Is Red Rock Canyon Worth Visiting? 7 Reasons to Visit (2024)
When most people think of Las Vegas, the first few things that come to mind are the famous Strip, glamorous hotels, and the endless flamboyant parties. However, the Las Vegas area is also home to one of the most beautiful desert landscapes, Red Rock Canyon! That said, being out in the desert region is understandably not for everyone. In this post, I’ll give you my honest opinion and tell you what to expect regarding all things Red Rock Canyon. This way, you can make an informed decision on whether Red Rock Canyon is worth visiting.
Is Red Rock Canyon Worth Visiting?
Red Rock Canyon National Conversation Area is a popular tourist destination that attracts more than a million visitors per year. People from all over the world fly to see the famous rock formations. But, as you would expect, not everyone gets as excited over rocks as I or some of my friends do. So, to find out if spending time in Red Rock Canyon is going to be time well spent for you, take a look at your interests. What do you want out of the excursion? Here are a few scenarios in which Red Rock might be worth visiting or might not be…
Red Rock Canyon Is Worth Visiting If…
Are you someone who loves being in the great outdoors and being active? Do you feel the need to recenter yourself by surrounding yourself in nature? Or perhaps you simply enjoy disconnecting from the world in remote locations? It’s pretty nice to remove the option of checking social media or seeing the latest news that’s happening around the globe.
If any of these sounds like you, then spending time in Red Rock Canyon is likely going to be a valuable experience for you. Of course, this list isn’t comprehensive so take it with a grain of salt. But, these are some of the main reasons I’ve generally observed that people love Red Rock Canyon.
Red Rock Canyon Is Not Worth Visiting If…
You’re someone who hates being dirty. Unless you spend your entire time in the car, you’re going to get small rocks in your shoe, you’re going to get dusty, and no matter how hard you try to keep clean, chances are you’ll still feel a little grimey. Battling the elements can be tough if you are used to always being clean and tidy. So, if you aren’t down to get a little dirty and dusty, then Red Rock isn’t probably going to be a fun time.
Alternatively, you could have no interest in giant rock formations or being somewhere remote. There’s no shame in preferring the hustle and bustle of a city like Paris or Montreal over an expansive desert. Especially if you’re solo traveling, it can be unnerving to be alone in what feels like the middle of nowhere.
Again, if any of these descriptions describe you, it just means you should research further. They are by no means definite. Rather, these are just a couple of things to keep in mind when making your decision.
What Is Special About Red Rock Canyon?
There’s a good chance you’re wondering what exactly makes Red Rock Canyon special. Can it really just be the rocks? Well… yes. 😂 For visitors from all over, Red Rock Canyon is special because of its distinct Red Rock formations. It’s not often that you see such vivid red and orange colors on rocks. Let alone that the rocks are well over a thousand feet tall.
Plus, it’s almost unbelievable when you think about all the forces of nature and sequential events that have taken place to generate these extraordinary rock formations. These geological masterpieces were formed over 180 million years ago and connect us to a period we don’t know much about. Even dinosaur tracks and petroglyphs have been found around Red Rock Canyon!
So aside from offering an assortment of fun activities to people (more on that soon), Red Rock is special because it encapsulates so much archaeological and geological history.
7 Reasons Why Red Rock Canyon is Worth Visiting
If you still aren’t convinced or just want to learn a little more about what Red Rock Canyon has to offer, here are what I find to be the 7 best reasons why you should go to Red Rock Canyon.
1. To Witness in the Beautiful Scenery
One of the best reasons to come out to Red Rock Canyon is to take in the stunning scenery. I admit, it’s not beautiful in the way that Tahiti has clear blue waters or Banff has the snow-capped Rocky Mountains. But, Red Rock Canyon is captivating in a completely different way. It offers visitors views of mesmerizing red rock formations that are millions of years old and dramatically contrast the desert landscape.
And, a great way to witness all this beauty is by driving along the 13-mile scenic loop. This is a one-way stretch of winding road that rewards visitors with sweeping panoramic views of Red Rock Canyon. Normally, it takes about half an hour to drive along the scenic route if you make minimal stops. However, during peak travel times and when there are lots of tour groups on the road, it can take upwards of an hour.
From my experience, the best time to go is early in the morning when it’s cooler and there are fewer visitors. This also allows you to explore the park from the comfort of your car without feeling rushed.
🌵 NOTE: There is a $2 entrance fee to do the Scenic route on top of the $15 fee to enter Red Rock Canyon. You’ll also have to make a timed reservation if you visit during peak season (October – May).
2. An Abundance of Hiking Trails
To experience the magnificent scenery up close, consider hiking a trail or two. It truly is a wonderful experience to be amongst the towering rocks and see all the flora and fauna.
Red Rock Canyon currently has 26 hiking trails available that cater to all levels of hikers. Some of them are as short as half a mile, while other ones are much more intensive and take half a day to complete. Most of the trailheads can be found along the scenic route. Therefore, driving along the scenic route allows you to experience the vibrant landscape from both your car as well as on foot!
