Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Reviews

4.7

2 of 854 Best Attractions in Las Vegas


Reviews

Stunning

By Ezedia m |

Stunning! Lots of hikes (short and long) available or just drive and step out of car at various stops along drive. Excellent Visitor’s Center. Reservations recommended (discount available for veterans). Be sure to check weather forecast (we had light snow in April!)

like it

By matt m |

great experience, long walk but it worths , my kids love it my wife less. by the way definely reccomended

Beautiful colors and views

By Andres Esguerra |

This is a really nice break from the noise of Las Vegas. The views were beautiful and the colors. The weather is a bit different so be prepared. It rained on us a bit but we were still able to do a couple of short trails.

Beautfiful!

By GAB711 |

This was my second trip to Red Rocks. This time you had to pay to get in. I think it was $15.00 for a car load and it you had to reserve a time to enter. I did not remember doing that back in 2001. Still beautiful and it wasn't that crowded. Highly recommend

Breath Taking Views

By Yardielady |

Breath taking. Nice to just drive the loop. But wish I had more time to hike some of the easier trails. Check online to make sure reservations aren't needed.

Tips if you plan on hiking Calico Tanks

By scottfromerie |

My family and I visited Red Rock Canyon on a Friday morning. Here are a few tips for you:

Since this park is so close to Las Vegas, it is easy to get to and it will be crowded. Right now, they have a reservation system in place. We placed our reservation 3 days in advance and we were fine. I would recommend 3 days or longer especially if you are visiting on a weekend.

We entered the park right around 8:30 and started the hike around 8:45 at Calico Tanks. Parking will fill up fast so get there as early as you can. While hiking up, we only saw 1 other person on the trail. Coming back down the hill, we were passing a steady stream of people. The earlier the better to beat the crowds.

I would recommend that you have decent hiking boots. The trail starts off easy, but as you progress, you will encounter steep steps. Be careful, the rocks have a little bit of sand on them and they can be a little slippery.

This goes without saying, but bring water on the trail, especially if you start late and hit the heat of the day. Suntan lotion is a must too.

If this was helpful, please let me know.

Amazing scenery

By Dr. A |

This place was absolutely beautiful and well maintained. It wasn't crowded at all which made it even more fun. This area is definitely worth a look.

Beautiful Hiking Trails & Escape from the City

By Leslie S |

The most beautiful nature break from the lights of the strip. So many hiking and exploring option. Get a reservation on recreation.gov and enjoy this amazing place.

Could have spent several days exploring here.

By John B |

Such an amazing area, with so much to see. Given the chance, I'd return to Vegas and pretty much ignore the city just to come out here day after day and explore.

Highly recommended, 30 minutes drove from Vegas

By swfarid |

This is a beautiful park which is only 30 min drive from Vegas.

As you can see in the pictures, there are magical rick formation and many scenic trails.
They do allow rock climbing almost everywhere

Important:
On weekends you will need to book your admission ticket in advance. They allow only certain no of cars inside, because of parking capacity at view points. Go to recreation dot gov to book in advance

Some roads require a 4X4.

Gorgeous in the desert

By antonella n |

A few minutes from Las Vegas is the Red Rock Canion. You enter with the car and you shoot everything by car at a cost of $30. It's really worth it because it's beautiful. Watch the heat that is devastating

Beautiful!

By Susan |

Make sure you make reservations.Be aware that many of the moderate hikes require scrambling up rocks. I would recommend hiking poles if you are doing anything but the easy trails. Absolutely beautiful area. Seeing the petroglyphs is a must.

Red Rock Tour Rocks!

By Joel |

The tour was great, very Scenic, it’s a must do when visiting Las Vegas. Scooter Steve and Clem were
Great! They gave history of the area and a lot of information that made it fun!

A must-see in Las Vegas.

By Josh M |

Gorgeous views and great trails - just be mindful of going when it's warm out outside, stick to the trails so you don't disturb the wild life and bring plenty of water - and take plenty of pictures!

Amazing Views

By DIANE C |

Our first trip out west. We were in Las Vegas for a business conference and rented a car to explore off strip. This was our favorite place! You can drive thru and park at each area and they were all amazing! Being from the east coast we truly loved this one! Only a nominal charge to explore. Highly recommend!

Beautiful

By missjoeli |

Beautiful mountains, nice paved roads. Nice lookout spots and hiking spots. 15 or 17 to get in, I can’t remember.

Red Rock Canyon

By Sara |

This is a gorgeous place deserving of time and consideration. We were able to hike several little trails on cute side quests, see people rappelling and enjoy the breadth and silence of the desert. Even got to see a turtle crossing the road!

Beautiful landscape

By Cloud |

If you are attracted by stones like me, you will love the whole area: wonderful landscapes, beautiful colours, great pictures.

World Class Climbing

By Mike Donaldson Climbing Guide - Red Rock |

I absolutely love climbing in Red Rock Canyon — it’s one of my favorite places in the world. I spend a lot of time here, especially in Calico Basin, which is a fantastic spot for beginners. The sandstone formations are beautiful, the approaches are short, and there are climbs for every ability level. As a guide, I enjoy taking people here because it has some of the best beginner-friendly climbing anywhere. It’s the perfect place to try rock climbing for the first time, or to build confidence if you’re still new to the sport. Every session in Red Rock feels special.

Beautiful

By Agnès et David D |

Great park, breathtaking views... take the time to visit. This is worth a visit in a lifetime.
Magic pictures!

A small park

By BRavel |

Twenty dollars per vehicle to get into the park. It took us an hour and a half to go around the road in one direction, stopping at the different viewpoints. We didn't take any steps.
That's pretty.

The scenery is amazing and ever changing with the light and angles you view it on

By Lee L |

This was an amazing drive. Absolutely buy the national park pass on the way in. It will save you money in the long run. Stop frequently and walk/hike a bit for outstanding views.

Fun to Explore

By Allison M |

This was an amazing view of the geological features of the canyon. It was fun for our teens to get up close to the red rock formations and explore. I wish we had more time!

Be prepared to not find parking to hike and have to exit

By Natalie U |

If there is no parking you have to drive to next parking area and so on. No turning around (because it’s one way) so you may not even get to hike because the drive takes you to the exit, which then you can’t get back in. Poorly designed, need more parking areas.
Good views but only from the road if you can’t park to hike.
Just no going in that you can’t get to the visitor center once you pass it and if you can’t find parking you’re out of luck.

Great Views, Options for Hiking

By Icarus4335 |

Nice views of the rocks, with some spots to pick up trailheads and hike. You can also just drive through and stop at pull-offs. Either way, it was enjoyable.

Pleasant way to spend an autumn afternoon!

By SharrieLynn |

It was so nice to get out of the city for the afternoon! The weather was pleasant in November, and we enjoyed our hike. We’ll definitely return if we’re in Las Vegas again.

A break from the strip

By De C |

The weather was perfect for a hike. We planned on only staying for a couple hours but stayed the whole day. The desert is so beautiful. At the visitor center you can get a lot of information about the history of the park.

Worth the visit

By Aldo D |

Park included in the pass, worth visiting. It travels in one direction only so stop at the visitor center immediately to stock up on water from the fountains. You can feel the heat and it's a lot. There are approximately 20 miles of scenic drive. Personally I recommend taking the route that starts from point 11, at the end there is a waterfall

We Did The Scenic Loop Drive

By MinnieM1928 |

We booked a slot online so we could do the Scenic Loop Drive around Red Rock Canyon. We have been to Vegas a few times and have never done this drive, but we had a car this trip so decided it was time to visit. It's a easy drive around the loop with plenty of places to stop and take photo's of the stunning scenery.

Nature’s Masterpiece Just Minutes from the Strip

By Clare D |

Red Rock Canyon is pure magic—as soon as you leave the Las Vegas Strip behind, you're immersed in awe-inspiring desert landscapes that feel worlds away. The 13-mile scenic loop that winds through towering red sandstone and gray limestone cliffs is nothing short of breathtaking . Along the way, you'll be stunned by the sheer vibrancy of the Navajo Formation rocks rising up to nearly 1,800 feet .
Whether you're hiking, biking, picnicking, or simply driving, every moment here is a chance to truly disconnect and soak in the energizing beauty of the Mojave Desert . The visitor center is a great starting point, offering informative exhibits and a helpful bookstore .

Hiking options are abundant and wildly diverse: easy, family-friendly trails like the Lost Canyon Children’s Discovery Trail offer petroglyphs, waterfalls, and natural tunnels; meanwhile, adrenaline seekers will find themselves drawn to rugged climbs like the Turtlehead Peak Trail or exploring the Calico Basin and its striking hiking routes .

Red Rock Canyon is an unforgettable spot—just 17 miles from the Strip, yet an entire world away. Highly recommend.

Amazing landscape

By Xamot Tomax |

We loved our time here. We had never been to a desert before, so we were excited. The 13 mile scenic loop is worth seeing. It’s one way and theirs no stopping on the road. However, they have several areas where you can pull over and take photos. The views are picturesque. We saw some of the hiking trails, but the temperature was over 100 F (37 C). That was an easy pass for us. Be sure to stop at the visitors center. Not only can you take advantage of the bathrooms there, but you’ll also find bottled water, Gatorade, and souvenirs.

A beautiful drive with some fun hikes!

By Kayla V |

Such a beautiful park! We really enjoyed it. Be aware that you need a timed reservation and that the drive is one-way only (don't miss any turn offs you want to see :) )

Always a great place to spend an afternoon

By M K L |

I have been to Red Rock many times as I have visited Las Vegas many times. I like to spend a day at Red Rock to break-out for an afternoon from the strip activities of great food, activities and shows. This time took my 9 year for the first time. It is important to always be careful as thereare plenty of areas if you climb too high there can be dangers. I tend fto focus more on safety so did not climb as high as my 9 year wanted to. The scenery is truly magnificent and the hike around the rocks and fields makes it so much more enjoyable than just enjoying the views from afar (say in Grand Canyon tours, which though are great in their own right). I typically rent a car from the Avis at Bellagio (as that is where I normally stay) and that is "easy" way to enjoy an afternoon at Red Rock which is only a half hour drives from Bellagio.

National Park to try

By Elmar |

For nature lovers who are on vacation in Las Vegas and don’t have time for the big national parks like Bryce Canyon, Arches or Grand Canyon, Red Rock Canyon is sure to be a good alternative. The rock formations are at their best, especially when the sun rises or sets.

To be redone

By Girafe |

End of visit dates in 2023 but I went there in October 2019.
Not far from Las Végas. Beautiful park on several kilometers with different landscapes.
A real moment of freedom!!

A wonderful way to take an easy walk or hike in nature

By wanderlustinasia |

Great hiking and views. Hikes of all levels are available. Lots of dogs around on the trails. Be careful to lock your car and avoid leaving any valuables in your car as there have been break-ins in the parking lots.

A world away from the strip

By Brian F |

20ish miles away from the strip and it feels like a completely different place. We went early in the morning and other than a few climbers and cyclist there was hardly a soul around. Watching the colors change as the sun rose higher in the sky was amazing. There is just a calm and peacefulness about this place. Highly recommend

Awesome, Awesome, Awesome

By michaelg999969 |

We love going to Red Rocks. The scenery is indescribable, and the park wasn't too crowded so it worked out perfectly. We did some of the smaller trails and even gave Turtlehead a shot (didn't make it the whole way). It is a must do if going out to Vegas, just make sure you book a reservation starting in October.

Calico Tank Trail

By Onehotjogger |

Please check their website ahead of time and see if you need a reservation. That was a bit frustrating when we showed up and couldn't get in because we didn't have an online reservation. Then we had to drive five minutes to get service to see if we could get a reservation and we were able to. Things like that are just complicated and frustrating and take more time but it worked out fine.

We drove in and only did one hike, the Calico Tank Trail. It is only 2 miles in and back but took us 2 hours. There was still quite a bit of snow, slush and some ice as you got further into the trail. We also didn't realize how much scrambling up and down the rocks there would be but that made it really interesting and fun too. The view at the end was great. It was an interesting hike and I thought the scenery was great. We didn't go on other trails after this but it is a beautiful area and I would recommend a visit here.

A chance to get out and connect with the natural and spiritual world

By NeoWasHere |

Don't be confused and think you have made it to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre where you are about to catch a one-of-a-kind concert due to the naturally acoustic surrounding sandstone formations in Morrison, Colorado. This ain't no Red Rock State Park in Arizona. It ain't no Red Rock Canyon State Park in California, either. No, Sheryl, this is most definitely not L.A. This is Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, the premier place for outdoor recreation on the outskirts of Las Vegas.

