If you're looking to experience the beauty of the Mojave Desert while visiting Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon is absolutely worth adding to your itinerary. The scenic drive is a 13-mile one-way loop with numerous pull-offs where you can stop, take photos, and enjoy some incredible views. There are more than 25 hiking trails that branch off the scenic loop, ranging from short nature walks to challenging hikes. I visited in May, and for me, it was already a little too hot to enjoy hiking in the desert. We drove the scenic loop and stopped at several trailheads, walking a short distance down many of the trails before heading back to the air-conditioned car. We quickly realized we weren't prepared for the desert heat, but it gave us a great preview of what the area has to offer. Even without completing any of the hikes, I was amazed by the colorful rock formations, desert landscape, and scenic overlooks. There are plenty of places to pull over and simply appreciate the views without committing to a long hike. Next time, I'd definitely visit during the cooler months so I can spend more time exploring the trails. If you plan to hike, be sure to bring plenty of water, wear sun protection, and start early in the day. Even if you only drive the loop, Red Rock Canyon is a beautiful escape from the Las Vegas Strip and well worth the visit. read more

I could return here over and over and never tire of the magnificence of the vistas, the stone and the chaparral. We did some hiking, breathed in the dry Nevada mountain air. It was 34 and not a drop of sweat. LOL. Easy to get lost in one's thoughts by the pure beauty of this magical place. read more

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This place has such breathtaking beauty! It's located near Las Vegas. I had ordered the timed entry ticket online in order to make sure I can at least get in if I don't get there before 8 am. It was $22 per vehicle. First stop was to the Visitor Center to get a map and ask for suggestions if I wanted an easy hike. I can see how much they cared about this place by seeing how many maintenance workers there were. After leaving the Visitor Center, I did the scenic route. The landscape was beautiful with all the different types of rocks there were. I ended up not actually doing the full hike that I planned, but it was a worthy time to spend my time here. read more

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Vegas truly has it all! Drive just a little bit out of the city and you are going to arrive at Red Rock Canyon ! They offer local discounts to enter the park! At times parking is available but at other times you are required to walk far! Come prepared this is hiking and rock climbing if you dare. Most individuals can walk the length of trails that are carved for you. You will be walking and walking some more. The distance is how far you want to go! As you hike you can feel nature cleansing your body and mind . The effects of walking in nature are the best ! Bring water you remember this is the desert! No casinos are out here ! We are in real nature ! Individuals come from all over the world to see Red Rock! Remember to leave nature as you found her! The best of all worlds are here and preserved for you and others. Enjoy it ! The prior power of the past created this moment for us to hike here. Prior Indian history is all around the area . The past brought mining to the region. No more of this is allowed. Come and join us in nature. Bring someone special or not ! Pets are welcome! Leave nature as you found her ! Let's get our hike on ! read more

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"The desert tells a different story every time one ventures into it." -- Robert Edison Fulton Jr. - Waterfalls & big skies on 1/18/26 - A winter wonderland on 2/23/26 - Lush meadows on 3/15/26 Red Rock Canyon's scenic drive requires timed-entry reservations from October through May, but many other hiking trails and scenic areas can be accessed outside of this loop. As a local, here are a few friendly reminders based on things I've witnessed over the years. 1) Tourists visiting the area should respect desert etiquette. Please do a quick Google search prior to visiting if you need more details. 2) Please do not remove large rocks from this NPS site to carry home as souvenirs. 3) Please do not carve your initials in the rocks. 4) Please do not deface petroglyphs. 5) Please do not disturb wild animals. read more

