- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Categories: Active Life Parks Active Life Hiking Public Services & Government Landmarks & Historical Buildings Parks, Hiking, Landmarks & Historical Buildings [Edit]
W Charleston BlvdLas Vegas, NV 89161
(702) 515-5350
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 12 am - 12 am
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
210 reviews for Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Review Highlights
"It's also a nice scenic drive and has fun places to hike."
(in 31 reviews)
"I am looking forward to heading back to hit the trails."
(in 64 reviews)
"The Visitor Center is great for kids."
(in 16 reviews)
Loading...
210 reviews in English
-
Review from Shirley M. J.
CA
1/13/2012 74 photos
I visited this gorgeous place around 1994-of course, that was way before YELP, but I highly recommended all gambling peeps visit this place when not losing their WAGES in Lost Wages . . . lol~
I found this URL for your FYI . . . http://www.americansou...
I visited Las Vegas from December 16-23, 2011. I shot stills of Red Rock Canyon, The beautiful, natural colors were surprisingly fantastic-vivid red, amber, yellow, and ochre hues just blew me away Gee-I forgot how awesome this area truly is spectacular!
So, I hope you'll check out my pics I posted on my Facebook profile . . . my pics are specifically showing how to get to Red Rock Canyon from Las Vegas and also, returning to Las Vegas from Red Rock Canyon.
https://www.facebook.c...
O=;-D -
Review from Mona W.
If you have been to Vegas too many times and starting to get tired of all the gambling and clubbing, take a short trip away from the strip to see the other side of this desert town has to offer.
The Red Rock Canyon is extremely tourist friendly. A short scenic drive will take you through most of the major attractions and overlooks. Those who are not fond of hiking or walking can stay in the comfort in their own cars and still able to experience the beauty of nature. More adventurous souls could enjoy hiking in the canyon or scrambling through some rocks. Be cautious though, summer heat could be really daunting. -
Review from Luke S.
1/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
I will never go to Vegas again without planning at least one day here at Red Rock. I am by no means a hiker/climber, but this place made me want to learn. We hired a guide that we found via the Sierra Club and it was one of the most amazing experiences that I have ever had. What I thought was going to be a causal three hour hike turned into a rigorous seven hour hike, but it was worth all the pain. The scenery was beautiful and there are limitless areas to explore.
Our guide, George, knew the mountains like the back of his hand and was an amazing guide. He made everything he did look easy and inspired me to take some risks that I would have never imagined. I hope to get back here and explore more ASAP! I will try to post some pictures soon. -
Review from Adriane K.
Las Vegas, NV
2/10/2012
This place is wonderful to just get away from Vegas. You forget you are in Vegas and are able to just enjoy the Canyon. The scenic drive is breathtaking. Seeing it at sunset is a whole new experience. This place is worth getting away from the strip for a few hours to enjoy the other side of Vegas.
-
Review from Rosemarie Y.
Las Vegas, NV
1/11/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I really wanted my 100th review to be someplace special. Well, since I'm not going to Joel Robuchon until February and I have a long queue of review drafts, I finally decided that Red Rock Canyon was worthy of this honor. I love that this beautiful work of Mother Nature is practically in my backyard.
I have been a regular Las Vegas tourist for over 15 years, but it wasn't until I became a resident that I finally hiked this breathtaking canyon. In addition to hiking for all levels of difficulty, there are great climbing spots, biking, and camping. When you need an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, the crowds on the strip, and the blaring lights, Red Rock provides the perfect mini retreat to recharge body and soul.
Be sure to check their website because they also offer group hikes and various programs such as : night hikes, photography walks, painting, jewelry making, activities for kids, and much more! If you have yet to experience it's majestic beauty, what are you waiting for?!?!Listed in: The softer side of Las Vegas
-
Review from Sarah K.
Kalama, WA
2/4/2012
Husband and I rented a car for the day and escaped from the Strip. This was, by far, my favorite day in Las Vegas! Red Rock Canyon is gorgeous! Living in the Northwest, we are spoiled with natural beauty... this ranks up there with some of my favorite locations!
The hikes range from easy to difficult. There is a great little .5 miles stroll appropriate for kids or people not very active.
Bring the camera, wind and sun protection (yes, even in the winter). Dress in layers and hike prepared with all the essentials!
The Visitor Center has a little gift shop and a few interactive stations for little and big kids.
Keep an eye out for the tortoises and other wildlife and enjoy the quiet and solitude! -
Review from Bill C.