What's there to do here? The draw for us was the one-way 13-mile scenic drive, but there's also hiking, camping, rock climbing, mountain and road biking, picnicking, and off road driving opportunities. The Visitor Center, which has a live desert tortoise habitat, is not to be missed and should be visited first. They are open daily from 8a-4:30p. Campground camping is only available from Sep. 1 to May 31. The scenic drive requires advanced timed entry reservations to enter between 8a-5p from Oct. 1 to May 31. Meanwhile, the scenic drive itself is open between Nov. through Feb. from 6a-5p, March from 6a-7p, Apr. through Sept. from 6a-8p, and October from 6a-7p. So, you can avoid needing a reservation to enter the scenic drive for FREE before 8 a.m. when timed entry reservations are required. We didn't know any of this and just showed up on a random Monday in April. I think we got extremely lucky because we showed the nice man at the fee station our America the Beautiful Pass and were allowed to enter for FREE without a reservation. Don't count on this happening so I'd recommend being prepared and get a reservation in advance so you're not turned away.

Our first stop on the scenic drive was Calico Hills where there's another chance for you to learn how air, water, and wind helped to form the rocks that look like they've been painted red over time.

The second stop we made was Calico Tanks where you can find the Calico Tanks Trail (2.2 - 2.5 mi, moderate-strenuous difficulty, allow 2 hours, 400 ft. elevation gain) which is the most popular in the entire canyon. Since this was our first time visiting, we didn't know anything about it. When we visit the area again, we will be enjoying this hike. All that is needed is water, a hat/sunscreen, and hiking shoes/boots; no specialized hiking gear necessary. This is the hike that gives you a spectacular view of the Las Vegas strip in case you're wondering.

The third stop was at the Lost Creek parking lot where I got out and hiked some of the Lost Creek - Children's Discovery Trail (.8 mi, easy-moderate difficulty, allow 1 hour, 87 ft. elevation gain). This trail also meets up with parts of the Willow Spring Loop Trail (1.1 mi, easy difficulty, allow 1.25 hours, 127 ft. elevation gain) and the SMYC (2 mi, easy-moderate difficulty, allow 1.5-2 hours, 167 ft. elevation gain) Trail. SMYC stands for Spring Mountain Youth Camp, which is a nearby correctional facility for young men that help to repair and maintain the trail through a Forestry Program ran by the United States Forest Service.

Our final stop was at the Willow Spring parking lot. This is where you'll find the Willow Spring Loop trailhead just south of available restrooms. A petroglyphs and pictographs site, along with agave roasting pits, are nearby and right off the parking lot. One of the three picnic areas in the canyon is at this location and it is wheelchair accessible. If you want to drive past this parking lot on Rocky Gap Road, you'll need a 4x4 high clearance vehicle. This lot is also where the Petroglyph Wall Trail (.2 mi, easy difficulty, allow 30 minutes, 47 ft. elevation gain) is located. My wife joined me for this short hike where we were able to look at 800 years old petroglyph and pictograph expressions carved into and painted on the rock by the indigenous Ancestral Puebloan and Southern Paiute people. What do all the markings mean and why were they made? Sadly, we may never know. What is known is that all of Red Rock Canyon is immensely beautiful and deserves to be enjoyed, protected, and conserved.

Beautiful scenery not far from The Strip

By Lgo987 |

This is a great place to visit for a scenic drive, short sight seeing stops, or hikes of all levels. Many people ride bicycles for an excellent workout. There is an entry fee per car or bicycle, and they do accept America the Beautiful & some other park passes. The scenery is beautiful. During the summer it is very hot, so bring a lot of water if you plan to go hiking. Popular stops can be very busy and parking can be a challenge, but there are plenty of places to stop for pictures and gorgeous views. A timed-entry permit is required starting in October, so be sure to plan ahead.

Camping

By HappyJana |

We camped here one night and it was quick and easy and nearby hiking trails. Far(ish) from everything else so make sure you stop on the way in for supplies!

Yes, Go - Beautiful

By Jeff W |

Fantastically beautiful place. The scenic route is well laid out and the visitor's center was professional and convenient. This simple little loop is well worth the stop.

Not to be rivalled

By kudakoda |

Not far from the strip. Easy to get to. Book online with the Conservation website to enter the park as they don't sell tickets at the gate.

Fantastic highly recommended for a great experience

By Inspire29951602457 |

Steve did a fantastic job with the tour, very knowledgeable and hospitality was great, highly recommended for a great experience and guide for Red Rock canyon.

Superb scenery.

By Nesto69 |

Stunning park situated not far from Las Vegas.
The l3 mile loop is organised well with parking lots for visitors to admire the views.
Plenty of toilets along the way too.
Well worth a visit.

Excellent visit

By LSUTraveller |

Really outstanding place to visit. Can easily spend half a day or more here, especially with a short hike or two. The 13-mile drive is great, but get out and experience the flora, fauna and sights - beyond the vehicle.

Awesome

By yorkshire1736 |

What an amazing drive through. Coming from Massachusetts born, our New England mountains are different, smaller. Hard to believe such shapes, the heights could exist.

Beautiful views

By cathyc |

Views were amazing but we didn’t have a lot of time to hike and explore. We arrived at 3p. However, next time we will have to arrive in the morning! Must see

A must see nature day when near Vegas!

By bjames1166 |

Even though it was rainy when we visited, the views were amazing and the drive so enjoyable. If you have a car and are in Vegas - hop in a take a break from the bright lights and senses overload - and take in this natural beauty just a few miles down the road!

Cold Snap

By emilymeschelle |

Park was gorgeous and well taken care of. Nevada was going through a cold snap when we were there and did not pack appropriate clothing for hiking in the cold- which was a bit of a bummer. But you can for sure enjoy everything from the parking stops and in the car.

Drive through, Stop and walk a little, Immerse yourself in long hikes through the park; Your Choice

By recorder |

Takes a half hour from downtown to get out here. Beautiful views everywhere you go. Depending on your time, you can spend an hour here or several days. Just don't forget to get your timed entry pass, or you might no get in at all.

Beautiful!

By Jennifer H |

Went for an amazing bike ride, but now I want to go back and hike some of the trails. Scenery is stunning and the park is not too far from the strip.

Fantastic day! Return trip needed.

By Rebecca G |

Stunning area. Joined a Pink Jeep tour as my family all flew out a day before me. I had had a fantastic day. Would love to go back.again. many great hikes to do and loved exploring the different landscapes.

Wonderful

By Ive Seidel |

Experience with friends. Helicopter trip was fantastic. I highly recommend the tour! The tour included a limousine ride to the helicopter boarding point. At the canyon, we were welcomed with a delicious and leisurely brunch.

make sure you reserve your time- Best part of our Vegas Vacation

By Hchedrick |

This was so beautiful! we really loved hiking the trails. We waited until probably the 5th parking lot out of 13 (I''m estimating) before we hiked. This was great because there were few people passing us on the trail. The ancient paintings and carvings were something I've always wanted to see.
Make sure you wear shoes with solid bottoms, as the rocks can be annoying through some cushiony sneakers. Make sure you go online and reserve a time slot! We got there earl and they still let us through. I would suggest going around 10:00 so there's lots of light and you don't get too cold in the shadows of the canyons.

Wonderful views

By Josh A |

Amazing place with very unique geology and incredible vistas. Many of hike are great for just enjoying the environment. Definitely and must see place if in Vegas.

Stunning Red Rock Canyon Views

By crazistevoh |

Beautiful day trip to the Red Rock Canyon.. The view were amazing. Well worth the $22 I spent($20 for the entrance, $2 for the reservation fee) I booked it early online to skip the line at the entrance, veer to the right if you have a prepaid reservation. Would do again next time I have a car in Vegas

Just breathtaking

By SasiCasi311 |

The view is stunning from the scenic overlook. It is an easy .25 mi walk but beware of temps. It was a chilly 42 degrees during our late January trip and saw a few people walk and then turn back instead. We really enjoyed it and it can be walked easily. The drive is also definitely worth it if you don't want to walk. We hope to go back and do an actual hike here when the weather is more mild. The wind was whipping when we went.

Red Rock Canyon - Beauty Abounds!

By Jason |

Red Rock Canyon and the Conservation Area are one of the most beautiful places I've ever experienced. Coming from Eastern Canada, the terrain is completely foreign to me and stunning. I was there twice in my one week trip, during the day driving the loop and visiting the tourist center and once during sunrise as the sun broke the desert horizon and bathed the mountains in it's morning glow.

Definitely worth experiencing if you are visiting Vegas and love the outdoors!

Paradise Lost - Still Beautiful, but Over Managed and starting to look too much like a Disney hike

By In79days |

This used to be the natural gem of the Las Vegas area. Visually it still is, but it has become a lot harder to enjoy. They have introduced a reservations system, which means you can no longer spontaneously visit. Given the rapidly changing weather in Red Rock in spring, that becomes a real issue, as you have to guess the weather in advance. The reservation system seems entirely redundant, at least for week days as it was anything but overcrowded. When we did get in, the hike to Calico Tanks has been 'Disneyfied' with ugly signposts everywhere. Subtlety has been abandoned, and huge wire contraptions seem to invade the scenic views at ever

Good day trip ...

By Germanbrew |

Need somewhere close to get out an about, Red Rock is a nice place to visit. Thirteen miles of road meandering through the park. Use to be $5.00. Don't know the cost now.

Red Rock NCA is a nice break from the Vegas glitz

By Don H |

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers a beautiful view of the most dramatic natural scenery in Southern Nevada.

Red Rock is about 30 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. Start at the Visitors Center for background on the area’s history, geology, plants and animals.

Be sure to visit the Center’s outdoor exhibits, accessible from inside the Visitors Center. Proceed along the walkway and bear to the left until you arrive at the viewing deck. Within the outdoor viewing area are sections with tortoise burrows, although during the hottest temperatures, the creatures stay hidden in their burrows.

Then hop back in the car for a loop around Red Rock NCA. Parking lots are conveniently located at scenic viewing spots. You can take a short hike from several viewing spots.

Do It

By GiseppeGord |

Order online for a specific entry time. We have a national Park Pass so the entry is gratis. There is a small gift shop and info desk. Bathrooms clean and easily accessed. Parking good. The 13 mile scenic drive is beautiful You can easily see the geologic time in the sandstone levels. There are numerous areas to stop and take walks/hikes. Definitely recommend that you secure a map at the info desk before taking the drive.

Lovely scenic drive

By Sarah K |

If you want to get the full effect of the sun on the red rocks you need to go really early in the morning. This means that you will also miss most of the heat of the day. The visitors centre is only good for a bathroom stop.

Easy laid back road trip

By segun25 |

We did a father-son road trip from Vegas, an excellent opportunity to see the vastness and beauty of our country. There are some spots with no cell phone reception for those who can't do without their phone.

Beautiful Park

By mickey448 |

If you don't want to spend all your time in the casinos try some of the Parks close to Las Vegas. Red rock Canyon National Conservation Area is beautiful. Well worth a stop then head to Vegas.

Great walk

By Fabiola |

Good weather for a walking, trails with some difficulty but doable for normal people. Amazing views! It worthwhile to go there, about 40 minutes from Las Vegas.

Nature at its best

By VisitIsrael |

One of the highlights of my trip to Nevada. The landscape is gorgeous and the visitor's center has loads of information and explanations. Highly recommend this site to be on the itinerary of anyone's visit to the Las Vegas area.

It's hard to believe this is so close to Las Vegas - stunning!

By Kristin S |

Prepare to walk and gawk. This Conservation Area (not park) is breathtaking. The visitors' center (don't miss going out back) is perfect. Go to the bathroom here. Follow the map and explore.

Beautiful

By Will H |

Take your time and spend the day exploring Red Rock Canyon. We had such a great time climbing the rocks and just taking in the beauty of this amazing place. The scenic road thru the park makes for some very amazing photos. It’s certainly worth the trip from Vegas. Purchase tickets online in advance.

Unforgettable Beauty and Adventure at Red Rock Canyon

By James S |

Red Rock Canyon is a must-visit! The stunning rock formations and vibrant colors are breathtaking. Easy hikes for beginners and challenging ones for pros. Perfect for a day of adventure or just chilling with nature. Worth it!

Amazing scenery.

By 404HappyTraveller |

This is a conservation area, not a state or national park, so it’s set up somewhat differently. You have to book ahead and reserve a time to take the drive through the area. It sounds a bit daunting and you have to commit to a time, but it worked very well. The drive is easy, the scenery is spectacular and it is a very worthwhile way to spend a few hours. Unique scenery, well explained on the self guided drive.

Best scenic drive in Vegas

By Carol W. |

I rented a car in Vegas and took a drive there and it was beautiful. I definitely want to go back when the weather is cooler. It was 110 all week in July!

Cold weather didn’t stop us

By cpk73 |

Despite some light snow we had breathtaking views and got a great workout although we didn’t go too deep into the trails due to the wind chill.

