Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
4.5
State ParksNational ParksNature & Wildlife AreasCanyonsGeologic Formations
6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
Visitors can admire colorful rock formations on several hiking trails or on a 13-mile scenic drive.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view










What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
17 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Nayeli VazquezAmsterdam, The Netherlands224 contributionsNice Conservation area near the StripWe 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.Visited December 2022Written 22 December 2022
- Mommy1IndianaScottsburg, Indiana282 contributionsGreat hike and views!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.Visited December 2022Travelled with familyWritten 22 December 2022
- Katy B68 contributionsA Nice Break from the Chaos of VegasThis 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.Visited December 2022Written 28 December 2022
- Barefoot29Powder Springs, Georgia245 contributionsReally beautiful and not far from Las Vegas StripWe 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.Visited December 2022Written 6 January 2023
- SasiCasi31127 contributionsJust breathtakingThe 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.Visited January 2023Written 24 January 2023
- Britton GAlbuquerque, New Mexico164 contributionsScenic Loop is a nice drive with kids.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.Visited January 2023Written 24 January 2023
- Mildred SUnited States3 contributionsAwestandingBut 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. BEWAREVisited October 2022Written 25 January 2023
- loves2travelandmore552 contributionsWorth a VisitTed 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.Visited October 2022Written 28 January 2023
- DIANE C4 contributionsAmazing ViewsOur 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!Visited August 2022Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 February 2023
- FloridabeacbumOrlando, Florida218 contributionsSpend a few hours here in the morning...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.Visited December 2022Written 2 February 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
26,413 reviews
Excellent
20,401
Very good
4,982
Average
858
Poor
112
Terrible
60
Karyn W
Kansas City, MO1,495 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
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.
Written 17 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BuffaloPundit
Buffalo, NY199 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
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.
Written 13 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
M W Mn
Saint Peter, MN29 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
We signed in Saturday pm for a Sunday 10am drive spot. The loop was beautiful and a great change of scenery from LasVegas.
Written 12 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gazpacho16
Banff, Canada457 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
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.
Written 10 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle H
Indianapolis, IN24 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
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.
Written 31 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristin S
Apex, NC217 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
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.
Written 18 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
crazistevoh
Troy, MI211 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
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
Written 18 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kate R
Sydney, Australia15 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
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.
Written 14 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rebecca G
7 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
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.
Written 11 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shovi55
Tel Aviv, Israel35 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
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!
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!
Written 9 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
show me a map of the local area
Andre E
Wake Forest, NC1 contribution
There is lots of information and resources on the website and the visitor center is very nice and the staff is very helpful. You will actually want to buy a car pass in advance.
Planning a trip mid December….what will the weather be like at this time? Does it snow?? Thanks In advance
SylviaTourstein
1,209 contributions
You won’t find snow unless you head up to Mt Charleston, where you can find tubing and skiing. Red Rock will be about 10 degrees cooler than the valley. The sun and killing will keep you pretty warm plan anywhere from 50-70 degrees depending on the time of day you go and weather patterns in general in December. It’s beautiful!
jenny1971
Poughkeepsie, NY31 contributions
Can you show up without a timed reservarion and get put on a wait list till a time comes available?
Elaine Marie S
Duluth, GA56 contributions
We just visited Sept 2022, didn’t have any type of reservation and had no problems for our self guided tour/exploration.
What time is open in morning
Colin F
Toronto, Canada1,004 contributions
The visitor centre is open from 9 am - 4:30 pm but the park is open 24/7 if you have a camping permit and once you're inside
What time is open in morning
SeniorTravelerTF
Fort Atkinson1,199 contributions
October 31-May 1 requires a timed entry, between 8-5, to use the scenic drive (which is the only way to travel through the area). Reservation form is online.
BoardingPass641634
Abingdon, VA
How long does the scenic drive take without doing any hikes, maybe stopping at overlooks for photos? We are just passing through Vegas and don't have too much time, but we would like to see Red Rock if we have time. Thank you.
Jerome
Las Vegas, NV139 contributions
The Red Rock Loop Road is 13 miles long at an average speed of 25mph...so that's approximately 30 minutes just for the driving time. Right when you enter the park just passed the fee station you will want to stop at Calico I and again at Calico II as both of these locations show the rich red colored sandstone rock formations. The next location shortly down the road is the Sandstone Quarry area with white rock formations. Just under the halfway mark you will come to the highest point on the loop drive at 4771 ft. High Point Overlook. From here you can see a little bit of Vegas in the background, if the air quality is good, while being able to view the entire park from the mountainside. At the end of the loop road turn left on Highway 159 to head back to Las Vegas and just on your left side you can stop at Red Rock Overlook. From this point you will have a great view back into the canyon seeing all of the Red Rock National Park all together. Plan from the point of entering the park...I would give yourself an hour and a half to drive and stop at these locations and that's keeping it short, at maybe 5-10 minute per stop. There are several other points to see but these are my highlights when I drive family and friends to Red Rock that are also on time constraints. I hope that you take this amount of time to see this beautiful desert park and enjoy your time.
what is the weather for October 17 through 20
Michelle C
67 contributions
I have never been in October. I would watch the weather channel or news prior. You do have the option to drive the loop so if the weather is not the best you can still view the canyon area. You don’t want to miss seeing. We are glad we went! Enjoy!
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingRED ROCK CANYON NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area:
- Scooter Tours of Red Rock Canyon (From S$185.45)
- Award Winning Red Rock Canyon Tour (From S$126.75)
- Red Rock Canyon Hiking Tour (From S$173.43)
- Red Rock Canyon Self-Guided Electric Bike Tour (From S$165.44)
- Scooter Car Tour of Red Rock Canyon with Transport from Las Vegas (From S$466.97)
- Hotels near Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area:
- (11.28 km) The Cliffs at Peace Canyon
- (11.11 km) La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Las Vegas Red Rock
- (13.09 km) Best Western Plus Las Vegas West
- (12.71 km) Suncoast Hotel and Casino
- (8.68 km) Red Rock
- Restaurants near Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area:
- (11.77 km) Juan's Flaming Fajitas & Cantina
- (8.61 km) Yard House
- (11.82 km) In-N-Out Burger
- (13.06 km) Echo and Rig
- (12.72 km) The Cheesecake Factory
- Attractions near Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area:
- (0.02 km) Calico Hills
- (0.11 km) Red E Bike Tours
- (0.07 km) Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area
- (1.76 km) Cowboy Trail Rides, Inc.
- (0.08 km) Red Rock Canyon Hiking And Yoga