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After surviving our "welcome to camping" experience in Death Valley, we made a very logical decision...go to Vegas. Except not the Strip--Red Rock Canyon. And honestly? It felt like heaven. The temperature was about 10° cooler than Death Valley and we were acting like we had just been rescued from the desert (because...we kind of had been ). Red Rock is gorgeous in that classic desert-meets-mountains way. We kept it pretty chill...easy hikes only since it was still in the 90s and checked out the petroglyph wall, which was super cool to see in person. One of the unexpected things we noticed everywhere were these little cocoons all along the trails and plants. We were fully convinced we were witnessing some kind of butterfly takeover in progress and kept stopping like "okay wait...is this about to turn into something magical soon??" Nature was doing its thing and we were just along for the ride. Most of it is really a scenic drive kind of park with pull-offs and short stops, which honestly was perfect for the heat level we were working with. We didn't tackle any of the longer hikes this time, but it's definitely on the list for a cooler day. Overall: beautiful, easy, a little mysterious (cocoon era??), and a perfect "escape the Strip" activity if you're in Vegas. read more

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Amazing! I was blown away with the beauty. We were worried about the parking, but we were fortunate to find parking for our party for the Calico hike. Purchase the reservations ahead of time and it made the entrance smooth. We only had time for the Calico Tank trail and even though we didn't finish, it was great for kids (6-10 year olds). They had a blast climbing everywhere and even though some parts were sketchy, we all made it out scratch free. The 13 mile scenic drive was amazing and I can do that loop over and over. read more

Red Rock Canyon - Hiking Near Me - Las Vegas, Nevada

Red rock canyon is one of those places that doesn't get old. To access the park, you must make a revelation online during many months (I think it's October - end of May that requires a timed entry reservation. The park is beautiful and each hike offers something for all levels and interests scenery wise. Check All Trails for hikes, length, and details. I recommend buying a national park pass so you can visit here and other national parks as much as you want :) read more

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An amazing natural sight to see only 40 minutes outside of the city. Absolutely stunning views, staff were kind and helpful if you needed it. The driving loop is $20 for a day pass, we drove through it twice. There are plenty of pull off spots for you to stop, get out, take photos. There are a lot of bikers so stay alert. A few trail runners going through the paths too. So many options of ways to enjoy the canyon. I will absolutely be telling everyone about this spot. read more

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I've lived in Las Vegas my whole life, and Red Rock Canyon is proof that this city is more than casinos and nightlife. It's our backyard. We rarely see snow like in this photo I took this recent snow storm but when we do we go outside rather than stay in.. The trails are beautiful and well-maintained, and there are options for every skill level. Early mornings out there are unbeatable -- calm, cool, and peaceful. If you want to see the real natural beauty of Southern Nevada, this is the place. I always tell visitors to take a break from the Strip and spend a few hours at Red Rock. The rock formations are stunning, and the desert landscape is something special. It's especially beautiful in the spring when everything is a little greener or right after a snow or rainfall as the cliffs turns into beautiful waterfalls. Pro tip: Go early, reserve your entry, bring plenty of water, and don't skip the scenic drive. If a localyou can join us @ HikingLasvegas for some unique scrambling challenging hike youll have.. so worth the views and sweat ‍ read more

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I can't believe how many times I have been to LV and never visited Red Rock Canyon. It is a west of the LV strip about 20 miles or so, but it is worth it. The scenic loop does required a reservation to get in after 8 am, but if you have the national park pass you get in free except for a $2 reservation fee on the reservation website. There are some fee free days throughout the year. We stopped the visitor center to check the map, use the restroom, refill water bottles. The parking lot was pretty full, but there were a few spots left. The park and the scenic drive are neat. There are about 10 or so stops to pull over and check out the stunning vistas. There are some spots with red / orange rock and mountains, reminds me of Bryce and Red reef trail in southern UT. Some of the rising mountains remind me of Zion. The scenic loop drive, can be done in 30-45 minutes with minimal stops. Depends on how much traffic there is and if they are driving the speed limit or not. Definitely worth the visit. Check out the photos. read more