Amazing!

By Sara T |

Wow! Amazing scenery! We got to the park before 8 am so we could enter the park without timed stamped entry pass which we didn’t have. We did the scenic drive and stopped at most of the overlooks. Some overlooks you can hike from which we did at Willow Spring. It was nice that dogs on leash are allowed on every trail! We did the Middle Car Creek trail which was nice, no shade. There is water at the end, it’s a long way though! The park was very clean however the middle car creek trail was not. We couldn’t see where the trash was, people left their trash in the parking lot and didn’t pick up their dog poop! What happened to leave no trace?

Stunning views

By Anne V |

This place is a must if your in Vegas and want to get away from the crowds and the hype. The colors, the mountains, and the beautiful native plants are all breath taking. Rent a car for the day and go! It's approximately 20 minute drive. It's not difficult. If it's too hot they have a scenic drive you can travel slowly and take pics of you're into pics. Also don't forget to first stop at the visitors center. There are cooling cloths you can purchase to keep the heat away and they work! Get one, you won't be sorry.

Breathe taking scenery

By Mariet H |

The scenery is absolutely beautiful. The designated stops along the way are set up for good viewing as well as sufficient parking. The views are wonderful

Recommend visiting nature's beauty in the Red Rock Canyon

By ShiJack |

Amazing desert geology and colors! We enjoyed a tour out of Las Vegas away from the lights & crowds and took many amazing photos! Recommended.

Nice scenic drive through the valley

By Sage C |

We enjoyed the 35 mph self drive through the valley, but wish we had our senior national park pass to save money on the $22.00 entrance fee!.

Just driving the loop is worth going!

By Ann |

Drove the loop to get to the trail we went on. Beautiful scenery and not very crowded!! Definitely worth the time!

Red Rocks is an easy visit without much walking

By Americansportswriter |

The 13-mile drive has many parking lots for close views of several different scenes of the mountains and deserts. The welcome center is outstanding and the view in the back is well worth it. It costs $20, but if you're 62+ they offer a one-year national parks seniors pass for $20 to enter that day and save for future visits to parks. The next day, I used it for free to enter Lake Mead that would have cost $25.

Stunning

By Laura d |

Very cool beautiful National Park. So stunning we had a wonderful visit. I can highly recommend a visit to this unique area.

I loved it

By serena |

Amazing experience, the breathtaking amazing view! However, be sure to bring plenty of water bottles!

Wonderful views

By Laurie C |

This park is very well maintained, clearly marked and enjoyable. I took a quick hike to connect with nature and take some pictures while visiting family in Las Vegas. It was the perfect choice. Hydration is a must but overall I had a wonderful hike.

Red rocks, blue sky, lovely.

By Barry and Nicol... G |

I do think $20 is a lot but we were still glad we visited Red Rock Canyon in Las Vegas. There is a 13 mile one way scenic drive with lots of pull outs and walks. Take water and wear a hat as it will be very hot. The visitor centre had some lovely gifts.

Beautiful scenic drive

By Brandon L |

The different formations and scenery were beautiful. Seeing freeclimbers on the Calico Hills was very impressive. Lots of great photo opps.

Super nice scenic drive in the mountains near Las Vegas

By Kevin W |

If you are in Las Vegas and want to go for a scenic drive close by, this is the place! 13 mile loop road is scenic and has access to many hiking trails. Signs indicate that this is also a world destination for Rock climbers.

One of the only nice things in Vegas

By Nikki |

One of the only things worth seeing in Vegas. If you hate the strip and need a dose of quiet nature, this is the spot! Weekends and holidays, make sure you buy your timed entry pass in advance. There is no cell reception at entrance.

Good if short on time

By Heather |

Admission is $22 and currently you are required to make reservations online. It's a pretty drive around the scenic loop, but it isn't as impressive as, say, the Valley of Fire. If you're not from around Vegas and short on time, this could be a good compromise.

Red rock canyons - Las Vegas

By Dr. Abdullah |

The Majestic Red rock canyons and conservation area near Las Vegas. A foot site for hiking , camping , scenic loop drive. Visitors to pay 20USD to access but there are many view points for pictures and BBQ areas at visitor center with restrooms.

Cool place and easy to visit - close to Vegas.

By Rae E |

You could spend all day or just an hour here and it would be worthwhile. You can hike or drive through. Great photo op.

Magical day in the desert

By LilySavage88 |

Unlike others, we had no issues accessing the park without a reservation. However we went on a Monday at 8:30am - not the busiest time. So make a reservation because it's totally worth it! Not only is it necessary to preserve the health of the park. It also makes your experience better as it's not overcrowded. The visitor's centre is great - lots of interesting displays outdoors teach you about the area so take some time to learn especially if you're not doing a guided tour of some sort. The park can be done quickly in under an hour, or up to 3 hours if you stop to take all the pics and walk all the trails. Do not miss!

Breathtaking Break from the Busy Vegas Strip

By Rachel P |

This was well worth cost of the self driving tour pass to see the amazing views at Red Rock Canyon. We were not expecting to see so much natural and breathtaking beauty so close to the heart of Vegas. We rented a car and packed a lunch for our visit to Red Rock Canyon. We purchased our pass on line and had no issues finding it using gps. The staff in the gift shop and visitors center were helpful. The driving was easy, and we hiked a few of the trails off of the driving tour. Cell service was spotty to non existent once we were in the park, but we expected that. Over all, with our stops along the tour and hikes we spent about 3 hours in the park.

Definitely worth seeing and taking the time. Wear good shoes if you plan to hike or get off the driving tour.

You won't forget this

By Luke Gilham |

Unreal, this is a MUST! I will always remember this visit and if you are in the area you have to go!

Beautiful breathtaking scenery, you won't forget this!

Great Red Rock Area

By CRAIG C |

It’s a beautiful area composed of different colored rocks and a glimpse of where tectonic plates formed ridges. Your timed entrance ticket (recreation.gov) gets you through the gate. It’s up to you to decide if you want to hike, climb, ride bikes, or drive the 13 mile drive.

Beautiful scenic drive

By PhillipC77 |

Great experience... Definitely worth the time. Only $15 to get in. Great visitors center with lots of info and exhibits. The 13 mile scenic drive was the highlight for me. Plenty of parking lots along the way to stop and take pics. Plenty of bathrooms along the way also. Take some cold water with you, especially in the summer. Spent over an hour just on the drive without doing any hiking or anything else.

Red rocks and other cool structures

By mnguru1 |

Don't forget- you MUST make a timed reservation into the park under most circumstances. This is a fun area- it takes longer than you think to get through it all - especially if you intend to hike. It is different from other places - like Valley of Fire- which is also a must-see hike.

Beautiful

By Paula G |

Beautiful place I didn’t even know existed in Vegas. Amazing scenic views, hiking trails, dinosaur tracks and prehistoric hands prints. If you enjoy being outdoors a must see!!

A full day experience of glorious scenery -- different for other places: fabulous colors and contrast.

By traveler |

The views are amazing, like nothing that you will see anywhere else on earth. Great for families with some good, easy trails hie options.

Awesome

By Dina G |

A must to see when in Las Vegas. the canyons are awesome and nice to see the beautiful colors of the canyons

Loved it!

By E O |

Great Viator tour - our guide, Steve, was funny, knowledgeable, he made the tour very enjoyable. Beautiful area and the ranch was wonderful.

Peaceful

By Briana S |

I am blessed to live near this wonder now. I love going there to journal, hike, and or just take a scenic drive. The park is easy to access, get your tickets in advance.

$20 per vehicle

By Simone |

WOW! $20 per vehicle? And have to make reservations to drive the 11 miles through the canyon. The views are great but is it really worth it?

Awesome experience

By Tire_one2000@yahoo.com |

It was just great experience and the Skywalk is very awesome although it was a little pricey well worth it

exceptionnel

By Emmanuel P |

This a just magical. A once in a life time experience to have.
this is so nice and unique. Go for it.

amazing landscape

By Krzysiek.O. |

The canyon is really worth visiting, the landscape looks as if some giant was kneading colorful dough and abandoned his work before the end. A little paradise for climbers, of which there are a lot here.

Lovely scenery and hiking

By triplover42 |

This is a beautiful park with a nice visitor center, a scenic loop drive, and plenty of hiking and biking opportunities.

Note: You must reserve your entry time ahead or they'll just send you back to the highway. You have a 90-minute window in which you can enter. (ie, if you book for 11:00, you can enter as early as 10:30 or as late as 12:00, is my understanding)

I suggest planning to get their in the morning. By the time we left at 3 pm, there were lots of people waiting for parking spots in the lot we were in, so it does get crowded. It's about half an hour from Vegas (but if you're leaving your hotel at checkout time, add about 45 minutes just to escape! we barely made our reservation time at the park).

The visitor center is near the entrance so you'll probably start there. You can get a map and advice. There's a nice little gift shop, decent bathrooms and several picnic tables.

The rocks, red and otherwise, make for a dramatic desert landscape. There are several places to pull off and park to take photos or start a hike.

We did the Lost Creek Children's Discovery Hike, which is a nice short, interesting trail for families. It's pretty rocky so four-legged friends may have trouble navigating. The trail signage isn't great--we followed what seemed to be a clearly marked "go straight for lost creek" sign that turned out to be the wrong trail--so be careful and look at the map as you go. There's a waterfall at the end--in December, it was a trickle, but technically yes there was water falling. You can do it as a loop and part of it goes by some supposed petroglyph sites, but we couldn't make out any drawings, so I wouldn't make that a key goal.

There are pit toilets at several of the trail heads.

Leaving, the scenic drive takes you right back to the highway.

Couples trip to red rock national park

By Sonia M |

Make reservation for the time and day you would like to go, otherwise you will not be able to do the sonic drive or the trails in the park. I heard from many travelers that the hiking trails just outside of the park are also very nice.
It is HOT so go early. It was nice to see school groups and groups for rock climbing. I do not rock climb but it was fun watching.
Trails were decently marked. I Loved that there was one trail that took us to a waterfall and small pool. We went in April so all of the desert flowers were beginning to bloom. There were so many beautiful vistas.
I would recommend going even if it was just to do the scenic drive loop.

Worth a Visit

By loves2travelandmore |

Ted Rock Canyon is not far outside of Las Vegas and is a good getaway. The scenic drive is scenic and there are many hiking trails available. The information center is nice and has bathrooms and a water refill station. Signs advised about possible tortoises, burros, and wild horses, but we never saw any wildlife. During busy times, a reservation must be made to enter this Conservation Area, but they can be made online. A later-in-the-day visit might be possible without a reservation, since the crowds tend to be earlier.

Beautifull National Park near Las vegas

By Willem v |

We visited the park on Febr.28, 2023 and it was wonderfull. Lot of things to see and lots routes to walk in the beautifull landscape. A must do when you are in LV and love nature.

Nice loop

By OmanRob |

We didn’t have time to hike so just treated as a car loop and very scenic it is too

Note that you have to book online - if I were doing it again I’d do it an and ebike tour I think we met a guide from Behas with his group - a nice 13 mile loop and slow traffic would make it great

Rob

red rock

By pjegan2020 |

Rented car & drove there from vegas strip, then continued to hoover dam. Great ride and scenery. Hoover dam was a great site also, stopped at Sonic to grab a bite..

Really beautiful and not far from Las Vegas Strip

By Barefoot29 |

We were driving back from Hoover Dam and decide to take a side trip to Red Rock Canyon. If you are a Vet, just show them your credentials and you can get in for free. Otherwise, it's $10 or $15 per car. They have a really nice Welcome Center after you enter. They will give you a map which tells you where all of the bathrooms and the scenic view stops are located. You can take your time stopping along the loop or just drive through. We did a little of both.

lovely nature area just half an hour from the LV strip

By Karyn W |

This place is gorgeous. My friends and I did the 13 mile route drive and made a bunch of the stops. We hiked some, but not any of the very long/strenuous ones. It is sunny with little shade but when I visited there were a lot of shrubs and cacti. People were rock climbing and rapelling. There was even an area with some old rock paintings which was pretty cool. It is about 30 minutes from the strip and so worth the drive. We did need to make an online timed reservation and pay a small fee to enter, but it was totally worth it.

A beautiful wilderness on the edge of the Sierra Nevada

By Stephen D |

Stunning ..... car essential, both to reach here and to do the DIY scenic loop. Only park in designated areas. Hiking trails available from most car parks. Take water and make sure you are not going to run out of petrol. $20 per car. No further charges.

Seeing Beautiful Vegas with Family

By Cindy T |

What a stunning area! Family just moved here so we were visiting and decided to check it out. Did a few short hikes. Had a 3 year old and 18 month, so was limited.
The scenery was awesome. Had a picnic lunch at one of the stops. Would go back again. Looks like many like to use this for Rock Climbing as we saw many doing so.