Updated - 1/30/2012
Best hike in Vegas, unless you are hiking to the cashier with a backpack full of chips.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
1/28/2012
I truly appreciated this respite from the visual bombardment of the strip after four nights of being… Read more »
-
-
Review from Aurore L.
12/11/2011
What a wonderful playground.
If you go to Vegas, take the time to rent a car and go to this wonderful place; this is a real treat, better than any cupcake in the world. You don't even have to drive that far - it's literally located 10 min away from the end of the urban sprawl (which is quite a sight in itself, and deserves a little Kodak moment).
Even if you are not a seasoned rock climber - the sandstone (and yes, they are red indeed) makes it super easy to play monkey; it's as if you had suction cups on your feet and hands: the grip is perfect. Park your car, hike down to the canyon and explore. It is fun, rewarding and makes you feel like a million bucks - especially when you find yourself above your bad-ass co-hikers and show them the way. Yup. That's what I did, and I felt mighty proud.
I could have sung "We are the champions"; I didn't.
Sometimes it's just better to shut up.
Don't miss the wonderful honeycombs rock formations, and take pictures upon pictures; the red makes a striking contrast with the blue of the sky. Silent surrounds you, with the exception of the wind blowing around and sculpting (sloooooooooowly) the stone. Beginning of December is a great time to visit - but don't forget your jacket and earmuffs, it can get pretty chilly up there.
When you are done with your fooling around - jump back in the car and take the scenic drive. Or ride your bike the whole way. Instant gratification.Listed in: Natural Beauties, Las Vegas
-
Review from Robin D.
12/11/2011
Yes!! I can see dinosaurs roaming here. If you are up in north las vegas, you can see the beautiful red and non-red mountains on the onset.
Expect to be hiking trails, rock climbing, or driving a 21 km scenic drive at this national park.
The mountains are quite beautiful, not so much the rocky paths and scarce vegetation. If I could have seen some animals or birds I would loved it, but I loved it anyways. I saw a bush rattle, which got me excited. I was hoping to see a jack rabbit while hiking the turtlehead peak trail. I did not see any animals.
Car entrance fee is $7. I am pretty sure all go to the preservation of this beautiful park. -
Review from Rob A.
1/1/2012
Spending a few days in Vegas but need a break from the strip? Wake up early one morning, have some breakfast, and head out to Red Rock. The drive is easy and quick. The view is wonderful as you approach. It looks like a 3D painting. When you get there, you can enjoy the drive through or better yet, stop and take a hike. I believe there are like 19 different hiking trails. Some easy, some moderate and some difficult. You could spend a full day here hiking or just a couple of hours. The fee for an auto to get in is like $7. Very cheap for the experience.
Listed in: Get Outside
-
Review from Randy B.
11/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Just a few miles west of Summerlin (and past the Red Rock Hotel), you will enter into something so non-Vegas -- a bona-fide breathtaking place. Kodak moments are in your future, upon arrival.
It's the place I miss most from when I lived in Vegas. In just minutes, you can easily get away from all the big lights and noise...and transcended into a place of serenity and beauty, with an overwhelming sense of enormity and awe.
In the summer months, it's often 5-10 degrees cooler than the strip...and in the winter, it gets a good amount of snow to cap off (and sometimes more), making it look like Switzerland alps (okay, slight exaggeration!).
Highly recommend this 13 miles of driving, or biking, or for places to hike or climb. There is a small fee when entering into the park, per vehicle...and annual passes are also available. -
Review from Tyler G.
Red Rock Canyon is a must see when you are in the area. It is beautiful and peaceful. November was the perfect time to visit, we've been during the summer too when it is really hot! All that fresh air is great for getting rid of all the smoke on the strip. If you have time, you can rent a bike and ride off into the dessert. Just be sure and stay on the trails.
If you're getting married in Vegas, I'd recommend taking wedding pictures out there. Very unique and very beautiful.
Be sure and bring plenty of water! -
Review from Liz S.
Fleming, GA
This the side of Vegas I love. It was perfect weather for the trip we took to Red Rock canyon. It was a short drive from Tropicana in Vegas to Red Rock Canyon. I got caught up in looking at the desert on the way to the canyon and lost track of time.
We got see some Rams nibbling on some brush on our way to the canyon. It was like we went on a mini explore's expedition. It was really cool to walk down the trails and look at the beautiful colored rocks and just enjoy being outside. My friend took some beautiful pictures with the red rocks in the background.
