During your stay in Las Vegas, don’t miss visiting the Red Rock Canyon and plunge into the heart of the American West.
Located in the South West in Nevada State, Red Rock Canyon is less known to travellers than the famous Grand Canyon . Yet the latter has nothing to envy him, and it would be a shame not to visit him during a stay in Las Vegas, since it is only 20 kilometres away from the famous Strip.
Far from the frenzy of casinos, hotels and neon in the city that never sleeps, the Red Rock Canyon offers a true contrast to visitors who find the pleasure of wild nature. On 335 square kilometres, there are superb geological formations of red and white sandstones, plants and wildlife characteristic of the Mojave Desert.
A road allows you to explore the park and enjoy many views, picnic areas and hiking trails. The park thus offers a wide range of activities for nature lovers but also allows to learn more about the history of the place, discovering the traces left on the rocks by the first inhabitants.
Then follow the guide to know everything about Red Rock Canyon and optimize your visit to the park.
Also read: The 11 things to do in Las Vegas
The story of Red Rock Canyon in Las Vegas
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Rusya007
Located 20 kilometres west of the city of Las Vegas, in the heart of the Mojave Desert, Red Rock Canyon is a treasure of nature. Once inhabited by the Amerindians, as evidenced by the petroglyphs and other rock paintings engraved on the cliffs, he witnessed the evolution of our society over time.
During the 1870s, the site was the scene of the first freight cars that stopped here to recover water. The rock formations also allowed them to geographically identify themselves. Similarly, many remains attest to the past existence of mining in this area, which was to take place in the 1890s.
It was finally in 1990 that the Red Rock Canyon was protected by Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area , which now manages the national parks of the United States.
Since then, the natural park has made the happiness of millions of visitors who are rushing there every year to observe the wild beauty of its large spaces.
What to see and what to do at Red Rock Canyon in Las Vegas?
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Gert Hochmuth
Just a few kilometers from the famous Las Vegas, the Red Rock Canyon is the ideal playground for nature lovers. These are not the activities and discoveries that are missing in this park!
The Visitor Center
A little advice, the first thing to do when you arrive and go to the Visitor Center to collect all necessary information to your visit. For those who do not have the recommended equipment, you will also find a shop.
The Scenic Drive
You can't go to Red Rock Canyon without borrowing the famous Scenic Drive. This 13 miles long road , one-way, runs through the entire park. It allows you to go to the conquest of the West by car but also by bike. The cyclists are indeed many to come crowding the Canyon lands.
The Scenic Drive offers splendid views such as High Point Overlook or the Calico Hills. Cherry on the cake, the road is very well equipped with parking and toilet throughout the path.
Hiking
Opinions to fans and treks lovers, the Red Rock Canyon offers 26 hikes different through its exceptional relief. Take off to discover the cavities of the Canyon and climb the highest point of the Bridge Mountain summit.
The official Red Rock Canyon site lists the steps to help you in your choice, indicating the level of difficulty and the estimated walking time. Once again, the setting of car parks within the park allows easy departure to the various hikes.
The climb
In addition to its unusual rock formation, the Red Rock Canyon is a popular place for climbers. Red and white sandstone walls, which can reach for the highest up to 1,000 meters high , make the happiness of climbers and climbers. Whether you’re an amateur or a warrior, it would be a shame not to try this activity.
Willow Spring
Natural beauty, Red Rock Canyon is also a place full of history. Willow Spring This is the perfect example and allows to admire the petroglyphs and paintings left by the Indians who lived there. A time jump that will delight small and tall.
How do I get to Red Rock Canyon in Las Vegas?
By car
Red Rock Canyon is located in Nevada State, about 20 kilometres from Las Vegas. He often acts as a step on the long journey through the west coast of the United States. Thus, visitors arrive first in Las Vegas by air; the city has an international airport (Le MacCarran); or by the road. Indeed, the majority of tourists decide to rent a vehicle to make a road trip.
Once you arrive in Las Vegas, you will have to go to the Visitor Center at the 1000 Scenic Loop Drive to start the Red Rock Canyon tour. By opting for the car, you can visit the park at your own pace and admire the great views as you please!
excursion
Unfortunately, there is no public transport going to the Canyon. If you are not vehiculated, no panic! Las Vegas hotels or tour operators also offer day trips to get you there. You can also call a taxi or carpool.
Move on site
On site, a new option is available to you: the rental of bicycles and even scooters in order to discover the places otherwise. Three hours are enough to visit the site along the Scenic Drive. However, it is recommended to spend an entire day if you want to enjoy the surrounding hikes.
Schedules and rates for Red Rock Canyon in Las Vegas
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Kyle S. Okada
HORARI
Visitor Center
The Visitor Center is open daily from 8h00 to 16h30 .
Scenic Drive
The Scenic Drive is when it is open every day of the year but the schedules change according to the seasons:
- November to February from 6:00 to 5:00
- March and October from 6:00 to 7:00
- April to September from 6:00 to 8:00
RATES
By vehicle
- A car or a truck $15
- A motorcycle $10
- A bicycle or pedestrian $5
- A commercial vehicle (taxi, bus,...) $15 per vehicle and $5 per person
Annual or specific pass
- Red Rock Pass (Annual) $30 per person
- America the Beautiful Pass (Annuel) $80
- America the Beautiful Senior Pass (annual) : $20 for people aged 62 and over
- America the Beautiful Senior Pass $80 for people aged 62 and over
Guided tours
From Las Vegas, many excursions are organized to visit the Red Rock Canyon. The time of a few hours goes up aboard a vehicle (showing at the foot of your hotel) to discover the history of the uncontournable nature reserve. Learn more about the history of the place and enjoy some additional stopovers at Calico Hills or Spring Mountain to learn more about the region.
In terms of prices, excursions depend on the option you prefer. For example, there are 4-hour express excursions, or the most complete ones including 6-hour lunch. On average, count €75 per person .
MATTERS
- Is it possible to camp in the park?
Yes, a campsite is available two miles east of the Visitor Center on W. Charleston Boulevard (State Route 159).
- Are animals allowed in the park?
Animals are allowed in the Red Rock Canyon enclosure but must be kept on a leash all the time. Moreover, they should not be left alone, even in your vehicle.
- Can we use drones in the Canyon?
The use of drones is permitted within the park, with the exception of a few sites: La Madre Mountain Wilderness Area and Rainbow Mountain Wilderness Area.
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