Red Rock Canyon's Scenic Driving Tour
Red Rock Canyon's Scenic Driving Tour
Estimated Time
Distance
Works Offline
Tours & Maps Included
Tour Highlights
- Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center
Start at the gateway to nearly 200,000 acres of red sandstone cliffs, canyons, and desert springs.
- Calico Hills
See swirling cream and rust-colored rocks, frozen sand dunes from about 180 million years ago.
- Sandstone Quarry
Learn how miners cut red sandstone blocks here and hauled them all the way to San Francisco.
- High Point Overlook
Take in the view from 4,771 feet, the highest spot on the drive.
- Keystone Thrust
Hear how old gray limestone slid on top of young red sandstone, one of the most dramatic rock features in the West.
- Willow Springs Petroglyphs
Walk a short path to rock art left by Native people, including handprints and bighorn sheep.
- Ice Box Canyon
Find out about the shady slot canyon where the temperature can drop 20 degrees and a seasonal waterfall flows.
- Pine Creek Trailhead
End with the story of a pioneer family who homesteaded deep in the canyon.
Is This Tour Right for You?
Perfect if you:
Love history and fascinating stories
What To explore at your own pace
prefer a private experience
What to avoid expensive group tours
Maybe not if you:
Don't have a phone
Like to follow the tour guide
Don't like stories
Don't like to go at your own pace
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does the Red Rock Canyon driving tour take?
About 45 minutes without stopping. Plan two to four hours if you want to stop at overlooks or take a short hike.
- Do I need a reservation for the Scenic Drive?
From October 1 to May 31, you need a timed entry reservation to drive the Scenic Drive between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Book it ahead on Recreation.gov.
- How much does it cost to enter?
The entrance fee was $20 per vehicle at the time this tour was made. Interagency passes like the America the Beautiful Pass are accepted. Check current prices before you go.
- Does the tour work without cell service?
Yes. Download the tour before you go, and it runs completely offline using your phone's GPS.
- Can I pause the tour or explore at my own pace?
Yes. This is a fully self-guided tour—pause anytime to take photos, hike a trail, or have a picnic, and press play when you're ready to keep going.
- Is the Scenic Drive one-way?
Yes. The 13-mile drive is a one-way loop, so plan your stops as you go. The speed limit is 35 mph.
- Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at the Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center on State Route 159 and ends at the Lower Red Rock parking area near the end of the Scenic Drive.
- When is the best time to visit?
Spring and fall have the best weather. In summer, go early in the day and bring plenty of water.
- Is this tour good for families?
Yes. Kids love the wild burros, the petroglyphs, and the colorful rocks.
- How far is Red Rock Canyon from Las Vegas?
About 17 miles west of the Strip, roughly a 30-minute drive.
Why You'll Love ThisTour
Do It Anytime
Start when you’re ready.
Pause Anytime
Take a break and pick up right where you left off.
Professional Narration
Engaging stories from expert guides.
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