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If you live in the area, definitely get a National Park pass so you can visit this beauty often! Just 30 min from SW Vegas, it is perfect for a nice scenic hike. We usually do part of the Calico basin hike, from calico 1 parking lot to calico 2 parking lot, which is a moderate trail, about 1.7mi in a loop, 350ft ascent. This area is where you can see the "red" rock best. Dogs are welcome. My dog loves coming here. There are bins and signs around to make sure you are not lost. There are also easier trails from the visiter center. I recommend coming before 10am because there are already a lot of adventurers here. You can try to find some turtles from the fenced area attached to the visitor center but they hide! There are also harder trails within Red Rock. Definitely bring lots of water and wear lots of sun protection! Reception is also non-existent here so you can enjoy the beauty of Red Rock Canyon. read more

Red Rock Canyon - Hiking Near Me - Las Vegas, Nevada

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It's nice to have this place so close to our home. I've hiked here many times and I continue to explore new parts of Red Rock Canyon. A lot has changed in terms of accessibility, parking, and how much busier it's become. Plan ahead and keep in mind that weekends are always much busier. The sign recently got moved as well and now has a dedicated parking lot making it a safer stop. I hope the land is protected from allowing new construction to get even closer. read more

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I'm in love with Red Rocks and always have been! Such a beautiful place to explore, go on a date, be active, or just spend time with loved ones. Some of the rock formations look like they belong in Jurassic Park! read more

We took a trip to Vegas and we have been to Vegas a dozen times and wanted to do something different. We drove to the red rock Canyon to do something different. It was so worth it some people think what's the big to deal with such a rock but honestly, the sites were amazing. You really can't describe the experience. It's worth the drive worth the time a must see. read more

Red Rock Canyon - Hiking Near Me - Las Vegas, Nevada

This place is so beautiful! Get away from the crazy Strip action for a bit and soak up the gorgeous desert scenery.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is located outside of Las Vegas. It has a 13-mile loop, so you can drive through the scenery (there are stop-off points), or you can get out and hike the trails. Reservations are required October 1 - May 31. This is the Mojave Desert, so it can be very hot and dry. Although we did not get way down into the trails, you can see bighorn sheep, antelope squirrels, desert tarantulas as well as Mojave yucca. The rocks were formed over 500 million years ago and the red rock (iron oxide stained) were present during the Jurassic era. Step outside, away from the neon lights and the Strip, for an outdoor environment to refresh the soul. read more

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There is something for everyone here. If you want to stay in your car, there's plenty of scenic views to be had from the loop road. If you are more adventurous, there are plenty of hikes. If you want to rock climb, there's that too. There were plenty of people biking and jogging on the road. As this place is very popular, there is ticketed entry to prevent congestion. Go online to reserve a spot for a nominal fee, and you should be good. I saw a lot of wildlife, including a roadrunner successfully hunting a small rodent. read more

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Red Rock sits fifteen minutes from Vegas and feels like the city finally coughed you out for some fresh air. One turn off Charleston and the noise disappears like someone shut a door behind you. Out here the sandstone tilts, folds, and mutters, and every trail feels like you're walking through the desert's old journal. This time of year, November through April, the place hits its stride with cool air and sharp light that make the whole canyon feel freshly rinsed. Calico Tanks is the classic troublemaker. Scramble through red stone corridors and you end up staring at the Strip from a distance that makes it look unreal. Turtlehead Peak is the opposite kind of fun. Halfway up you start bargaining with your own legs and wondering why you thought this was a good idea. Pine Creek hits you with surprise pockets of green that feel smug about existing where they shouldn't. Even the simple loops land harder than expected, like the place knows it doesn't need to try. The mix of people is its own show. Climbers dusted with chalk, locals clocking their weekend miles, tourists realizing their sneakers were a mistake. No one's pretending. Everyone's here for the same hit. Know this before you roll in. You need a reservation for the Scenic Loop during peak hours in peak season. Winter brings the best weather, which also means the most people. And get the America the Beautiful annual pass unless you like paying to breathe desert air. It skips the entry fee and pays itself off fast. Red Rock isn't one trail. It's a whole mood board carved into stone. Pick a line on the map and you'll come back with a different story, usually a little sweatier and a little better for it. read more

