Such a cool loop! We're so lucky to have Red Rock Canyon so close to town and there are so many areas you can explore without entering the paid loop. This is one of them and I recommend checking out the little town of Blue Diamond as well where you can park safely and then go exploring. The loop itself is just under 8 miles. Depending on which part of it you hike your experience can include burros, an abandoned ranch, rubber ducks, and even a shot up classic car. This particular loop is free. You can begin the trail from several different areas. There's no shade so best time to be here is on much cooler days typically Oct - Apr. Also keep in mind that desert weather can turn on you very quickly so sometimes your hike starts with blue skies but can end up with clouds or even rain. So take advantage of the best time of year in Vegas which is now! Explore beyond Red Rock Canyon loop and have a lot of fun. read more