Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive
A breathtaking 13-mile scenic drive through the Mojave Desert, showcasing vibrant red sandstone cliffs and offering numerous hiking opportunities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light for photos
Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive
Best Time
Golden hour light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking 13-mile scenic drive through the Mojave Desert, showcasing vibrant red sandstone cliffs and offering numerous hiking opportunities.
"This 13 mile scenic loop will take your breath away."
🚗 Book Timed Entry Online
Reservations are mandatory Oct-May, 8 AM-5 PM. Book ahead to secure your spot!
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Even easy trails can be rocky. Proper footwear is essential for exploring safely.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive
13-mile one-way loop
A breathtaking 13-mile paved loop showcasing vibrant sandstone cliffs and desert vistas. Perfect for a leisurely drive with numerous pull-offs.
Turtlehead Peak Trail
Off the scenic drive
Hike to 6,000 feet for unparalleled panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip and surrounding desert. A challenging but rewarding trek.
First Creek Canyon Trail
Near Red Rock Canyon
An easy, kid-and-pet-friendly hike that can lead to a hidden waterfall, offering a refreshing desert oasis experience.
Calico Rocks Trail
Along the scenic drive
An accessible trail with unique rock formations, ideal for those seeking a shorter hike with interesting geological features.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timed Entry & Reservations
Best Time for Views & Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Book Timed Entry Online
Reservations are mandatory Oct-May, 8 AM-5 PM. Book ahead to secure your spot!
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Even easy trails can be rocky. Proper footwear is essential for exploring safely.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The desert heat can be intense. Stay hydrated, especially if hiking.
📸 Stop at Every Pullout
Don't rush the drive! Each stop offers unique perspectives and photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Book Timed Entry Online
Reservations are mandatory Oct-May, 8 AM-5 PM. Book ahead to secure your spot!
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Even easy trails can be rocky. Proper footwear is essential for exploring safely.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The desert heat can be intense. Stay hydrated, especially if hiking.
📸 Stop at Every Pullout
Don't rush the drive! Each stop offers unique perspectives and photo opportunities.
🗺️ Grab a Visitor Map
The Visitor Center has maps to help plan your stops for hikes and viewpoints.
💰 Check Pass Options
Entry is $20/vehicle, but the America the Beautiful Pass is accepted.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the stunning natural beauty and dramatic red rock formations of the scenic drive, calling it a peaceful escape from Las Vegas. Many highlight the accessibility and numerous viewpoints, though some note that timed entry reservations are essential during peak season and can add a layer of planning.
"The Scenic Drive at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (NCA) is the centerpiece of this Bureau of Land Management (BLM) site, located about 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip. It is one of the most accessible desert landscapes in the U.S., balancing recreation with conservation.
A 13-mile one-way paved loop that winds through sandstone peaks, desert valleys, and dramatic cliffs.
Open daily from 6:00 AM to dusk (hours vary seasonally).
$20 per vehicle (day pass)
America the Beautiful Pass accepted.
Timed entry reservations are required from October through May between 8 AM and 5 PM.
The road is well-paved, suitable for all vehicles.
Pullouts, parking lots, and trailheads are spaced throughout the loop.
Visitor Center at the entrance offers maps, exhibits, and restrooms."
Paul Parent
"I visited some time ago but this was such a memorable visit I had to leave a review. This is a 13 mile one-way paved road with multiple stops where you can park and take photos or even take a walk. I stopped at each stop and enjoyed from the parking area and did not visit any of the trails. The views are spectacular and photos don't do it justice. This was a side trip while in Las Vegas. This is a must see park and I highly recommend."
Steve Chimera
"It's a 13-mile loop on a one-way paved road. There are multiple stops along the way to park and look, or hike on the many trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. However, even the easy trails are rocky, so stay in the parking areas if you aren't wearing the proper shoes - but try to do the Calico Rocks trail if you can. This place is a popular tour bus destination, and it can get very crowded. I came here today on a rainy Monday afternoon, and it was fairly busy. There is a fee to enter, but they accept the National Parks Pass if you have one of those."