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Beautiful hiking trails! You do have to make a reservation ahead of time so make sure to go online and check out the website before driving to the park. You now have to also get a map of the trails at the welcome center the ticketing agents don't carry them anymore. Otherwise, the trails are wonderful as always with amazing read more

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4.5/5 Forget the Strip and soak up the sun in this beautiful national park-esque spot. It's a great place to add to your itinerary if you're going to Death Valley or in the Vegas area. MAKE A RESERVATION BEFORE YOU GO: When we went on May 16, we found out we have to make a reservation ahead of entering the trails. This meant driving about 7 minutes to "town" where we got wifi, booking online for $15 for our car, and then driving back to enter. It was not a huge inconvenience, but it is something to be aware of before coming so -0.5 stars. TRAILS: The trails are good for just about everyone. There are flat trails, but there are also steeper and more challenging routes for the adventure-seeking. The first calico hill spot was my favorite stop on the scenic drive. You can get pretty cool pictures by climbing rocks (I am not a climber and it was not difficult for me to climb some of the rocks for a great picture that dwarfed me among the grand rocks). VIEWS: In addition to the trails, there are plenty of spots to park and just relax/sit and appreciate the views. If you look closely in the dark shadows of the rocks, you can find some pretty medium to large sized lizards! They are chill, so I was not afraid of them. TLDR; Go but book ahead of time. There is something for everyone and all fitness levels. read more

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Recently visited on a Tuesday in mid-Oct and had a great experience taking in all of the scenic views during the 13-mile drive through loop. My husband and I enjoyed every stop especially Calico I and High Point Overlook which were both great spots for photo opportunities and to explore and take in the breathtaking scenery of the red rock formations. Calico is a great place to climb on top of the rocks and get those Instagram-worthy pics for memories and High Point Overlook is a great spot to take in the views and see the city side of Vegas through the peaks. Be sure to visit the visitor center before going on the scenic loop as it's a one-way road--so don't miss it! The visitor center has a cool gift shop, informational guides that will give you a map and tell you the best spots to stop at, and there's even exhibits outside that go over the history of red rock canyon. If you're into hiking, rock climbing, or just enjoy nature and want to learn about the history of the canyon; this is a great place for you! FYI: Reservations are required from Oct 1-May 31 and it's currently $30 per vehicle. read more

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Simply gorgeous! Perfect for all ages -we were a group of toddlers, preteen and senior citizens and all had a wonderful time hiking and walking about seeing some of the most stunning rock formations this earth has to offer. Most helpful was the park ranger who was at the first trailhead who gave us a map and showed us which trails were the best for all of our various hiking abilities. Really smart having him there to ask questions, I highly suggest asking the ranger as it made our day very pleasant and enjoyable! Love Red Rock! read more

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Red Rock Canyon is located about 20 minutes outside of the Las Vegas Strip. On our recent trip to Vegas, we decided to take a drive out to Red Rock Canyon and try out a hiking trail and check out the views! When we went, it was a beautiful day around 70 degrees. Just a warning, it is VERY dry out there so if you're visiting make sure to bring a lot of water, as well as chap stick! You do need to make a reservation prior to going during certain months, so be sure to check out the website to see if you need a reservation before going! We made our reservation about a week in advance and it was around $20 to have access to drive the scenic road. When arriving be sure to stop by the visitor center FIRST before taking the scenic drive and hiking. If you do not, you most likely will not have another opportunity to stop here as it is a one way road all the way around and the exit does not feed you back to the visitor center and takes you to the main road. The visitor center has a gift shop, a resource center with a few volunteers to direct you to the right areas if you will be hiking, and bathrooms. They do sell water here too if you forgot! Once you take the scenic road, there are only a few restroom stops along the path so make sure to plan accordingly. At the visitor center they will give you a map of Red Rock Canyon and it lists all of the different hiking trails, how intense they are, the miles one way, and what to expect on the trails. This is super important so you can gameplan where you want to go before leaving the visitor center! The scenic road is very nice, it weaves through Red Rock Canyon and has plenty of different parking lots where you can pull over and get out to take in the views or start your hike! We ended up stopping at a few different points and the views are so worth it! For hiking we chose to stop at the "Lost Creek Canyon" point where we did the La Madre Springs trail. This trail was very awesome and as you get further into the hike, if you stop and listen it is so quiet and serene, we loved it! This trail did have a lot of smaller rocks to walk on so if you don't have the right shoes this may make it more difficult and you could possibly get injured easily if you slip on the loose rocks. The trail was beautiful and there are signs pointing you which way to go throughout. When we got to one point the sign said it was a half mile away and we were tracking the walk, and the trail kept going more than the half mile, so the hike may be longer than listed. Overall, this is such an awesome place that we will definitely come back to visit on our trips to Vegas. It's nice to find different things other than casinos and drinking to maximize your experience! Definitely check out this place if you're in Vegas looking for an adventure! read more

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During October-May, visitors must book a Scenic Loop pass for $2 on recreation.gov for a timed entry in addition to paying for the vehicle entry. Upon entering, we went to the Visitor's Center because the staff gives the best advice for trails and what to look for. Honestly, you could spend your entire time at the visitor center as it's quite extensive and the staff are eager to share their knowledge. Additionally, the building has big glass windows with which to view the canyon or viewing stations on the balcony in the back offering breath taking views. After the visitor center, our first stop was Calico 1 where we carefully walked on the first part of the trail to not only get a closer look at the Calico Hills and their striations, but the stop makes for great photo opportunities. As we were about to leave Calico 1, it began to snow! At first the snow was light, but as we tried to pursue the hike on Calico Tanks, the snow increased and the trail became increasingly muddy so we made the decision to turn around. By the time we made it to High Point Overlook, the weather was a mix of sleet and rain with poor visibility. While planning the trip, I had visions of picnicing at Willow Spring Picnic Area. With the tables covered in snow, we decided to take a quick jaunt to Petroglyph Wall Trail which was somewhat disappointing due to only a few petroglyphs and one pictograph on the rocks. Up until Lost Creek, we found the trails very well marked, but with the snow, lack of markers, and overgrown brush on Lost Creek, we became a little lost on this very short trail. With the help of a park ranger, we made it to the waterfall (no way could we have found it on our own) and we even asked for help to find our way back. All in all, a worthwhile trip to learn about the geology, the history of the first people that lived there, and the animals that can be found including a Gila monster which we didn't see. read more

Red Rock Canyon - Panorama of the Calico Hills - Hiking Near Me - Las Vegas, Nevada

When in Las Vegas, be sure to visit Red Rock Canyon. Las Vegas is not just about the strip this beautiful canyon is about a 25 minute drive from downtown. If you don't have a national parks pass the entrance fee by car to do the loop, stop for pictures and trail hike is $22.00 There's camping in the area. A must visit! Happy Yelping :) read more

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Gorgeous place to learn about nature! Highly recommend and at only $22 you can spend the whole day here! read more

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I visited Red Rock Canyon while I was in Las Vegas A short drive out of town. When I arrived in March didn't know that I needed an online reservation. So I had drive out of the park to find a cell phone signal to make a reservation. Luckily i didn't have to drive that far out. There was a service fee to reserve online which was not cool. After making the reservation I was able to enter the park. The scenic drive through the park was very nice. There were multiple viewpoints to pull off. Lots of red rocks. I was also able to hike a trail which lead me to a waterfall. Time well spend for an afternoon. read more

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Breathe taking views. Great drive thru the park... never been in this atmosphere before. Totally a great experience. Next trip I will hike thru the canyon. It's such a beautiful place to visit. read more

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Rock Rock Canyon is a beautiful spot to hike and to enjoy the day out in the nature. The area is preserved so nicely. When you stop by the visitor center, be sure to ask for a map and for suggested hiking trails. Also, if you're visiting with children, ask for an activity book for your kids to complete. They can earn a badge and some extra souvenirs if they complete the number of pages required by the age range. Driving through the canyon is so peaceful and serene. read more