Nice Scenic Drive

By Gael A |

It was fun to see all the mountain climbing folks on the cliffs. We mainly just took a scenic drive. Very beautiful drive

Beautiful!

By Ken |

Been here many times. Great escape from the hustle and bustle of Vegas to decompress. Close by. Easy drive. Spectacular scenery. Hiking is challenging in most areas but I like a challenge. Entry reservations are required now, which was not something I had in past trips but easy to make.

you need to prebook

By melanie t |

we didnt realise you have to book your slot especially on a weekend so we didnt bother but drove abit further down the road and there is a lovely viewpoint so took nice pictures from there instead

Day Adventure

By Kelly L |

Multiple trails to hike, and if hiking isn't your thing just following the road is a great option too. Plenty to see, plenty of places to stop for a break too.

Nice ride.

By Jeff A A De Houghton |

A break from the serial world of Casinos, a ride into Red Rock canyon is worth it, although maybe a little expensive, just for a drive. However, a afternoon out and can loop your journey too.

Stunning

By mcsquared |

Did this on our way out of Vegas.

With limited time for other sightseeing it was a good opportunity to get into the desert.

Really nice scenic drive with points of interest to stop and take photos.

nice place. Too cold and windy to hike.

By LarryDazzo |

Nice drive through the park. It was too cold and windy to go hiking. Park people were very friendly and helpful.

Beautiful!

By tako59 |

We went here to see the memorial for fallen servicemen of which my cousin was one. We had no idea how beautiful this place was! It was the most refreshing part of Las Vegas to be out in God's Creation. Would definitely come back!

Wonderful place full of nature

By Isabella L |

Red Rock Canyon was absolutely breathtaking! Just a short drive from Vegas, it felt like a world away. The vibrant red rock formations are stunning, especially against the clear blue sky. We enjoyed a scenic drive, stopping at various viewpoints for incredible photos. The peaceful desert landscape and impressive geology make it a perfect escape for nature lovers. I'd highly recommend it for hiking or just enjoying the spectacular views!

Must See

By Nathen B |

Highly recommend this trip! Only 30 minutes from the strip. The off-road experience is the only way to go! Ask for Jurgen for your tour guide, you will not be disappointed.

Vehicle broken into.

By Lavonda S |

We left the car locked to see the area. Was gone 15 minutes. Upon returning to our car it had be broken in to & all cash & cards were stolen. Upon investigating the area, we found that it was a frequent occurrence for theft in this area, so be ware when visiting this area!

Worth a trip from Las Vegas

By Sharron C |

A beautiful park just 30-40 minutes outside Las Vegas. It was quiet when we visited in August. Lots of parking spots and trails and a visitor centre that was worth popping into. Entrance was included with our Annual National Parks Pass.

Just a Half Hour from Vegas, but Feels Like Another Planet

By FormosaJane |

Minutes from the sensory assault of the Las Vegas Strip is an enchanted place of stunning beauty and serenity. We only had one day, and the desert tortoises were slumbering for the winter, but if I return to Las Vegas, I will visit Red Rock Canyon again because there is much more to see. We stuck with easy to moderate hikes, but there is something for everyone, even serious climbers. I come to Las Vegas often for work, but this time, I was here for a family wedding, and enjoyed one of the best days I’ve ever had while traveling to Las Vegas.

Skip unless you pre-registered online…way better places out there

By alanUSA_10 |

Skip and go to Zion national park. We read all the reviews and went to red rock for a good family outing outside of Vegas. Well - lo and behold - as soon as we entered to pay the fee - they said you can only get in with online pre-reservations now…and the slots were filled up for the day…no one can enter for the day unless you reserved previously…Unbelievable!!! For a national park. And there is no cell tower service so you are out of luck even if you can get cell service..No Att or Verizon.

Looks like this place is run by looney tunes.

We ended up driving to Zion and believe me that is 100x better and had a great time with the family.

Spend your 30 mins drive via the Red rock somewhere else…

Such a beautiful way to spend a day!

By Bonnie M |

We enjoyed Red Rock Canyon and spent a day there. From the scenic drive to the hiking, there is much to do there. Take your time, enjoy the view, and take lots of pictures!

A nice break from the Vegas strip.

By Gazpacho16 |

A good day trip to get away from the hustle and hustle of Las Vegas. We really enjoyed our drive, although we did not see any wildlife. Would probably do it again some day.

To see red rock canyon

By sunvilla3028 |

Worth a vist would go back again,worth the ride to see it.would go there every time we in Las Vegas .very nice ride to see it

Amazing views and definitely worth the visit

By George G |

Amazing place to visit. Very easy to get around by car.
Easy to find from the Las Vegas strip. You don't need to go to the visitor centre you can just drive around

Open Jeep Tour (Pink Jeep)

By James P |

Beautiful scenery, well worth the drive. Pink Jeep guide (Charles) was excellent and knowledgeable - avoided potential shower by watching the clouds movement. Geology and history discussions were quite interesting. Would do this again for sure!

***A Must-Visit Natural Wonderland: Red Rock Canyon***

By David C |

Red Rock Canyon is an absolute gem for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. The stunning landscape, characterized by its vibrant red sandstone formations, is truly breathtaking and offers a picturesque backdrop for hiking, rock climbing, and photography. The numerous trails cater to all levels of hikers, from easy walks to more challenging climbs, ensuring everyone can enjoy the natural beauty at their own pace. The visitor center is informative, providing valuable insights into the area's geology, wildlife, and history. Whether you're looking for a peaceful escape or an exhilarating outdoor experience, Red Rock Canyon delivers in every way. Highly recommended for anyone visiting the Las Vegas area!

Get off The Strip and get out in nature

By ThomUSA |

Less than 30 minutes from The Strip is the Red Rock National Conservation Area offering unlimited hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, and amazing views. Morning is generally the best time to go as the Cliffs face to the East and catch the Morning Sun. By mid-afternoon they are less vibrant as they begin to develop shadows. The park does not provide maps or guide sheets, so be sure to PRINT them or save the picture of it to your phone. You can just download the ones I provided in the photos. Cell service is not very good throughout most of the park, so don't plan to get service while there.

Hiking Red Rock

By Beth VS |

There are soooo many different hikes from Red Rock!! A great place to spend the day, but not in the summer heat. Red Rock is perfect for all ages. The 13 mile scenic loop is wonderful for those not interested in hiking. Be sure to stop at a couple of the scenic photo stops. Red Rock Canyon is a very special place.

Stunning

By hr1487 |

This place is worth renting a car and visiting when in Vegas. Hindsight makes me wish we had spent less time out in Death Valley and more time hiking in Red Rock. Absolutely gorgeous and shouldn’t be missed!

A Perfect Family Day Out at Red Rock Canyon

By Margaret S |

We visited Red Rock Canyon as a family of four (two adults and two kids aged 8 and 12), and it was one of the highlights of our trip to Nevada!

From the moment we entered the scenic loop, we were amazed by the dramatic red cliffs and desert landscapes. The drive itself is stunning – 13 miles of winding road with plenty of places to pull over, take photos, or go exploring.

We stopped at the Visitor Center first, which was great for the kids. It has interactive exhibits, live desert tortoises, and lots of helpful info about the area’s wildlife and geology. The rangers were super friendly and helped us pick a few short hikes suitable for families.

We hiked the Calico Tanks Trail, which had just the right mix of easy rock scrambling and scenic views to keep everyone engaged. The reward at the end – a view of the Las Vegas Strip from the canyon – made it extra special.

There are restrooms and picnic spots along the way, and we packed a lunch to enjoy with the incredible scenery. Make sure to bring lots of water and sunscreen – it can get hot even in the spring!

Overall, Red Rock Canyon is a must-visit for families who want a break from the city and a chance to explore some real natural beauty. It's easy to access, affordable, and offers something for all ages. Our kids are already asking when we can go back!

Word of warning

By Darri G |

Enjoyed the scenic drive through Red Rocks. Very interesting scenery. Only thing I would note is the scenic drive is one way and does not come out in the same place you start. If you want to go to the visitor's center, do it before you head out on the drive. The scenic drive ends a ways down the road and outside the park. Thankfully the park ranger let us back in without charging us, but I wish someone had warned us ahead of time.

Overwhelmed beauty

By caksec |

We are from New England, we have mountains, the ocean, beautiful landscapes, however I was overwhelmed by the beauty here. Photos so not do it justice. This was by far the best part of our trip to Vegas. If you have the opportunity to go - do, you won’t regret it. We drove the 13 mile loop and stopped at every parking area, took photos. We only did the short walk to the petroglyph wall, and spent over 2 hours. Amazing that all this natural beauty is just a short distance from the strip, seems like 2 completely different worlds.

I'm dreaming the Grand canyon every day from my trip from September 2022

By catresina |

the landscapes from South Rim was absolutely beautiful and also every color that I Saw, was drawing...

Stunning Scenic Drive!! Please see it!!

By Barbara L |

Breathtaking Views! You will not be disappointed with this Scenic Loop Dr. I have been here a few times and it just gets more beautiful each time.

It's a one way loop, which is safe and slow, although people can pass you if they are in a hurry. You will reach a pull-over where you can park and take some amazing photos. If your riding your bike etc. they have an air-pump with tools etc. which is a nice touch.

I absolutely love this place, the temperature is always lovely, much cooler than the city of Vegas.

This is a place you Don't Want to Miss!! Put it on your places to visit.

Nice Conservation area near the Strip

By Nayeli Vazquez |

We travel there with our rental car (you do need a car, or a tour to do the scenic drive). And it was pretty nice, we didn't do any trekking but only the strolls and the drive was enough to marvel at this place. It was really incredible and beautiful. Is only 30 min from Vegas so I would recommend doing it even if you are just for a short time or party time.

Amazing views

By Sbooker11 |

I didn’t have a lot of time here so I did the scenic route which takes about an hour by car, including stops to take pictures. NOTE: you need a reservation for a specific time slot to enter but it’s only a few dollars.

Beautiful Day

By Sue M |

We visited Red Rock Canyon and enjoyed the views of all the different colors and rock formations. We also stopped at a little hidden cafe just outside of the area for a quick refresher tea and pastry.

Scenic Loop is a nice drive with kids.

By Britton G |

Did the scenic loop. While it was a beautiful space, I wish we had more time to climb around on the rocks. Unfortunately we had 2 babies with us, so best to come back without them to safely do so. We did a nice walk to a waterfall and just enjoyed the scenery.
Our Nat'l Parks Pass got us in for free, but we still had to pay the $2 fee.

Nice but busy

By Vickers55 |

Nice park with great rocks and views. G BG E award you need to reserve a timed slot for scenic loop. Very busy bc and parking an issue and as loop a one way with no twenty best to arrive early or avoid peak days. After seeing other national parks a bit tame but worth a visit. We did on day bc waiting for evening flight homes. Really good visitor centre with excellent outdoor exhibits.

Great canyon close to Las Vegas.

By Heather M |

We arrived in Vegas in the late morning after flying from the East Coast. We decided to drive to Red Rock Canyon to spend some time there before checking into our hotel. It took about 30 minutes to drive there from the airport. We used our kiddos 4th grader National Parks Pass to get in and stopped first at the Visitor's Center. The visitors center has a small exhibit with a short movie about the park, information and maps of the park, a small gift store, and bathrooms. There isn't really any food here, but there are some vending machines with drinks.

After the visitors center, we drove the scenic loop in our car. (If you go between October and May, you MUST have a reservation to do this loop.) There were a few places to stop and we did a short hike part way into one of the canyons. It was fairly steep and there was almost no shade. Fortunately, we turned around fairly quickly because we had neglected to bring water with us and it was HOT (in mid-June). The drive and short hike were both lovely. Beautiful coloration on the rocks. We noticed some people biking on the driving path. It was a good way to start our trip and kill some time before we could check in to the hotel. We spent about an hour here. Definitely recommend.

Fabulous Scenery

By Grosvenor L |

Take a leisurely drive with plenty of official parking places to stop and take photos and enjoy a picnic. Plenty of trails to explore. If it’s hot take plenty of water

Picturesque desert near Las Vegas

By EH821 |

Good half-day trip away from the crowds on the Strip. We went with Pink Jeep Tours, which I recommend. If you have a rental car, it looks like a good place to hike independent from a tour.

Great desert nature with a lose drive to The Strip

By Chet D |

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

In Las Vegas for a concert we wanted to do something besides gamble. We drove about 45 minutes west of The Strip and enjoyed an afternoon at the Red Rock Canyon. It’s a National Conservation Area, managed by the Bureau of Land Management and has a visitor center with a 13-mile scenic drive.

From October-May you need to have a timed entry pass, I did this easily on their website on my iPhone (you can also apparently call for the reservation pass). Once past the entry gate we drove to the Visitor Center which has some simple exhibits, restrooms, and friendly staff to answer your questions. We picked up a good map in the Center and asked about a few trails.

It was upwards of 90* (F) on the day we visited so we were not eager to hike very much - instead we pulled up to each trailhead/vista point and got out of the car to enjoy the views and take some photos of the scenic canyon.

We stopped at the first 3 trailheads: Calico 1 and Calico 2. You can take even a short walk/hike into the red rocks and get a glimpse of the beauty of this canyon.

Also recommend stopping at the High Point Overlook which provides a 180-degree view of the surrounding area. 

At the sharp bend in the scenic byway, about 1/2 way through take the road and drive the short distance to the parking lot for the Petroglyph Wall trail.
This is the only trail we hiked (or really walked) that hot day and it’s only about 1/10th of a mile to the base of the rock walls where you can see some well preserved Petroglyphs. When we were there in May there were also some nice wildflowers blooming. Ice Box Canyon is also said to be an interesting hike.

It’s a short drive from downtown Vegas and provides a great natural experience that is definitely a contrast of the glitzy, neon spirit of the Strip. Highly recommended if you enjoy getting out in nature.

Scam with timed entry reservation system and 20 + 2 (reservation fee) shakedown

By WorldTravellerJWT |

Timed Entry Scam.
Look, we all the excuse they used was during Covid when the parks were all full.

Now they want to keep the scam going and will charge you 20 dollars with a 2 dollar convenience fee.

These National parks are paid for by OUR tax dollars.
Where does the money go for these local entities that are setting up the scam?

Great open views

By MHecox |

Nice shortish Loop Road. Buy your pass online before hand - makes for an easy stop @ the entrance booth. If you’re looking to hike, stop @ Calico Hills and Turtlehead Rock. The smaller lots DO fill up fast.

WOW, stunning

By PVE_11 |

Great break from the casinos. Short drive from the strip and so much to see and do. The park allows for a drive thru or many spots to stop and hike. Stunning sights in the dessert

Beautiful and right next door!

By GaryJodiF |

No need to drive hours for beautiful and scenic views. Just head out to Red Rock, just over 30 minutes from the LV strip.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Beautiful Nature in Nevada.

By BMiller2013 |

Beauty in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Please be aware that you need to make a reservation to drive through this area. We assumed that we didn't have to make a reservation but we were wrong. Even though you may not be going during peak/busy season, you really should make a reservation. They our booked by the hour and once in, you can stay until closing time. We really enjoyed Calico Hills trail and the Petroglyph Wall trail. Also recommend stopping at the Visitor Center to get a map of the area and fill your water bottle before heading out on the hike of your choosing.

Hiking

By 44Laur44 |

The views were amazing and several lookouts to stop for photos. Nice visitor center with some displays and was appropriate for all ages.

Beautiful view from parking lot

By NYSusan1 |

Our tour was delayed by icy conditions so we did not get into the park. The view from the parking area was still awesome.

Tremendous Views

By Kuvasz1988 |

I hiked the canyons on a bright sunny winter day. It was awesome! The crowds were busy. You need a timed entrance pass so plan. Enjoy the view and get your camera ready!

Add this to your to do list when in Las Vegas

By LIICETEA |

If you are in Las Vegas you must take a ride to the Red Rock Canyon Park.
First go to the visitors center and learn about the park’s history.

Then take the 13 mile scenic route. It’s a one way road with amazing views throughout the way.

The spectacular road goes through the mountains with some of the views you can see for miles.

There is a fee to enter the park.
All nationals park passes are accepted here

Enjoy

breathtaking

By Dave S |

We came here with the family. We enjoyed it very much. So beautiful. Even my 11 year old daughter who could care less about sight seeing enjoyed it.

Beautiful Place To Visit if You Have Some Time

By putertutor22 |

We enjoyed viewing the red rocks of Red Rock Canyon and learning about the flora and fauna, from all of the displays at the Visitor Center. We did the drive and got out at several of the lookout points. If you have a few hours, it's a great thing to do while in Vegas, and not far out from the strip.

Red rock climbing trip

By Sebastian Mejía |

Eye-catching red colored mountains, full of vegetation and animals right in the Nevada scorching desert!
Great climbing on featured rock, amazing views from high up the multipitch routes!
Contact me for more info....

Make a reservation - or be tuned away

By Michelle H |

Make a reservation, no where online did it say to make a reservation. We drove over an hour to visit and was turned away and told we had to have reservation. So, we went to Calico Basin and hikes instead. It was free and beautiful.

Skip the reservation system

By langdoc |

The online reservation system is a pain (password, exact-time pass, $22 expense), so simply go to the other nearby Red Rock sites, drive in and park for free, when you want to, for the beautiful scenery and hikes. So worth it if you love nature!

Beautiful!

By Joy H |

What a fantastic place to go and see beautiful scenery. You have to get a ticket for the scenic drive
Lots of spots to stop and take pics.

Easy drive with an RV

By EvBeE |

The Conservatory is about 25 miles north of Las Vegas. We were pulling a 27 foot 5th wheel and were not planning on unhooking because of our schedule. The 13 mile loop was very doable for driving an RV/trailer; not good if you want to stop and hike at places. There is NO places big enough for you to park. Parking lots are fairly small. But we were happy just driving through. Took around 45 minutes. It is a excellent one-way paved road. There are a few switch backs but if you drive slowly it is not a problem. Speed limit is no more than 35 miles an hour. If you drive slowly it is no problem; plenty of room for people to go around you. You have to make a timed reservations through Recreation.gov. You only need a timed entry from October 1-May 31. Other months you go anytime you want. This is in the Mojave dessert so take plenty of water. Bathrooms are at some stops but not all; no water anywhere on the loop. Lots of hikers and also world renowned venue for rock climbers. We would like to go back when we weren't pulling an RV but we loved the drive and the beautiful red rocks especially during the first part of the loop.

Amazing view

By shovi55 |

If you are in Vegas, this is a must!! The view is no less than amazing. The pictures are not misleading.
You can take a hike or just travel with the car and stop for pictures. I recommend both. The entrance cost is 22USD, worth every penny.
From October 1st you need to register in advance!

Advance entry reservation is a MUST!

By CleopatraBunny |

You’ll need an advance reservation before coming out as they will turn you away at the entrance without one! Easy to book online so pick a time and get your QR code (print or digital).

Nice visitor center (no paper maps so download and print before arrival) and clean restroom. Most popular trail is the one to Calico Tanks. It’s about 1.4 miles one way and requires climbing and scrambling up and over sandstone boulders through a wash. Not an easy hike but not difficult either. At the end, you’ll be rewarded with a view of Las Vegas in the distance after you pass the large water tank (pond). We took an hour to go one way so plan for two hours round trip.

Lots of wildflowers blooming in late April. Plenty of parking and toilets at trailhead. Good signage with cairns to guide you on the trail.

Be sure to also stop at the Petroglyph Wall further along your drive through the area. It’s a short and flat walk in to the area with a few decent examples of both pictographs and petroglyphs.

Beautiful!

By Sadie M |

First time in a desert state. Enjoyed the drive through Red Rock to Mount Charleston. We put on some CCR and 13th Floor Elevators to listen to as we drove through Red Rock Canyon. It was a lovely experience! It appeared there may have been some Joshua trees there too, but not sure. Would do it again, but next time we'll try to stop for a bit longer.

Got a national park stamp

By Carrie1999 |

Very beautiful place and close to Vegas. Easy to see from the car but with lots of hiking options. I would have appreciated a paper map or pamphlet to take with me from the visitor center but there was only QR codes or the option to take a photo of their map.

Gorgeous desert Scenery

By DeVan Rentals |

Love hiking Red Rock, such a beautiful place.. And as a bonus, you get to watch people bouldering along the way.
There are several hiking spots that go up into the mountains (canyons), and I'd suggest trying them all. Stay on the paths, travel on, friends!

Worth a visit

By Sussler |

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Las Vegas

Beautiful Place, Majestic Views

963567430

Did the scenic loop drive and it was fantastic. Only 4 stars because of a somewhat snide ranger.

On arrival at the toll booth, the ranger was genial and said that they had maps of the loop drive at the visitor center. On arrival there, they did not have such maps but the ranger stationed there said I could take a picture of it, as a number of people were doing. I commented that the phone was in the car so I couldn't take a picture. As I was turning to walk away, he said that if I didn't want a picture I could scan the code they had displayed. I commented again that the phone was in the car and he smiled creepily and said that he guessed I was going back to the car.

I get that dealing with tourists is difficult and that there are vast numbers of unpleasant people out there but he absolutely didn't have to speak to me or anyone that way. I was already turning to leave.

I was sour about it for about 30 seconds but clearly remember it when it came time to review.

The drive was absolutely beautiful with lots of areas to stop and learn something of the surroundings. The scenic loop drive ends with no warning at a T intersection with the main road.

I will likely go back and do a hike or two when the temperature is more moderate.

Forget your veteran's discount.

By Joe J |

If you pass the visitor's center, you can't get to it once you finish the loop without getting into line for re-admission. And if you're looking for a veteran's discount, there's NO WAY to get it with advanced booking. Sorry, Soldier. The views are scenic, on par with what you'd hope for in a national park.

Natural beauty

By Duane R |

Nice place to take many different trails or just drive around the loop and see the beauty it has to offer

See the Red Rocks as the sun sets WOW!!

By OffWeGoToo |

Close to Las Vegas - Great hiking or biking but even if you can't hike the sights along the scenic drive are amazing

Quick trip

By Mary F |

The visitor center is awesome. The outdoor displays are very informative. We were there as the sun set behind the mountains and the lighting on the rocks was beautiful!

Absolutely gorgeous

By Constandina T |

The canyon is about a 30 minute drive from the Las Vegas strip. It is BEAUTIFUL. The scenic drive has several turn-outs to enjoy. We saw people climbing, hiking, etc. The visitor’s center is informative. Plan at least 30 minutes in it. Thank goodness the conservation people of the past protected this area for all of us to enjoy!

Beautiful

By Daphne D |

This is a beautiful place. So different from what I’m used to. A nice scenic 1 way drive with lots of pullouts and wide enough you can let others pass. It looks like a perfect hiking area bit at 43+ temps was far too hot for us to hike. We did do a brief walk to the petroglyphs and enjoyed a quick walk. We rented a car from the Flamingo hotel on Vegas strip and drove out. Perfect morning activity to do. Highly recommend.

Hiking around the past

By DeDe |

Once you enter the area you can pick up a map for the different hiking spots. They are clearly marked on the loop. You can see grand rock formations, writings on the rocks from centuries ago, wildlife, and what is called Las Vegas Niagara... it was trickle when I visited... Enjoy locating these and finding more

Stunning topography & views!

By travelingCAgal |

We drove out here as a side trip from Vegas and were amazed at its beauty! We walked the trail at Calico Basin which lead to some stunning rock formations and solidified layers of sand that resembled beach sand on the shoreline. Then there was a picnic area nearby that had an elevated walkway that lead to scenic viewing areas of the red rocks. There was prairie grass on the ground, trees and vegetation. It was quite beautiful. Then we drove the 23 mi. scenic loop drive. The kiosk entry signage read $20 admission and timed entry/reservation. We had neither but they accepted National Park Passes and Senior Passes. We drive the loop road and it was especially stunning at sunset with a full moon rising. The rock formations along the route were spectacular. We all want to return to hike more and have a picnic here.

Beautiful drive

By WabashO |

If you’re in Las Vegas, make a plan to visit this area. It’s $20 to gain access. You don’t need to reserve a time during off peak season. It’s a one way drove with many stops to photograph, hike, or picnic. The gift shop is at the beginning of the drive so get what you want before you start the drive. You’ll have to pay again if you want to enter at the end. They had some cool items that were fairly priced. It’s definitely worth the time and fee to view!

Great views! Experience of the seasons!

By Laura M |

Stop in at the visitor center first. Great suggestions. We stopped at all the don't miss stops and experienced every kind of weather and photo opportunities. Wonderful hike!

Great scenic drive.

By Traveler # 316 |

This was a great way to get away from the Las Vegas strip for a few hours. It is a beautiful drive, provided by the National Park Service. We enjoyed taking our time and stopping at the pullouts. We probably took a couple of hours for this drive. It can be done in about 45 minutes if you don't stop as much. There are bathrooms along the way. (outhouses) The bathrooms were clean and modern for an outhouse. You do need to go online and make a reservation for an entry time. There were plenty open when I went in May. It cost $20 if you don't have a National Park Pass, which already had.

On top of the world .