Blackbeard The Biker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive is about a 30-minute drive west of the Las Vegas Strip. You can drive yourself, take a guided tour (like a scooter tour or GoCar tour
), or use a shuttle service if you don't have a car.
While there isn't direct public bus service, a shuttle service is available from the Strip, offering a convenient option for those without a rental car.
Yes, the scenic drive is a paved, one-way loop suitable for all vehicles. 
The park is generally open daily from 6:00 AM to dusk, though hours can vary seasonally.
Yes, it's a very short drive, approximately 17 miles west of the Strip, making it an easily accessible escape. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is $20 per vehicle for a day pass. Purchasing online in advance may save you a small fee compared to paying at the entrance booth.
Yes, timed entry reservations are required from October through May, between 8 AM and 5 PM. It's highly recommended to book these online in advance.
Yes, the America the Beautiful Pass is accepted for entry into Red Rock Canyon, covering the $20 day-use fee.
The park is open daily from 6 AM to dusk. Specific hours can change seasonally, so it's good to check the official BLM website.
Typically, you can pay with a credit card at the entrance booth or when purchasing your pass online.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
It's a 13-mile, one-way paved loop with numerous pull-offs for scenic views, photography, and access to hiking trails.
The drive itself can take about 15 minutes without stops, but most visitors spend 2-3 hours or more exploring the viewpoints and trails.
Popular hikes include Turtlehead Peak for city views, First Creek Canyon for a potential waterfall,
+1 and Calico Rocks for unique formations.
Restrooms are available at the Visitor Center and at some of the larger pull-offs and trailheads along the scenic drive.
Yes, many trails are family-friendly, and the scenic drive offers stunning views without strenuous activity. First Creek Canyon is noted as kid-friendly.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting, casting a warm glow on the red rocks. Midday can be harsh, but still offers vibrant colors.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive desert landscapes and canyons. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife or distant rock formations.
Almost every pull-off offers a unique perspective. Look for spots with dramatic rock formations and sweeping desert views. The views from Turtlehead Peak are exceptional.
Drone usage is generally restricted in National Conservation Areas to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Check BLM regulations before flying.
Be mindful of the intense sun, heat, and potential for flash floods. Protect your gear from dust and sand.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the First Creek Canyon Trail for an easy, kid-friendly hike that might lead to a waterfall. 🚗 Budget Travelers
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the scenic overlooks, saving money on dining out. While guided tours offer unique experiences, they come at a higher cost. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Scenic Drive
+1 As you navigate the loop, you'll encounter numerous pull-offs and overlooks, each providing a unique vantage point for photos and appreciating the sheer scale of the canyons and surrounding mountains. Timed entry reservations are a crucial aspect of visiting, particularly between October and May, to manage visitor numbers and ensure a quality experience.
This system helps prevent overcrowding at popular spots and on the drive itself. Even outside of reservation times, arriving early, especially on weekdays, can offer a more serene experience. Beyond the drive itself, the pull-offs serve as gateways to various activities. Many offer access to short interpretive trails or trailheads for longer hikes.
Whether you're stopping for a quick photo opportunity or preparing for a more extensive exploration, the scenic drive provides the perfect introduction to the dramatic geology and desert ecology of Red Rock Canyon. Hiking Adventures in Red Rock Canyon
For a more accessible option, the First Creek Canyon Trail is frequently recommended. It's noted as being kid and pet-friendly, and can lead to a beautiful desert waterfall, offering a refreshing surprise.
When planning your hikes, remember that desert conditions can be extreme. Always carry plenty of water, wear appropriate footwear, and check the weather forecast.
Unique Ways to Experience Red Rock Canyon
Another exciting option is the GoCar Tour, which uses GPS-guided vehicles to lead you through the stunning landscapes, offering freedom and adventure beyond a traditional car tour.
These alternative tours cater to those looking for something beyond a self-guided drive. They often include knowledgeable guides and unique vehicles that enhance the exploration of the canyon's natural wonders.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit