies.
Best months: October–April
Local Tips
- Start early for parking and cooler temps
- Winds can make cold months feel colder
- Cell service is unreliable in canyon areas
- Ideal hiking temps are in the 60s–70s°F
- Summer heat can be dangerous – follow official guidance.
What First-Time Visitors Should Do
If you only do one thing, drive the scenic loop and choose one stop:
- For the classic photo: Calico Hills pullout
- For a short walk: Petroglyph Wall
- For a bigger hike: Calico Tanks (or Turtlehead if you have the time)
- For a quiet viewpoint: Red Rock Wash Overlook
Planning Tools
Interactive Activity Map
Related guides:
- How to get to Red Rock Canyon from Las Vegas
- How to visit Red Rock Canyon for free
- Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center
- Things to Do in Red Rock Canyon (activities-focused)
FAQs
Is Red Rock Canyon worth visiting?
Yes — it’s the easiest way to see real desert scenery near Las Vegas.
Do you need a reservation?
Yes, in high season (Oct–May, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.). Early entry does not require it.
Is Calico Basin free?
Yes, at this time. This may change in the future.
Can you tour Red Rock on your own?
Yes — most visitors self-drive the scenic loop.