By Ralph R |

It was a great experience.. learned a lot from our tour guide michael ( pink jeep tours) give it a try ! Great view of mountains..

Red Rock Canyon Rocks !!!

By ttowntriper |

Time to entry, so make sure you get in advance. They were sold out when we went through. Of course I got mine a month early we got there 30 minutes before our time , the Park Ranger was cool go on through , make sure and stop at the mini pull offs and overlooks, magnificent views, and incredible how huge everything is compared to the rock climbers and where in the hell do they come from and get to over there?

A must see if you are in Las Vegas

By Becky V |

Red Rock Canyon is 30 minutes from Las Vegas and its like entering another beautiful rugged world. The scenic loop is 13 miles around with several multiple places to pull off. We hiked the Calico Tanks trail and it was well worth the time and effort. The views from the scenic road are also incredible.

This conservation area is absolutely stunning

By leo g |

This conservation area is absolutely stunning. It reminded me a lot of Zion National Park with the massive red rocks. Very beautiful. The scenic drive is a great touch. 15 minute one way route through the park. This will lead you to lookouts and tons of hiking for all types of hikers. We saw a lot of rock climbing going on, too, which was fun to watch.

Excellent area

By AndyB5542 |

The Visitor center was a great first stop. They had a short movie, gift shop, and you can get a map.

There a number of pullover stops with hikes of various levels of difficulty.

But the colored cliff are the star of the show!

A counterbalance to the big city

By Gabie |

a nice excursion if you are in Las Vegas, but not a must ... the signs were unclear as to whether a reservation was necessary in advance, the park is quite crowded, some hikes are not really convincing, but the Calico Tanks Trail was quite impressive, especially the view at the end towards Las Vegas, but there are also some not so easy places; the petroglyphs, on the other hand, did not convince us

Like a mini-National Park!

By global-engineer |

We made this a half-day trip from the Strip after our noon-ish arrival in Las Vegas (via rental car).
It's operated by the Bureau of Land Management, but it really seems like a miniature National Park.
We spent approximately two and a half hours there. We stopped at about half of the parking areas and took a couple of short hikes.
We really enjoyed our visit.
We visited Valley of Fire State Park the next day, and we enjoyed both areas equally.
Note: This area is open during the federal government shutdown - at least for now (early Oct 2025). The gates are manned, and they are charging the access fee.

natural rock formations

By Piotr M |

this is a very nice place worth visiting, the rock formations are incredible and make unforgettable memories, you can stop at many points and take a walk to explore more

Red Rock awesome!

By RangerRick8 |

Did the 13 mile scenic loop with several stops for hiking. Awesome scenery with cool hiking trails. Highly recommended.

Beautiful Scenery; Beware of Bikes

By Juli C |

A quick jaunt on the scenic loop was lovely, though I paid extra for admission because I didn't realize they preferred online reservations. It's a one-way loop with a high volume of bicycle traffic. The road is wide enough for cars on the left and bikes on the right, though watch out for bikes failing to properly use hand signals, then yelling at the drivers. The signs say 'Share the Road.' That's good advise, and not just for the cars.

Review

By Maps59326248801 |

We were in Sri Lanski for the first time and were completely delighted. The staff is very cool, kind and helpful. I remember the waiter Damith. Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome.🙏🏾

Stunning

By Dave n |

This is a must see.we were there before 8 am and were lucky to see a thunderstorm. The view is unparalleled.it was the best money we spent all week no doubt.

Beautiful scenic drive

By TOJ |

Get out of the city and enjoy time in nature. Sadly it was too hot for us to hike. Nice picnic area right outside the park. We rented from Electric Vegas Rentals for the trip and thoroughly enjoyed it! Talk to Brandi for your rental brandi.evr@gmail.com.

Red Rock Canyon: great diversion from Vegas

By Bill F |

This is a great stop close to Las Vegas and allowed us to get our feet wet before heading out on our Zion/Bryce/GC vacation loop. We made it over for sunrise which could be viewed from the overlook outside the park. Vary pretty! Then we did the scenic loop with a stop at the Calico Tanks trailhead (strenuous hike but very fun). Definitely recommend especially to get a day away from the bright lights of Vegas.

Must do if in Vegas! Nature!

By Michelle |

Amazing views of mountains and rock formations. This 13 mile, one way drive with 7 parking places to stop (LOTS of trails) is amazing and can fit anyone. Tons of options! MAKE RESERVATIONS online, if not you won’t get in. Go early and spend the day! We bought tickets online and had a reserved time entry. We are not mountain climbers but we can walk several miles. Make sure to use boots or sneakers with non skid bottoms. The sand on many of these rocks make them extremely slippery and some of the trails (with rock climbing) are high and there are no guard rails, etc. Bring a backpack with a hat, snacks, suntan lotion and LOTS of water. There are several people that come out and rock climb.
Stop at every stop: It’s amazing to watch the scenery and take it in. We saw wild horses, beautiful cacti, lovely rock formations and color! The sun in the afternoon allows for even more brilliant photo ops.

Some trails are rocky, I do not recommend using:
1. a rental car on those. I’ve heard it can invalidate your agreement if something happens to the rental.
2. Owners with lower to the ground cars, damage might occur and your out in the dessert.

Fantastic place

By riverdoc2 |

If you're looking for a change from the Las Vegas scene, take a trip to Red Rocks. You need an online reservation to drive the loop but it is really easy to get. Once in, there is no time limit. You can stop as much or as little as you like. Take your time and enjoy all the formations

Great day (or half day) option for Vegas

By Callalilies2000 |

This is a great place to go spend some time outdoors in Vegas! It’s so close and so breathtakingly beautiful! Great hikes, both long and short hikes too.

Wonderful--don't miss it!

By Elizabeth23 |

I enjoyed the drive, especially a nice quiet moment on the Keystone Thrust trail. The staff at the visitors center gave me perfect ideas for my trip. For anyone who loves the outdoors and is in Las Vegas...this should not be missed.

Amazing Sights!

By Ninette B |

This is the place to go if you want to drive, walk, relax, see all the great geological features that this area has to offer!! It is worth every mile! LOVE IT!

A Nice Break from the Chaos of Vegas

By Katy B |

This was so easy to access and it was just beautiful. I went in December, which felt like the absolute perfect time, weather-wise. I completed the hike closest to the visitor center. I'm not a hiker typically, and this was just perfect for me. Afterward, I drove around the park road route, which as just lovely.

Great for anyone of any age, kids too.

By Michael M |

We were a group of 4 couples. Wow this was the best biggest bargain in touring history. We really enjoyed this so much. The weather was great for driving and for hiking and we did plenty of both. Also brought food to make a picnic lunch and really enjoyed the day. Close enough from The Strip that we would go back there every time we come back to Vegas, for sure.

Brilliant place

By lauren84Liverpool |

Brilliant location, perfect place to watch a gig! Staff super friendly, feels safe and amazing views! An absolute gem of a venue

A Beautiful Place To Visit

By D W |

This is an absolutely beautiful place to visit! We have gone many times as there is so much to see and explore! You can drive the gorgeous scenic loop that has parking areas to stop and take pictures and there's also plenty of hiking trails available if that's what you enjoy! They do require reservations at certain times of the year to go on the scenic loop, so be sure to check their web site before you go! Absolutely recommend Red Rock Canyon for a wonderful "adventure day"!!

Best in the morning hours in summer

By Zwerg74 |

Due to the heat, we went to the canyon relatively early and were not disappointed. There are several stops on Loop Road where children can have fun climbing rocks. The entrance fee was USD 20 (if you do not have an Annual Pass). A great landscape with many opportunities for hiking, but we didn't do it due to the heat.

Red Rock Canyon is gorgeous

By Brent M |

This was a wonderful day out wit hmy friend Stacey who had just moved into the area from Australia with her husband. So she did all the driving. Just a wonderful untouched modern marvel with some wonderful hikes, views, sounds and scenery. Thanks Stacey!

Colors

By dolphinmaniac |

Because of the weather, we did not do climbing or hiking. I want to visit sometime later in a good weather to spend more time

Red Rock Canyon

By kaklaus f |

Red Rock Canyon is absolutely stunning and a must-see if you’re visiting the Las Vegas area. The scenic drive is well-maintained and offers incredible views at every turn—perfect for photo stops and quick hikes. There are a variety of hiking trails for all levels, from easy walks to more challenging climbs. Just a heads-up: if you’re going during the busy season (especially fall through spring), be sure to make a reservation for the scenic drive ahead of time. Totally worth it—this place is a desert gem!

Beat the heat, and any traffic. 10/16/22

By John P |

We had visited here 27 years ago, and while the rocks probably are the same, the experience was much more memorable this trip.
We drove the same loop, but got out and enjoyed the walks that it may have been too hot for us the last time that we visited. The colors were great, the other hikers friendly, and the temperature was perfect.
My new National Parks Senior Lifetime Pass saved us the $15 fee despite this being a State Park, so I was thrilled. The traffic is one way so there's never anyone coming toward you, and other than bicycles, there weren't even many cars. The road is all new blacktop and smooth as silk. We visited from 8:30 until 10am.
From the tranquility we drove downhill all the way to the strip and walked for many more miles....

Certainly do

By Johan B |

Very beautiful and an hour's drive from the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas
Various walks and directly in the red canyon

Spectacular !!!

By Stan Tecza |

Only about thirty minutes out of Las Vegas this day excursion is a must. We rented a car and it was much more affordable than taking tour. In my opinion no reason for a tour especially silly as the temperature heats up. We were able to explore at our own leisure without anchored by group.

Amazing views

By Julio M |

Been several times at Vegas. This time, I wanted to do something different and see what else aside the strip. Not far from the city you can visit this great park and get in touch with nature, if you are fan of photography, make sure to take your camera, there are lots of spots to shoot great photos.

There is a visitors center to buy souvenirs

Red Rock Canyon

By Sisollie |

Beautiful canyon with spectacular views. We spent an amazing afternoon here. Even the 4 and 5 year old kids loved it. Nice break from the activity and a great place to see some natural beauty. The gift shop offered some amazing items.

Beautiful scenic route near Las Vegas

By Elly W |

From Las Vegas you can drive to Red Rock Canyon in 30 minutes.

Check online in advance to reserve a time slot for your visit.

You can take a Scenice drive from the visitor center (13 miles)
But also various canyon trails.
Make sure you have a hat and plenty of water, because it can get quite warm here.
Enjoy the varied landscape and the many yuccas and cacti along the way.

Get out of Las Vegas get to Red Rock Canyon!

By Kate R |

Red Rock Canyon, just outside Las Vegas, offers a striking escape from the city's glamour. The iconic red sandstone formations and diverse hiking trails provide a serene desert adventure. It's conveniently located for both tourists and locals and offers a peaceful retreat in the American Southwest's rugged beauty, making it a perfect day trip destination to experience the stunning natural landscapes away from the Las Vegas Strip.

not worth the time or money

By Cris H |

I was underwhelmed with this experience. it's more like a valley that you drive around than a canyon. Even the hikes left a lot to be desired, they didn't have a lot of interesting rock formations or anything that made this worth the drive. The requirement to book an entry slot was also a waste of time as everyone who arrived around the same time as me didn't have a slot booked and we all waited in the same line together. I wouldn't go again, it's a drive through experience and not much more than that.

Red Rock Canyon is a must see if you are in the LV area!

By nonda2017 |

We visit here every time we're in LV - we enjoy the "at your own pace" of the drive and the available short walks or hikes. Watching the rock climbers, viewing the petroglyphs and appreciating the amazing landscape is really a treat.

The best attraction in Vegas for my money

By Joseph Robba |

What a cool area. If you're in Vegas, I highly recommend you make it out here. Whether you simply want to drive the loop and stop at the overlooks, or hike the trails, really anyone can get here and find something cool to do. The park itself is beautiful, really well maintained, and essentially admission is free for military veterans. Make sure to make a reservation ahead of time to claim your spot, but if you come on a weekday, it's likely not overbooked and they'll let you in still.
This was easily my favorite thing we did in the Vegas area, and it's far better than anything the strip has to offer.

Worth It, But Book In Advance or Be Turned Away

By BuffaloPundit |

So, this review is based on past visits. Pre-Covid, you could just drive through. In November 2022, they required that you make a reservation for a timed entry, but they let us through anyway. In November 2023, they still require a reservation but now they turn you away if you don't have one. The problem with this is that we had no cell service at the entrance, and by the time we got service back, we had decided to do something else. With that said, the loop is absolutely gorgeous with stunning views from several different locations. Definitely a must-see, just book in advance.

Scenery is amazing. Air is clean. Seems like zero pollution.

By Casilindo |

They have a really nice trail. About 3.5 miles. Not too difficult but it gets rocky. Scenery is beautiful. Make sure to take lots of pics. Don’t forget to bring water and a snack. There are no convenience store’s anywhere near. Parking lot is small and gets full quick but there’s street parking. Have fun.

Beautiful scenary, very easy to see

By aprilibro |

We had a delightful drive through Red Rock Canyon. The loop road is well maintained with many stops and rest rooms. Lots of great places to stop for photos, and the road is well maintained. Fairly easy drive from the strip

Beautiful Scenery and Hiking the Calico Tanks Trail was Excellent

By TravelingSoccerLoon |

Just a 45 min drive from the Strip, Red Rock Canyon offers some of the best desert scenery you can find. The vibrant colors that can be seen in the rock formations are stunning. The scenery is truly unique. At busier times of the year, a reservation system is in place so plan accordingly. You can simply drive along the 13-mile one way road that has several scenic pull offs, but the best way to experience is to go on a hike. I hiked the Calico Tanks Trail, and it was terrific. Moderately strenuous with some mild rock scrambling in parts and some elevation change but the rewards were very much worth the effort. Make sure you have hiking shoes and bring a hat and plenty of water. I would start as early as possible in the morning to avoid the mid-day sun. There is no shade on the hike.

Wish there was more turn-outs

By orcasgal |

We concentrate on photos at our age. There were some prominent features with ample parking, for a weekday and the timed-tickets spacing out the crowd. I do wish there had been more turn-outs for one or two cars to take photos of the beauty surrounding us. To have to drive by without stopping was hard.

Best part of our trip!

By Diane B |

Beautiful! Not far outside vegas. Spent the day driving spot to spot and exploring. Picked up trash while we were there. Not a lot but we like to help out. Stunning rock coloration!

Beautiful national park

By Stephen_Duggan |

A great place to visit if you want to escape from the bright lights and buzz of the strip. Lots of great photo opportunities, and walking tracks close to the city

Oustanding

By Marcos R |

I rented a car just to visit this place. Just after the entrance, at the Visitors center I received a professional and detailed service regarding the area. The lady explained in detail all sites, which were more adequate to me. Very good !

Bad experience at the gates

By Bk2019june |

Visited the park on 2/19/23
Racist entry lady guard and mean lady park rangers
We had national parks pass, denied entry, asked to pay $10 per head just for foot entry to the park.
We agreed to pay, saw lot of people walking in with no issues. We were 8 people, they took $5 per head and did not give any receipts. The entry gate lady was very mean and loud, yelling out to not let us in for some reason.
We had no where to go and complain, it’s not fair they can treat people like this and we are helpless.
Once we were inside, the ladies were very kind and helpful. It was just these two ladies that were not behaving. Not sure what their issue was.

Desert and mountains

By AirSchis |

Did some research before we visited and it was fantastic! Very close drive from Vegas strip. $20USD per car for entrance. Worth the price and the parking is free although you need to park in designated places. Do your research first as there are so many options for hiking, walking, exploring, camping, biking etc. Visit the Visitor Center near the entrance first as lots to see and you can ask questions. We did a few hikes and some incredible viewpoints. Trails are well marked and described. There is sand in some places and rocks so wear appropriate footwear. Definite visit while in Vegas. Rent a car....

Incredible scenic views!!!

By Dogsmom |

Must see place and Stunning scenic views!Drive only 40 minutes from The Strip and perfect place for avoiding the busy life in Vegas. The scenic views drive is 13 miles long but you can stop for the incredible pictures and do hiking if you prefer. Bring the water , the summer heat there is no joke!

Hyped up Canyon

By Raghu R |

Read Canyon is in Vegas and will give you nice views of red hills and canyon.

It is something to see and is like a last option only if U are not visiting Grand Canyon or Zion. It is small and few hills you can see.
We went to Zion and the mountains during the drive near Vegas/Utah border were more impressive and grand.

Red Rock Canyon is a Must See

By Camilla M |

Rent the car. Take the ride. It's 30 minutes from Las Vegas and 1 hour from Valley of Fire so can easily bang out both parks in the same day. The loop is 13 miles around at 35mph, multiple places to pull off. We didn't do hiking but would definitely return. Absolutely gorgeous. Road is 1 way but double wide gives room to pass slow drivers.

Very nice views

By AndreasZillig |

Really a nice 2-3h time. we just made the tourist loop and stops on each view point with some walking. Great to have that so near to Las Vegas. Also we got a discount with the National Park Agency Annual Pass. Worth the detour around Las Vegas!

To see the desert nature

By Trivius |

I was there all those years ago.
Being, very close, to Las Vegas (about 30 km), I got there easily with a rental car.
Once, inside the park, there is only one direction, which you can go.
I got to see, too, wild mules.
A good experience, which I would do again

Make a reservation in advance

By Sydney |

Great place to take short hikes or drive the 13mi loop - excellent views in all directions. Visitor Center is also really nice. However - make sure you book your reservation in advance if you're trying to go at a specific time. We drove all the way out there from the heart of Vegas, didn't know a reservation would be necessary, and they don't let you make reservations at the gate. The rangers were pretty unhelpful, they were just trying to rush us out of there because we didn't have reservations. We were able to book one online for the next day, but it killed a ton of our time in Vegas to make that trip twice. Then, when we came back the next day, they were letting people in without reservations because they still had spots available!! Frustrating. The reservation thing should be much more clear online.

Awestanding

By Mildred S |

But beware of the tour companies. If they offer an exchange for a cheaper tour, cancel and ask for a refund. Once you see the refund, make a new payment for the new tour. They never refunded me the correct balance of over $100, but only $34 and insisted that was the difference even though I had sent them the proof and it is still on the Internet today. BEWARE

Just outside Vegas--and a very nice getaway from the crazy times on the strip

By suedo66 |

Beautiful rock formations and colors-------------we had seen Valley of Fire 2 days before--so it took some of the WOW from Red Rock-----------but we still enjoyed it very much-------just outside Vegas----lots of hikes--with many different lengths-----only negative was the Spring Mountain Ranch state park--just outside Red Rock----even the guy at the booth said there is nothing to do there--you just look at closed buildings

Great hike and views!

By Mommy1Indiana |

We hiked Calico Tanks Trail, which gave plenty of opportunities to climb boulders, which our kids love. We were rewarded at the end with views of Vegas. This is a beautiful park and close to the City. They even had bike areas set up where you could hang your bicycle and pump air or use tools to fix. Nice visitors center.

Calico Basin

By westie2 |

We once again visited Red Spring and walked the ada compliant Calico Basin trail through a relatively lush area. We were a bit surprised that several times when touching the railings we experienced static electricity. Not sure why, but a few others complained about it as well. Next stop was the Red Rock Canyon visitor center followed by a drive along the 11 plus mile roadway leading through the canyon. It was very busy so finding a parking spot was difficult mid-day on a Friday.

The beauty of the desert!

By Nani N |

Gorgeous campground! Peaceful! The winds get pretty wicked other than that the place was amazing! I would go back again!

Must do while in vegas

By Stephanie C |

Wasn’t expecting that and it was just amazing
Breath taking
Follow the scenic road and stopped and walked a little

A must-do driving loop near LasVegas

By M W Mn |

We signed in Saturday pm for a Sunday 10am drive spot. The loop was beautiful and a great change of scenery from LasVegas.

Absolutely Stunning!

By jrippwilltravel |

If you are in Vegas you MUST drive to see the Red Rock Canyons. These were truly amazing! I was in awe the entire time. We were staying in Henderson and drive 20-25 minutes to get there. It cost $20 or $25 to get in. There is a 13 mile loop you can just drive if you want to. There are some areas that you stop and park and get out and just look around or you can actually go hiking.

Great scenery. A welcome change from the glitz of the Strip

By STraveler2 |

You will need a car or a tour but it is worth a short drive west from The Strip to see some great rock formations and scenery. Wonderful loop drive, some beautiful red rocks and picture spots. Good walking (hiking) areas both short and long. We always include this area when we visit Vegas. So convenient to Vegas. A half day is just the right amount of time - getting there and seeing it.

Beautiful

By TravelingBum10 |

I visited red rock canyon not realizing that they were doing timed entry. Luckily there was space available, so we were able to purchase entry at the park. Make sure to stop at the visitors center to get a map. The scenic loop takes about an hour to complete, stopping at each for photos. There are several trails. Bring lots of water. There’s none available. Toilets available at most overlooks

Great views!

By mayniacmo |

There are many different trails and the weather can be vastly different than downtown so be sure to pack layers and hiking shoes! We started with the Calico Tanks trail which we followed for about 30 min and then turned back as it was getting a bit tricky to climb. (We just had running shoes, so I’d recommend hiking shoes). Also it was much cooler than anticipated so we turned back since it was windy and cool. (we didn’t have wind breakers). We then drove and stopped at the overlooks for pictures. Unfortunately we arrived before the visitor center was open, so I feel that they could have given us some pointers. We would like to do the Pine Creek trail the next time as that looked very unique compared to all the other trials. We were basically under dressed and couldn't really comfortably do any other trails, but it was still a beautiful drive and the overlooks provided a great view and pictures!

Red Rocks in the Desert

By DLP |

A short drive from the Vegas strip. Pleasantly surprised by the beauty of the red rocks. Be sure to stop at the visitor center and see the tortoise before heading out onto the loop road. Many pull offs and overlooks that should be seen.

Get out of the city

By ExperienceGatherer |

Spend time at the Visitors Center and then drive the loop stopping to take in several of the pull offs/hikes. The Visitor Center offers a well curated experience on the various aspects of Red Rock. We stopped twice on the loop after exiting the Visitors Center and it took approximately 45 minutes to complete the loop. I would definitely go back to hike.

Beautiful!

By 10ringtraveler |

I have been here several times in the past but the visitor center has always been closed. We got there early enough today that we spent about 30 minutes there! So informative and so many displays!
The drive through the park is icing on the cake! It looks like it too!
This place is beautiful! Highly recommended!

Very good to do

By Ludovic L |

22 dollars entry Go there it’s super magnificent 30 minutes from LV
We went with the 3 children, they had a great time.
Super nice picnic area
We arrived around 10 a.m. and left around 1:30 p.m.
It was very nice to drive around and stop where you want only one direction of traffic.
Everything is well organized

Red Rock Canyon Tour

By Tara L |

Comfortable van to ride in, knowledgeable tour guide, he was witty and full of information, Steve did a great job!! We would definitely recommend him. Ask for Steve as your guide!

a true treasure

By John W |

this is an incredible treasure in the vegas area. great hiking and views for all skill levels. driving the 13 mile loop is a drag

Pretty and you can go at your own pace.

By ShoeLover |

It cost $20 per car to enter, they prefer credit card first payment. Stopped at the visitor center for information but you couldn't get maps or anything. They had trails you could scan QR code but you had to scan each trail so couldn't get just a regular trail map. You need to fill your water bottles but the water there was very murky. There is a gift shop if you want souvenirs. There is a bathroom you can use at the parking lot for the visitor center. We started the trail and it was very pretty at first with the red rock. It is a 13 mile drive but you go at your own pace. Plenty of stop off parking pots to explore different areas. After the first few miles it was redundant and the scenery was the same. It was hot in July so make sure to bring plenty of water and if you spend all day bring snacks. We stopped off at a few trails places and drove the rest. It is worth a visit!

Lovely place but be mindful of the heat!

By David J |

Love the place and all the sightseeing but please be mindful of the heat! Fortunately we visited early morning so make sure you bring water and proper covering for the sun.

Calico Tanks Trail is a gem!

By Travel_Addict_Cyprus |

Based on my research, i was excited to visit Red Rock Canyon for a full day. I had carefully read the trail descriptions, and came up with a plan. I went on Recreation.gov and reserved a slot to enter the park. I didn't pay an entrance fee because we get the annual America The Beautiful pass which allows entry to all the national parks.
when we arrived, we saw a lot of cars being turned away because all the entry time slots were full. i felt sorry for them.
We entered and stopped at the Visitor Center, which was the first stop on my list. The scenic loop road is a one-way road, so you can only stop by the Visitor Center when you first enter. There are a lot of exhibits, trail maps. We couldn't enjoy the park film because there was no separate room, it was in an open area which was very noisy.
We proceeded to our next destination: The Calico Tanks Trailhead. Finding a parking spot proved to be challenging. We had to wait around a bit. The trail was well marked. The views and scenery on this trail were amazing. I read that it was considered moderate, but i would say it's at least moderately challenging. It is only 2.5m RT, and is supposed to take about 2 hrs, but it took us close to 3 hrs. You have to hike on sleek rock formations, and watch your footing on some very rocky areas. It also took longer than what i had read to complete the trail, but i am one to stop and take photos and enjoy the view often along the trail. I highly recommend this trail.
Our next stop was the Lost Creek Children's Discovery trail. it was short and would not take long, so i thought it would be a good in between trail. It was very disappointing. For me, it was a waste of time.
Our next stop was the Petroglyph Wall. I was disappointed with this trail also. I was expecting petroglyphs. Instead, there were a handful of petroglyphs on a rock that you can see from afar. I guess having visited the Petroglyph National Monument in New Mexico, this site was significantly underwelming.
Our final stop was the Box Canyon Trailhead. Beautiful scenery. We never got to finish that trail, since it was getting late and we didn't want to be in the canyon at dark. We had to turn around. The trail is so rocky, and not easy to find the route. I'd love to get a chance to complete this hike on another visit to the park next time we are in Las Vegas.
Summary: Make sure you go on Reservation.gov to book your timed entry. If you have America the Beautiful, you don't need to pay an entry fee, but you still need the reservation. Research the hikes and choose one that fits your abilities and interests. We are hikers, and in good physical shape, so we found Calico Tanks to be the perfect hike.