Just remember to bring good hiking shoes or at least close-toed athletic shoes as some of the trails require you to traverse through the rock formations.
If you’re looking for an easy and beginner-friendly hike, try out the Lost Creek Children’s Discovery Trail. This is a 0.8-mile loop that takes you through some of the area’s unique geology and desert plants.
Meanwhile, for those who want more of a challenge, try out the Calico Tanks Trail. This trail is 2.2 miles long and will take you to the top of a sandstone ridge where you’ll get views of the Las Vegas cityscape. You’ll also see a little body of water at the end that may surprise you considering the surrounding region.
And if you’re in search of a more difficult hike, consider doing the Ice Box Canyon trail! The 2.2-mile trail requires scrambling across boulders, but you’ll be able to escape the heat as the trail is protected from the sun by the mountains. Plus, during the winter season (December – April), visitors will get to see the seasonal waterfalls.
3. Camping Under the Stars
Another reason to visit Red Rock Canyon is to camp underneath the dazzling stars. Not only do you get to explore the park at a more leisurely pace but also you’re afforded unique stargazing opportunities.
Being out in the desert means there’s very little light pollution. Thus, you’ll can see an impressive number of stars shining bright in the night sky. It’s genuinely an experience that simply takes your breath away and reminds you how small we are in this ever-expanding universe.
The Red Rock Canyon campground has 53 sites available and each one can accommodate up to ten people and two vehicles. Most of the sites are meant for tent camping, but there are a few that allow for camping with an RV. All the sites come equipped with picnic tables, a grill, and a designated campfire circle. The one thing to note is that the road leading down to the campsites is gravel, so you’ll want to be mindful if you drive a car lower to the ground. To make a reservation at their designated campground, click here.
4. Rock Climbing Galore
If you’re a climbing enthusiast or have any interest in climbing at all, coming to Red Rock Canyon is an absolute must. This place is world-renowned for its incredible climbing routes and it’s easy to see why. There are hundreds of routes available ranging from beginner to expert level, so it’s accessible to all climbers.
And because the park is so large, you can always find a route that isn’t too crowded. This is in contrast to other popular climbing destinations where you might have to wait in line for your turn on the rock face.
Additionally, there are many different types of climbs available, including sport climbing, trad climbing, and bouldering. So regardless of your preferred climbing style, you’ll be able to find something that suits you.
Another perk of Red Rock Canyon is that there are many different climbing areas all within relative proximity to each other. This means that you can easily try out a few different spots without having to drive too far. In fact, my friends and I generally walked for about 5 minutes and would stumble across a new set of boulders to try.
Lastly, because climbing is such a popular activity at Red Rock Canyon, you’ll likely encounter tons of other climbers along the way. It’s always a fun time getting to banter and connect with them.
5. See Desert Wildlife
Red Rock Canyon is home to thousands of different flora and fauna. From burros and gray wolves to snakes and so much more, it’s common to encounter wildlife.
One of the most popular animals that people want to see when they visit is the desert tortoise. Unfortunately, these creatures are on the endangered species list with only about 100,000 left in the wild. As a result, we must do whatever we can to protect them and their habitat.
When visiting Red Rock Canyon, be sure to stay on designated trails and avoid driving off-road. Straying off the roads could destroy delicate desert plants that the tortoises need to survive. Similarly, please don’t approach or try to handle the tortoises as they are easily stressed by human interaction. Just enjoy seeing them from a distance and appreciate how truly special they are!
Oh, and you’ll want to be careful when you’re hiking…we saw some lovely tarantulas on the rocks, and I definitely died a little on the inside!
6. To Take the Road Less Traveled
Another great reason to visit Red Rock Canyon is that it offers visitors the chance to take the road less traveled, quite literally. For instance, one of the more unique ways to explore the area is by horseback as there are a few trails that are only accessible by horse. This means that you’ll get to see parts of Red Rock Canyon that most people never get to experience!
And even if you’ve never been on a horse before, you can still partake in this amazing opportunity because no previous experience is necessary. The people leading the tours are professional guides and provide you with all the necessary equipment.
What’s nice is that the guides even enlighten you with all kinds of hidden knowledge. For instance, you’ll learn about the specific trails you’re on, the horses, and the cowboy life. 🤠 So if you’re looking for an adventure and want to see Red Rock Canyon from a new perspective, then consider a horseback riding tour!
✅🐴 Check out this amazing horseback riding tour for a truly unique experience in Red Rock Canyon!
Alternatively, see my guide for three amazing horseback riding tours through the National Conservation Area that I can’t recommend enough!
7. Escape the Chaos
Last, but most certainly not least, Red Rock Canyon is worth visiting to escape the chaos. The world can be a crazy and hectic place, and sometimes you just need to get away from it all. There’s no better place to do that than in nature. When you’re surrounded by nothing but vast open spaces, majestic towering mountains, and crisp fresh air, it’s impossible not to feel at peace.
I know I always feel so much better after immersing myself in serene nature spaces like Red Rock Canyon and forgetting about all the external pressures for a while. So if you’re in the Las Vegas area looking for a place to relax and unwind, then Red Rock Canyon is a great opportunity to give yourself a mental reset.