They had a bathroom at the start of the trial. I guess you could call it a bathroom. I was told it was more like a hole in the ground. -
Review from Ashley B.
Updated - 10/25/2011
Went out on another trip to Red Rock to a do a bitty-bit of hiking. I am a beginner so I am kind of a wuss. Actually, I'll probably always be a wuss, but hopefully I can get a little better at hiking.
My boyfriend and I went out here about mid-morning, so it was still cool, although it got a little warmer as we finished our hike. I'm pretty sure we did the Calico Loop (although I could be wrong). It's a moderate hike, but I enjoyed it more than the first one we did. I thought the scenery was a bit better and there's some little nooks and crannies you can look into to see some more interesting rock formations.
Another great thing about going out to Red Rock is you tend to get away from unfriendly asshats that are typical when you venture out in the public. I've never really met any unfriendly people out in nature, probably because most people who are going hiking are up-beat, generally healthy, fit people - it just tends to make you a happier person. :)Listed in: I Have a Love/Hate…, No Need For Casinos/Clubs!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
7/26/2011
Beware this review is coming from a very, very amateur hiker/outdoorsy person.
I went to Red Rock… Read more »
-
-
Review from Jeff L.
9/6/2011
Beautiful majestic nature right outside of the insidious dirty strip of Vegas.
We (three adults and two kids) loved visiting the Red Rock even in 110 degree weather in Sept.
The grounds are beautifully maintained and there are much to do from camping, hiking, biking, to running. The 13 mile loop provided 8 stops each with clear and ample parking for photo taking and exploration.
Going to look into camping here in the cooler season. Should be spectacular.
LOVED this find. -
Review from Ian W.
Princeton, NJ
12/12/2011
What a treasure! The visitor center and outdoor gardens are extremely well done and fit in well to the desert landscape. This park is simply beautiful. The 13 mile drive takes you past a number of parking lots where you can stop and hike, take pictures, climb the rocks and just enjoy the scenery. We come out here ever time we are in Vegas to get away and it's just wonderful!
-
Review from Jennifer L.
Las Vegas, NV
8/19/2011 2 photos
One of the best places near Vegas to hike and climb.
Red Rock is always a stop for friends/family from out of town but many of them just want to see the "red" rocks which is only a small part of what the rest of the canyon offers. The "red" rocks are at the beginning of the scenic drive but most of the best hiking spots are towards the middle/later parts of the drive. If you're lucky, certain trails have streams and rivers running through them which offers a refreshing change of scenery. Ultimately, Red Rock is usually best hiked in the fall, winter, and spring when the weather is cool and you won't die from heatstroke!
1 Day Pass: $7
Annual Pass (for a whole year): $30
recommended trails: Ice Box Canyon (water), Pine Creek Canyon (water), and Turtlehead Peak which is quite strenuous but the view of Las Vegas once you get to the top is breathtaking. -
Review from Teri Y.
7/31/2011
We were looking for a quick getaway from The Strip for half a day and based on the distance and time to travel, Red Rock Canyon was the perfect choice. For those looking for a temporary break from the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas, the Red Rock Canyon is situated 20-miles west of The Strip. The easy 30-minute drive is extremely manageable to one's schedule and itinerary. Red Rock Canyon provided us a convenient opportunity to experience the essence of Nevada i.e. desert, sandstone cliffs, etc.
There are 16 hiking trails to choose from ranging from a distance of 1.5 miles to 6 miles with different difficulty levels from easy to strenuous. Some of the shorter trails connect with the others.
Another option is the 13-mile scenic drive that brings vehicles and bikes through the mountainous region of Red Rock Canyon. The scenic drive goes in one direction so vehicles do not have to worry about whether they are going in the right (or wrong) direction. The highlight of the scenic drive for us were the first two stops where we saw different parts of Calico Hills. The deep red rocks were amazing in their own right. As part of its natural formation process, some of the rocks were a mixture of red and brown and this contrast in color drew to attention the beauty of the formation.
Red Rock Canyon feels like it is a world away from The Strip because of it's stark contrast in view but all it takes is about a convenient 30-minute drive. -
Review from Cameron K.
San Francisco, CA
10/31/2011
I love Vegas for many reasons, but in particular because of the many amazing outdoor spaces. Red Rock tops my list for accessibility (it is appropriate for both senior citizens taking a scenic drive or high schoolers scrambling up cliffs) and beauty. I highly recommend renting a car and making this place part of your Vegas experience.
