Red Rock Canyon Day Trip: Red Rock Canyon, NV Travel Guide
Red Rock Canyon Day Trip: Red Rock Canyon, NV Travel Guide
Plan Your Trip
Planning a Red Rock Canyon day trip?
Just 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area in Nevada is a world of red and cream sandstone cliffs, hidden canyons, desert springs, and ancient rock art.
A 13-mile Scenic Drive loops past the best views, with trailheads for every level, from short boardwalks to boulder-filled canyon hikes. Add wild burros, bighorn sheep, and some of the best rock climbing in the country, and Red Rock Canyon is the perfect escape from the neon lights.
Top Things to Do
1. Take Red Rock Canyon's Scenic Driving Tour—A self-guided audio drive along the 13-mile Scenic Drive.
2. Stop at the Visitor Center—See desert exhibits, a tortoise habitat, and big views of the cliffs.
3. Explore the Calico Hills—Scramble on swirling red and cream sandstone.
4. See the petroglyphs at Willow Springs—Walk a short path to ancient rock art.
5. Hike Ice Box Canyon—Climb over boulders into a shady slot canyon with a seasonal waterfall.
6. Take in High Point Overlook—See the whole canyon from 4,771 feet.
7. Walk the Red Spring Boardwalk—Stroll an easy, accessible boardwalk over a desert spring in Calico Basin.
8. Visit Spring Mountain Ranch State Park—Explore a historic ranch a few minutes south of the Scenic Drive.
Download the Complete Travel Guide
Includes:
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✓ Complete travel guide
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✓ Printable map
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✓ One-day itinerary
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✓ Hidden gems
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✓ Travel tips
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✓ Offline access
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✓ Bonus recommendations not included on this page
Our Self Guided Tour
Red Rock Canyon's Scenic Driving Tour is a GPS-triggered audio tour that starts at the Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center and follows the one-way Scenic Drive past the Calico Hills, the Sandstone Quarry, High Point Overlook, the Keystone Thrust, Willow Springs, Ice Box Canyon, and Pine Creek. The drive takes about 45 minutes without stopping, but most people spend two to four hours.
Free Things to Do
1. Red Spring Boardwalk—An easy 0.6-mile accessible boardwalk in Calico Basin, outside the fee area.
2. Calico Basin trails—Hike from Red Spring with no entry fee.
3. Wildlife watching—Look for wild burros along State Route 159.
4. State Route 159 views—Enjoy the red cliffs from the highway on the way in.
5. Fee-free days—Some federal holidays offer free entry.
THINGS WITH ADMISSION FEES:
1. Scenic Drive entrance—About $20 per vehicle, with a timed entry reservation from October to May.
2. Red Rock Canyon Campground—Camp under the stars from September to May.
3. Spring Mountain Ranch State Park—Historic ranch and picnic grounds (check current fees).
4. Guided climbing and jeep tours—Prices vary by company.
Food!
T-Bones Chophouse
A steakhouse at Red Rock Casino Resort, just a few minutes from the canyon.
Honey Salt
A popular Summerlin restaurant known for farm-to-table brunch and dinner.
Picnic at Willow Springs
There's no food inside the canyon, so pack a picnic for the tables at Willow Springs.
Where to Stay
Upscale
Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa—the closest big resort to the canyon, with pools and restaurants. Roughly 200-400/night.
Moderate
JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa—a quiet resort in Summerlin, about 15 minutes away. Roughly 180-350/night.
Budget
Red Rock Canyon Campground—tent and RV sites near the Scenic Drive, open September to May. Check current rates.
1 Day Itinerary
1-DAY ITINERARY:
Morning: Arrive early with your timed entry reservation and take Red Rock Canyon's Scenic Driving Tour.
Afternoon: Hike Ice Box Canyon or the Calico Hills, then picnic at Willow Springs.
Evening: Catch the golden light on the cliffs before the Scenic Drive closes, then dinner in Summerlin.
2-DAY ITINERARY:
Day 2: Walk the Red Spring Boardwalk, then visit Spring Mountain Ranch State Park.
Extra Time: Try guided rock climbing, or camp overnight at the Red Rock Canyon Campground.
FAQ's
1. Do I need a reservation?
From October 1 to May 31, you need a timed entry reservation for the Scenic Drive between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Book it on Recreation.gov.
2. How much does it cost?
About $20 per vehicle at the time of writing. Interagency passes are accepted.
3. What are the Scenic Drive hours?
6 a.m. to 5 p.m. from November to February, to 7 p.m. in March and October, and to 8 p.m. from April to September.
4. How far is Red Rock Canyon from Las Vegas?
About 17 miles west of the Strip, roughly 30 minutes by car.
5. What should I bring?
Lots of water, sunscreen, a hat, snacks, and sturdy shoes. There's no food for sale on the Scenic Drive.
6. Is it safe to feed the wild burros?
No. Feeding the burros is illegal and dangerous for them and for you. Enjoy them from a distance.
7. When is the best time to visit?
Spring and fall have the nicest weather. Summer gets very hot, so hike early.
8. Is Red Rock Canyon a state park?
No. It's a National Conservation Area run by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the federal agency that manages public lands.
9. Is it good for families?
Yes. Kids love the burros, the boardwalk, and climbing on the Calico Hills.
10. How much time do I need?
Half a day covers the Scenic Drive and a short hike. A full day lets you add a longer trail.
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