How Long Do You Spend at Red Rock Canyon?
There’s no hard or fast rule for staying at Red Rock Canyon. How long you stay depends on your interests and what you want to get out of your visit. For example, if you’re in town for a short amount of time and looking to get away from the noise of Sin City, then doing a day trip out to Red Rock Canyon is best. You’ll have enough time to do an easy hike or two, drive the scenic loop, and can cap the day off by star gazing.
Meanwhile, if your goal is to do a fair bit of climbing or complete some of the more intense hikes, I recommend camping for at least one night at the designated campground. This way, you can explore and appreciate all that Red Rock Canyon has to offer without feeling pressed for time.
Camping also gives you the special opportunity to experience Red Rock at night. There’s something so incredibly special about being surrounded by these imposing rock formations, only hearing noises produced by wildlife, and taking time to disconnect from society.
So, with that in mind, I highly recommend camping for at least one night if you have time and love being in the great outdoors. Otherwise, a day trip to Red Rock is better if you just want to see some of Red Rock Canyon’s highlights or have a limited amount of time in the city.
How Far Is Red Rock Canyon From Las Vegas Strip?
For anyone unfamiliar with where Red Rock Canyon is located, it’s in Nevada’s portion Mojave desert and approximately 25 miles west of the Strip and Downtown Las Vegas. This equates to about a 30-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip.
And for anyone who likes using major cities as reference points like me, it’s a little over a 4-hour drive from Los Angeles and a 5-hour drive from San Diego. However, that 5-hour drive turns into an 8-hour one if you leave from San Diego on a Friday at 6 pm… Yeah, not my greatest decision and not recommended in the slightest. 🙃
Regardless, Red Rock Canyon is an ideal day trip destination for visitors and locals alike in the Las Vegas area. Just know that there isn’t any public transportation or shuttle service in the area. Thus, you’ll need to drive there in your own car or get a rental car. Speaking of which, if you need a rental car, I’d recommend Discover Cars. They usually have the best rates and several convenient pickup locations!
✅ Check rates for rental cars in the Las Vegas area with Discover Cars
Alternatively, if you’re staying in one of the hotels on the Strip, there are also plenty of day trip tours that will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. A few companies even offer e-bike tours of Red Rock Canyon if you want to get some additional exercise and are up for a biking adventure!
🚵♀️ ✅ Check rates & availability for this epic day trip tour of Red Rock Canyon or
a fun e-bike tour of Red Rock Canyon
What to Expect When Visiting Red Rock Canyon
There are a few things you should know before visiting Red Rock Canyon so that your expectations are in line with what the state park has to offer.
- 🌵 Red Rock Canyon is a desert landscape. This means that it can be extremely hot, even in the spring and fall months. Be sure to pack more water than you think you’ll need. I recommend at least a gallon if you plan on doing some hikes.
- 🌞 There is little shade and the sun is intense. You’ll want to protect yourself from the sun by wearing lots of sunscreen. I also suggest bringing a hat and sunglasses.
- 🚗 Red Rock Canyon is a state park. This means that there are certain regulations in place in order to help preserve the natural beauty of the area. For example, driving and biking off designated roads are prohibited because they disturb the local environment.
- 📵 There is no cell service in Red Rock Canyon. As is the case with most state and National parks, there is no cell reception. Therefore, you’ll want to obtain a physical map or download the Red Rock Canyon area from Google Maps ahead of time. Or, if you’re using a ride-share or taxi company to get to Red Rock, make sure you coordinate pick-up and drop-off times beforehand. You don’t want to end up stranded!
- 🐍 Stay Away from the Wildlife. It’s not uncommon for visitors to come across snakes and other wildlife. For your safety and the animals’ safety, please do not approach them, try to pet them, or feed them. Keep a safe distance away if you plan on taking pictures!
- 🗑 Leave No Trace. Whether you’re visiting Red Rock Canyon for the day or camping overnight, make sure you leave no trace and pack out anything you bring. It’s the worst when you go into these spectacular natural spaces and see wrappers and trash on the ground. And, respecting the rules means that future generations can enjoy Red Rock Canyon!
Where to Stay in Las Vegas
If you’re coming from out of town or not the biggest camper, you’re probably going to need some housing accommodations. Unfortunately, I can’t give you a specific recommendation since I camped at Red Rock, but you can use the interactive map below to see numerous hotels available and their current prices!
Wrap-Up: Is Red Rock Canyon Worth Visiting? 7 Reasons to Visit in 2024
Overall, I think Red Rock Canyon is well worth visiting at least once if you find yourself in the area. It’s a great place to get some fresh air, go for a hike, and appreciate some incredible geological formations. Plus, it provides visitors with an opportunity to disconnect from the world and recenter themselves.
Thus, if you love being in nature and being active, then Red Rock Canyon is a place you can appreciate. But, at the end of the day, regardless of your choice, I hope that this post has helped you learn a little bit more about Red Rock Canyon and all that it has to offer. As always, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out.
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