-
Review from kumi k.
5/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
I can't believe such a pretty place could exist an hour away from the strip. Hands down, Red Rock Canyon is my favorite spot in Las Vegas. We came as the sun was setting and it was AMAZING and very romantic.
There are many hiking trails but it was just as fun simply driving by.Listed in: An Out-Of-Towner's Guide to…
-
Review from Yvette B.
Ventura, CA
Updated - 6/10/2011 6 photos
Red Rock Canyon is about a 15 mile drive west of Las Vegas. The mountain views are absolutely breathtaking with towering cliffs and a burst of color unusual to most majestic views. I can never visit this place enough in my lifetime because I find it amazingly beautiful!
The Red Rock Canyon area offers a 13 mile scenic drive providing many stops for photo opportunities and exploration. It's a peaceful getaway when compared to the busyness of the Las Vegas Strip. =0) We slipped away from the beeping and ringing of casino chatter to escape to the silent depths of nature for a moment in time....ahhhhhhh. So majestic! =0)
If you like to hike, take spectacular pictures or if you want to learn more about the desert, plan to spend some time here. They have a little Visitor's Center with a wealth of information. You'll leave with a deeper understanding of who the Master Creator really is. ;0)
Yvette L. Brownstone from Ventura, CAListed in: Day Tripping, The Great Outdoors
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
5/27/2011
Red Rock Canyon is about a 15 mile drive west of Las Vegas. The mountain views are absolutely… Read more »
-
-
Review from Seth T.
Las Vegas, NV
1/9/2012
I love this place. It's a nice little spot to go to outside of town to burn off a few hundred thousand calories from all the delicious foods I gorge upon weekly.
-
Review from Heather N.
Decatur, GA
4/25/2011 1 photo
Having something so naturally majestic this close to Vegas is surreal. It reminds me of mini Capital Reef, one of my favorite places on the planet.
We didn't have enough time to fully discover the hidden treasures, but did see some tortoises and a rattler. The fire recovery path off of #16 is a cool, private loop that takes you past some springs.
It was painfully hot, even in early spring, but it is the desert, so not really a surprise, I just felt like I might evaporate.
Cheers~Listed in: Vegas
-
Review from Laura J.
Red rock is gorgeous and a great time is always guaranteed for those avid hikers, photographers or any outdoor enthusiast. Red rock gets scorching HOT on sumer afternoons so please plan your time wisely on those days and extra water to bring should always be on top of the list.
-
Review from Sarah Jane W.
Las Vegas, NV
4/17/2011
This is a review of the actual Red Rock Canyon hike, not the entire park.
The canyon officially called Red Rock is accessed from the Calico Basin turnoff, before you get to the actual park -- so you don't have to pay any bogus entrance fees! You just take Calico Basin Rd. past the Red Spring turnoff, take a left on Assisi Canyon Rd and then park on the street where it meets Sandstone Rd.
The hike itself follows a very red rock canyon up and over a little saddle. The canyon walls are full of neat caves and there is a fair amount of greenery (pines, grass, moss, wildflowers in season) reminiscent of Zion. The climb up is fairly steep with lots of easy bouldering -- a fun, engaging climb. At the top, you have a badass view back to the east of the Vegas valley. To the west, you look down into the fee-charging part of Red Rock. You could easily hike down into the official park, thus avoiding the fees...but I just rested awhile and then hiked back down to the car. All in all it was about 45 min each way.
Even though it's kinda short, I give this hike 5 stars because 1) it's FREE, 2) it has that classic red-rock, Zion-y beauty 3) it's only 20 minutes out of town and 4) it's less well-traveled than the actual Red Rock park.
Anyone who wants to experience a quick shot of Zion/Valley of Fire without the long drive and hordes of tourists, check this hike out! -
Review from Leo F.
Brooklyn, NY
10/8/2011 5 photos
This was a beautiful park to visit. The visitor's center was clean and explained the area well. It was easy to hike around the park and the trails were clean. It's quite a change of scenery from what we've seen before.
-
Review from Julie A.
4/22/2011
This is a definite must-do when visiting Vegas. Just don't make our mistake and go hiking from 12noon until 4pm when the sun is at its hottest. And especially NOT at the height of summer in late August like we did!
