RED ROCK CANYON STATE PARK, NEVADA

Situated approximately 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip in Nevada, USA, Red Rock Canyon is a visually stunning conservation area situated in the Mojave Desert. The park is renowned for its breathtaking formations of red sandstone rocks (caused by iron dioxide), towering cliffs, and distinctive desert vistas. 

THINGS TO DO AND SEE

Scenic Drive:  Drive the 13-mile, one-way,  picturesque route through the protected area. The journey offers breathtaking views of the arid landscapes and vibrant rock formations. There are multiple overlooks and pullouts for photo ops and other activities.

Hiking: Take a hike on one of the many trails that suit different degrees of ability. The Calico Tanks Trail and Ice Box Canyon Trail are a few of the popular trails.  Each trail offers unique perspectives of the canyon’s beauty.

Rock Climbing Scrambling:  Red Rock Canyon is one of the best places to go rock climbing if you’re an experienced climber.  Nonetheless, there are many other trails in the area which are appropriate for varying ability levels such as Calico Hills which is a sizable group of red and orange boulders with hiking paths and interesting canyons to explore all over them. There’s no clear path to follow here, so it’s a really enjoyable place to just walk around.  Remember, before you go out and venture, don’t forget to check for any seasonal closures or restrictions especially during rainy season.

Photography: Red Rock Canyon is photographers’ favorite spot to take in the vivid hues of the rocks, particularly at sunrise or sunset when shifting light conditions create beautiful photo chances.

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DAY TRIP TO RED ROCK CANYON FROM LAS VEGAS ITINERARY+ MAP

HIGHLIGHTS: CALICO HILLS (CALICO 1) AND CALICO TANKS TRAIL

8:00 AM-8:30 AM: Arrive at Red Rock Fee Station (ENTRY FEE: $20) , stop at the visitor center to get a map or if you have any additional questions, and Start the Scenic Drive

 

NOTE: You need to make a reservation in advance to enter the park between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. from October 1 through May 31. Reservations for timed entrance are not necessary from June 1 to September 30. The entry price is waived if you have an America the Beautiful Pass, but you still need to schedule a timed entry.  To make reservation, CLICK HERE

 

  • Now, start your day with the 13-mile scenic drive through Red Rock Canyon. You will pass every trailhead and viewpoint in the park through this road and you have to have decided which stop you want to make or else you will need to drive the complete loop to return to the required stop since this is a one way road. My suggestion is to get a map of the park before you start driving either from the park’s website, the visitor center or just use our map in this post.  There are a lot of trails to hike here; 26 altogether.  We chose Calico Hills and Calico Tanks Trail for this trip because they are among the most popular ones , and we were not disappointed. They’re amazing!  CLICK HERE if you want to see more trails options.

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM: Calico Hills (Calico 1)

 

  • (OPTION 1): Hike Calico Hills Overlook Scramble Trail (especially if you love rock scrambling!); DISTANCE: 0.9 mile out & back | ELEVATION GAIN: 498FT. | DIFFICULTY: HARD
  • (OPTION 2): Or just go for a short walk by going downhill from the carpark and continue into trail to the right towards the canyon to discover rock scrambling and slot-like canyons, and spend sometimes here before you head back to the car and your next destination.
  • Take pictures!

9:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Hike Calico Tanks Trail (DISTANCE: 2.4 miles out  & back | ELEVATION GAIN: 439FT. | DIFFICULTY: MODERATE

 

  •  This moderately strenuous trail leads to natural water tanks and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape of Las Vegas at the end of the trail.

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: 

 

    • (OPTION 1): Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the designated picnic areas along the scenic drive. Pack a meal or snacks to refuel before your afternoon activities; hiking other trails in the area. 
    • (OPTION 2): Continue on the Scenic Drive, and stopping at your desired stops. Once ended, drive back to Las Vegas or you next destination.

Using This Map: To access the layers (driving routes and places to go), click the tab located in the upper left corner of the map. To reveal or conceal layers, click the checkboxes. You may learn more about each point of interest on the map by clicking on the icons.  This map will be added to your Google Maps account if you click the star next to the map’s title. Open Google Maps on your computer or phone, select “Your Places” from the menu, then click Maps. This map will appear on your list.