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For once not food, a driving experience! I was worried at first the drive would be hard. NOPE! It's all one way and slow, PLENTY of time for pictures, and opportunity to stop and park every 100 ft practically. Also winter is the best time, when you're not gonna melt going outside and not freeze in the shade. Also better likelihood of sunny weather. The visitor center was very well stocked with information AND gifts, way better than the strip for friends and family. read more

Red Rock Canyon - Hiking Near Me - Las Vegas, Nevada

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My friend got married here and it was the perfect place to host a small wedding! We were staying on the strip so had to take a bus to get here, but was a quick 15-20 minute drive. Since the only part of Nevada I've ever seen is the Vegas strip, I was in awe at how beautiful this place was! The landscape behind the wedding ceremony was like a painting.. The staff here were very organized and we did not have any issues. Since it was small we did not do a rehearsal up until 30 minutes before the ceremony and it was no problem at all. I'd love to come back and be able to hike and explore more. But it was fantastic for a wedding venue! read more

Red Rock Canyon - Hiking Near Me - Las Vegas, Nevada

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation AreaIn 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. read more

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Beautiful National Park. The area is well managed. Loved the driving loop! There are also many hiking paths as well. The rock formations/mountains and canyons are breathtaking, and you can learn a lot about geology and history at the Visitor's center. If you're in Las Vegas and have a rental car, this is well worth the 30minute drive. For those with a National Park pass like us, a trip to Red Rock is a no brainer! read more

The views are pretty amazing if you like the desert nature scene. I was lucky to do an ebike tour through the park. There is a visitor center at the entrance that has a small gift shop. read more

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Reservation is required! If you're in the Vegas area it's a nice drive and good for hiking. It attracts a lot of climbers too. I will say the trails aren't marked too well so download all trails and PRINT the map bc you will not have cell service It's very rocky terrain so wear good boots and bring water The scenic drive is so pretty but it's one way so if you miss a turn off and exit you have to pay to get back in read more

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Unlike the Valley of Fire which has no fire, there are lots of red rocks here! This is such a perfect scenic loop, that there's something to see at every level. This is my first time to be here in the spring, and the amount of plants blooming continued to give me eyegasms. Like OMG girl! Stop it...but don't! I annoyed my husband many times while having him stop so I could look at the flora . We even saw a teeny tiny lizard that did a little photo shoot with us. Highly recommend as it. It's a wonderful drive if you never wanna get out of the car or if you wanna stop and go for a hike. read more

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On my most recent visit to Las Vegas, we decided to take a respite from the madness for a nice hike at Red Rock Canyon. We were there during the summer so we decided that an early morning hike would be the way to go to avoid the heat. We drove from Fremont Street and had no problem parking outside of Red Rock. As expected, Red Rock Canyon is located close to the Red Rock Hotel so it's super convenient if you're staying at that hotel. I would judge Red Rock as a moderate hike. There is some climbing and you can avoid the hard stuff depending on which path you take. As expected, you'll see a lot of beautiful red rocks along your hike. As well as great views of Las Vegas from one of the peaks. I'd avoid going when it's super hot. Outside of that, awesome hike! read more

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Sometimes one should take a break and just admire nature. Appreciate all our blessings and enjoy the view. Learn how nature was created, developed, what it is? Something new, amazing things. It's always good to bring friends to our local treasures .. but it's just amazing to spend time with you and nature! Great people at the visitor center ... did you know they are all volunteers? https://www.friendsredrock.org read more

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Since we were so close and already had a park pass, decided to go check out Red Rock. You do need to get a timed entry pass as well. First, I would not recommend going on a windy day if you can avoid it. It was exceptionally windy the day we went and when getting to the high points, made walking around difficult. The hikes seem a little easier than other parks nearby, as the lower canyon is relatively flat once you are in it. Compared to other parks, though, there wasn't a TON to see. Was still gorgeous landscape, but just not as many intriguing points. If you already have an annual pass, it it worth the trip. read more

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