Last updated on .
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a great desert getaway just a short drive from Las Vegas. If you’re looking to take a breather from all the bright lights on the Strip, this is a nice option for a full or half day.
Introduction to Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, which is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), was established in 1967 as the Red Rock Recreation Lands. The status changed to a national conservation area in 1990. It protects 197,349 acres (798.64 square kilometers) of the Mojave Desert.
The area has attracted at least six different Native American groups, with petroglyphs, pottery shards, and roasting pits providing evidence of their activities. In recent history, it has been a popular tourist attraction as well as a film location. Over 600 species of plants can be found there as well as several mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.
There are several activities available at the park, including hiking, biking, rock scrambling, and rock climbing. If you’re into hiking, there are 26 different trails to choose from with varying degrees of difficulty. On my second visit, we did one trail which I’ve written about below. I look forward to going back with more time to hike more trails. Check the official website for more info.
Visiting Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon is open daily from 8am to 4:30pm. The entrance fee is US$20 per vehicle (as of December 2024). That fee is waived if you have an interagency pass. Additional permits are required for rock climbing or late exits. Furthermore, reservations are required to enter the scenic drive on a timed entry from October 1 through May 31. You can make one online.
Campground at Red Rock Canyon
One developed campground, which opened in 1998, is located two miles east of the visitor center. It costs US$25 per site (as of December 2024). It’s closed during summer and is typically open between September 1 and Memorial Day. There are vault toilets and drinking water faucets throughout the campground.
Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center
The visitor center is located just after the fee station. There, you can learn about the geology and wildlife at the park, buy souvenirs in the gift shop, and fill up your water bottle. A nice view of the rocks can also be found, as well as the trailheads for the Moenkopi Loop (#1, 2 miles, easy) and the Grand Circle Loop (#7, 11.4 miles, strenuous).
Scenic Drive at Red Rock Canyon
The main attraction is the one-way 13 mile scenic drive. There are several different overlooks on the route, many with trailheads. Below are the stops we took along the route:
Calico I
The first stop on the scenic drive is Calico I, where you’ll be able to learn more about how the rocks were formed and why they have a red color. There are great views on both sides of the road. You can access a portion of the Calico Hills Trail (#2, 2-6 miles, moderate).
Calico II
Next is Calico II, which has more red rocks to admire.
Sandstone Quarry
The third stop is Sandstone Quarry. The Excelsior Company operated a small quarry there in the early 20th century but it was unprofitable and later shut down. Here, you can access the popular Calico Tanks (#3, 2.2 miles, moderate to strenuous) and Turtlehead Peak (#4, 4.6 miles, strenuous) trails. Both are on my list for next time!
High Point Overlook
High Point Overlook, one of the best viewpoints on the entire scenic drive, is next. It’s at an elevation of 4,771 feet (1,445 meters). I’ll let the view speak for itself.
Lost Creek
At Lost Creek is where we decided to do our short hike, the Willow Spring Loop (#9, 1.1 miles, easy). Since we had my dad with us, we wanted to do an easy trail that wouldn’t be too much trouble for him. Unfortunately, we found it wasn’t well-marked (along with another group that was ahead of us) and we only did a portion of it.
At Lost Creek, you’ll also find trailheads for White Rock-Willow Spring (#6, 4 miles, moderate); White Rock Mountain Loop; (#8, 6.2 miles, strenuous); La Madre Spring (#10, 3.6 miles, moderate); Petroglyph Wall (#11, 0.2 miles, easy); North Peak (#12, 11.8 miles, strenuous); Bridge Mountain (#13, 15.8 miles, strenuous); Lost Creek-Children’s Discovery (#14, 0.8 miles, easy to moderate); and SMYC (#15, 2 miles, moderate).
Ice Box Canyon
Ice Box Canyon is one of the last few stops on the scenic drive. You can access the Ice Box Canyon Trail (#16, 2.2 miles, strenuous) as well as Dale’s Trail (#17, 4 miles, moderate) from there.
Red Rock Wash Overlook
Red Rock Wash Overlook is next. There are no trailheads there.
Pine Creek Canyon
The final stop is Pine Creek Canyon. The trailheads for Pine Creek Canyon (#18, 2.4 miles, easy to moderate) and Fire Ecology (#19, 0.9 miles round-trip, easy) are there.