Had no clue that this national park was so close to Las Vegas! What an excellent adventure.

By Madeline M |

Easy to navigate park with lots of trails and amazing hiking and rock formations. Close to town but a million miles from the glitter of Las Vegas. Reservations are required beginning October 1. You don’t need days to enjoy but you could easily spend several getting to know the park.

wonderful way to spend a day!

By Mom of 3 Boys |

what a beautiful national park- very well marked and lots of trails to check out. you can bike or hike. it was easy to spend a day here.

there are no amenities, so it is advisable to pack enough food and water for your day.

Trails are more difficult than easy

By Linda H |

Enjoyed the trip to Red Rock. Warning that the trails that say easy, are not easy but more moderate. Most trails have lots of rocks and need to wear very supportive shoes to prevent ankle sprains. We had visited the Valley of Fire State Park a couple days before and enjoyed that park more than Red Rock.
Nice picnic area so pack a lunch!

Best stay

By Cruiser24793454464 |

We recently had pleasure staying at Fairmont Jaipur. And I must say it an amazing experience from start to finish from the moment. I arrive I was greeted with warm hospitality. The front was very kind nd polite thanks for providing us the luxury facilities .

Gorgeous

By Linda A |

Beautiful day trip . Take the scooter trip around the park with the guide. Do the early morning trip and take a jacket. Great photos .

Spend a few hours here in the morning...

By Tamara B |

This was our first trip to Red Rock. Recently we have been on a desert kick after visiting Joshua Tree National Park last year.

I read that if you are trying to decide between The Valley of Fire and Red Rock that you should choose Valley of Fire or at least visit Red Rock first. I would agree with that.

We set out for an early breakfast with coffee and headed to the park. I purchased our entrance ticket online prior to the trip and made a reservation. We took 4 teens (17-19yrs). They absolutely loved it. Two of them had never seen the desert before.

We thought it was cool and enjoyed the small gift shop/museum. There are even some small Joshua Trees at this park which is pretty nifty since you can't find them in very many places in the world.

We had an enjoyable morning at the park and spent the rest of the day exploring the outer city of Vegas and Chinatown. If you are into hiking you could easily spend the whole day there or maybe two. But if you just want to see it in a few hours the drive is only 13 miles and it is easily doable.

tried the to let her ruin the experience

By Laura O |

The lady at the front entrance was very rude. Only asked her one question and she got annoyed with an attitude. If you are in the business of greeting people of which she did not but let's say it's part of your job not just to take the entrance fee. She yelled at us which was totally not nessary to move along so needless to say I yelled back. Everyone else we have met on our trip in all other parks where so pleasant and welcoming. She needs another job where she doesn't have to deal with the likes of people. Other than that beautiful. Don't forget reservations required.

Stunning as always.

By Daniel Matless |

You can visit by car, bike, our organized tour. There are hiking trails, a visitor centre, & stop off points along the 13 mile loop road. The mountains are fantastic to see, and well worth the 20 minute drive from the Vegas strip.

fun drive from downtown....

By diana f |

only about 20 minutes away taking charleston--you pass right by the 'red rock hotel' & across the street 'canyon pointe' shopping center which has a 'costco' for cheaper gas....

Nice drive - walk in the Red Rock Canyon National Park

By norm11777 |

Nice continuous one-way drive through with parking lots and places to hike and s]take stunning photo.

Nice spot so close to the city

By Kaagie |

We wanted to spend a day touring around and getting out of Las Vegas.
So we made a nice route and we went to Red Rock Canyon.
Be sure to step inside the Visitor Center to find out some fun facts.
Then we drove around and stopped at beautiful places.
How beautiful it all is.

Definitely recommended to escape the city for a while.

A wonderful way to spend a few hours or longer

By Alan304 |

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 scenic area

By Usia2014 |

We rented a car and drove out to the Red Rock Canyon to see it again. Years ago, we only saw a small portion on an organized tour. This time we wanted to see it all and drove the entire loop taking several stops to walk around and have a picnic. There are interesting birds, colourful rock formations and lovely scenery.

Lovely 10 miles loop with several stop at scenic areas, and trails

By swfarid |

Highly recommended for Las Vegas visitors in the winter.

The park is only 40 min drive from Las Vegas, But you may need to book in advance as they allow only a limited no of cars at any point of time

The drive is a 10 miles loop with several stop at scenic areas , perfect for rock climbers of all levels. Also lots of trail to view these unique rock formations and geological history

Really worth half a day of your time

Bring with you enough water, some snacks and hiking boots

No map available - information board not visible

By Traveler |

No reservation was required for entry at around 3.30 PM. At earlier times, during vacations and at weekends, however, it is essential to book in advance via the park's website. The absolute no go, however, is that there is no map available for the Senic Drive. Comment at the visitor center: You can take a picture of the map here. Then, at the sandstone queries, the sign with extensive explanations of how the quarrying took place is completely weathered and no longer legible. These are unacceptable conditions with these high entrance fees. I have never experienced this in any park in 30 years.

Really enjoyed this

By Janice F |

We visited in the spring... had some time before our flight out of Vegas so went to check this out. Although we had been told wildflowers would be blossoming, it exceeded our expectations in that there were TONS of flowers of all different colors blossoming. Really lovely.

Great Views & Hikes

By Rudy B |

Red rock was amazing. They have varying levels of hikes for you to partake in. The views are awesome. I enjoyed every minute of it.

vacation

By 831patriciar |

we went here to see the sights. we spent several hours driving thru and did a couple of small hikes. has bathrooms at the stops. easy to find. does cost to see. you drive thru at your own pace. vistors center good place to start. its a total of 13 mile loop. you do need to schedule a time to go thru

Beautiful scenic drive.

By yitz10 |

Great place to spend a couple of hours. Not far from Vegas. Scenic loop drive with lots of opportunities to stop at scenic overlooks for photos. Lots of hiking and walking trails. Visitor center very friendly and informative. You have to make reservation.

Scenic views

By kamkam18 |

Took the scenic car route and stopped plenty of times for amazing views and photos! Learned about how iron in the rocks creates the different layers and colors.

Beautiful place!

By Maria S |

Such beautiful scenery and the ability to drive through is so nice. We are not hikers, so this was the perfect way for us to get to see some of the desert. For those that want to do more, there are places to hike for real. We loved it.

Beautiful Canyon 30 minutes from the strip

By kym814 |

Make sure you check the website before you visit. If its peak season which is almost year around, you will need reservations before you are granted entry.

If you do just a drive through and do not stop, the loop is about 1.5 hours to 2 hours to complete. Its one way in amd 1 way out. The only water station is at the beginning at the visitor center. Make sure you bring enough water for your hike.

We came here with kids from 4 years old to 9 years old. We stopped at the first parking lot and did a hike. The hike was easy enough and some spots will require you to climb and scale up and down rocks. It's an easy hike and everyone was able to go through it will no complaints. It does get a little hot here so bring water, a hat and sunscreen. If you notice there is a struggling hiker, make sure you go get help and not try to be a hero if you are new to the area.

Plenty to see with great photo ops. Respect the rules and if you bring trash in, bring it back out. Do not deface any rocks or try to break any rock formations.

Great place to visit if you love the outdoors and like to climb and hike! Would highly recommend.

Mayfair Supper Club was incredible

By Dana K |

The Mayfair Supper Club in the Bellagio replaced the old Disco. This was one of the best shows and dinners we experienced in Vegas. The entertainment was top notch and just took you back to a time when this type of entertainment was more common. I expect some of the cruise lines to follow suit and repurpose some of their seldome used discos in a similar fashion.

Fantastic views

By Kari L |

This is a wonderful park for individuals or groups. Wide open spaces and lots of opportunities to take photos or hike a nice trail.

Awesome scenery

By scottcL2964SW |

Free entry for Activeduty military, and not far from the strip. It’s nice to get away from the city and see some fantastic views.

Magnificent outdoor area

By yitz10 |

Beautiful views. There are hikes of varying difficulty you can take, but it's basically a 13 mile driving loop, and if you'd prefer, you can stay in your car and only get out at the many scenic view stops, so it's okay for a hot day and for people who can't walk much. Clean bathrooms are plentiful along the route and the people at the ranger station are very friendly and helpful. You should reserve beforehand, because when it's crowded, they close admission.

Lovely few hours in desert landscape

By Carol W |

Great place to visit 30 mins from Vegas.Interesting and peaceful rocky canyon with visitors centre and guided tours of local animals and plants.

Great day stop

By Ashley |

Cool scenic drive. Super short hike to.see petroglyphs. Did the Children's discovery trail, unfortunately no waterfall and stream was about non-existent. Very little shade so bring a hat, sunscreen, and water!

Great scenic drive and trails (springs!)

By DrCDB |

Ee enjoyed so much. The scenic drive is great. The facilities as well maintained as well. The rock formations are quite impressive. We did a trail that led to a small but beautiful waterfall. We enjoy the water that is so much appreciated under the hot weather in Las Vegas.

Gambling break

By Renald C |

Close to Las Vegas and a nice spot to take a nature rest in between some gambling. However, lots of driving to find a spot as the parking lot can be pretty full.

Stunning scenic drive

By hungaryforadventure |

Be sure to make a reservation, which is required to enter. My four-year-old enjoyed the 10-mile drive through the canyon. We got out at several places to observe the rock climbers and to walk a bit. The contrast between the blue sky and red rocks was stunning. We also saw some handprint petroglyphs, which were fascinating. I didn't realize such beautiful scenery was so close to the Strip. Highly recommend.

Outstanding! So beautiful!

By Outofasuitcase2015 |

You can't go wrong with a drive through nature. Red Rock Canyon is part of the National Park Service, so I was able to use my lifetime senior pass for entry. Yes, you need to reserve an entry time, which is great for managing traffic flow. Being a Sunday, it was probably busier than usually, and a few of the parking lots were quite full. Overall, a great time. Do not miss the visitor center and gift shop. We just did the short hike to the petroglyphs. Very cool!

Red Rock Canyon Vistas

By RobB |

Was not aware that we had to make a reservation to be able to see it all. Instead we just drove to the parking lot and took some great photos!

RSVP possibly

By Sonny_circumvehor |

Ok... the big 4..zion, valley of fire, grand canyon, and this in that order.. easy day trips from Vegas.. they can require a rsvp so make sure you check before you go

Beautiful colors

By Annette C |

We went during a very hot time and arrived at the park at 8 am when it was cooler. We took a few short hikes and saw some petroglyphs and pictographs and lots of hummingbirds too. Bring plenty of water because it is so dry!

Breathtaking beauty . . .

By BobSki-UK |

It would be a very foolish person that went to Las Vegas and didn’t go and see the Grand Canyon. It is truly beautiful and thankfully has not been overly commercialised or exploited.

Bring your camera - beautiful

By Heather G |

Take your camera, pack a few snacks and some water, lace up your shoes. This is such a beautiful area. We only drove mostly through it, but the hikes looked amazing. There are rattle snakes, so maybe read up on what to do if faced with one, I was too chicken to take my kids too far without knowing.

Worth every penny.

By craig k |

A little hot that day, (It's a dry heat) but the drive, walk and views were simply amazing.The drive is easy, you can go slower with mutiple pull-offs.

so-so

By Travel ‘n Food |

A stone desert in red and brown color, that's all it is, you can drive there once, it's really not far from Vegas if you have nothing else to do, I was there once and won't go there again, sorry, I'd rather spend 2 hours more and drive to the Grand Canyon

Need to pre-book entrance online!

By Galina K |

Drove there to do Scenic drive twice only to get turned around. Didn’t know they limit number of cars entering. And the cars with pre-registration get priority. Last time the security told us we need to “prebook” entrance. Would be helpful to have a big sign or easy to notice message on their website with the link