In the morning at 10am, the temperature is already at 106 degrees. I have no idea what kind of heat we were hiking in. But we both almost fainted. We were ill-prepared with only 3 regular sized water bottles and a bag of chocolate-covered popcorn between the two of us. Make sure you pack 3 kegs of water and a few portable bottles to carry with you during your hikes. You might also want some carbs in case the water isn't enough to sustain energy in your body. Luckily we had an umbrella. Yes, an umbrella-ella-ella.
Seriously, once you drive into the scenic route, it's a long ONE way 13-miles to get out of there. We were almost gone at just 5 miles into it. I still remember feeling woozy and trying to drive when to our sides were some pretty sharp drops over the side of the cliff. I was so happy to make it out of there alive!
Now the good thing about the hellish hot day was that admission was FREE. Apparently the national parks granted free admission on days that would be too psycho to step foot in here.
As for the canyon itself? Soooo beautiful. Nothing really compares. I was just amazed and couldn't believe it was real. The scenery feels like some kind of dream. Giant rocks with red stripes painted on them. I definitely want to take my son here.
Most of the trip, there were only a handful of nearby visitors, but in the beginning part of our scenic drive, we somehow entered the Fast and the Furious minus Paul Walker and Vin Diesel. Instead, just a whole lot of Asian racers. I think they were doing races.
Yes, we enjoyed the strip and nightlife, but this was one of the most amazing parts of our trip.Listed in: Vegas, Sin Central, National Parks Passport
-
Review from Kevin L.
10/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
$7 to get in for a day of amazing landscapes and hiking! We made our first stop at the Visitor's Center to grab some water before our hikes. the exhibits were great and the guides were very interesting, so much so that we stopped to listen to the geographic history of the park. After the talk, we were on our way. We only made two stops, Calico Springs and Ice Box Canyon.
Calico Springs is beautiful, it's the red rocks the canyon is so named for. We had fun hiking the smooth, red rocks of the canyon and stopping to take pictures of the beautiful scenery. The hike itself was easy/moderate, a great hike!
Ice Box Canyon was a lot longer than I expected, but worth it for sure. The beginning of the hike was nice and flat with a little incline. The scenery was beautiful and it wasn't too hot out (we hiked in early October). When we got into the canyon, we could tell why the canyon was named; the canyon was at least ten degrees cooler than the rest of the hike. The canyon trail was tough to follow after we got into the canyon but there are a lot of options. We hiked as far as the waterfall, I'm assuming you can't hike much further. The hike itself is 2.5 miles roundtrip. MAKE SURE YOU TAKE WATER!!! -
Review from Brian M.
4/9/2011
I wasn't sure if I wanted to go here on our vacation. We were only in the area for a week and part of our trip included a little canyon five hours west of Vegas. Do we really want to go to Red Rock Canyon when we're going to another canyon so big that it has Grand right there in the name? In the end we decided to go because after just one day of partying like rock stars I was reminded that I am no longer 21 and can't keep the booze flowing for a solid week. So we needed to get off the strip and this was a fantastic place to do it.
It was $7 to get into their 13 mile scenic drive. I never mind paying to get into parks because it's the only way they can make money and preserve such great places.
You're immediately greeted by the Callico Hills. From the car it looked cool, but not overly impressive. The place seems to play tricks with your mind. What looked like a moderate size pile of rocks turned out to be much bigger after pulling over and going for a walk. After getting close you realize that it's much bigger than it looks and that there are a nearly infinite number of places to start climbing and jumping around. The place had so many nooks, paths, and rock formations that I wanted to run in every direction at once.
After getting back in the car and passing the Callico Hills the scenery becomes even more dramatic. Mountains and hills jut out in every direction and there are hiking trails that seem to lead to them all. Unfortunately it was begining to get dark so we weren't able to play much beyond our time rock hopping on the hills.
If I ever find myself back in Vegas (and I have a feeling I will...I have some unfished business with a roulette wheel that stole some of my money) Red Rock Canyons will be one of the first places I go to and the next time I intend to spend a day there. I also hear they have a 41 mile mountain bike trail leading through the place. It's likely beyond my skill level, but that's never stopped me from trying something before. -
Review from Richard B.
San Gabriel, CA
5/30/2011
Beautiful! Beautiful! Beautiful!
I love the outdoors and coming to Vegas has never been my outdoors trip.... until the last trip we took where we visited the Red Rock Canyon. The colors of the rocks with the deep blue sky and the cottony white clouds above gave such beautiful contrasts, yet went so well together! Here I thought once again of the God's wonderful creation of our world and felt the awe and the greatness of our Creator! When I'm out in the nature with such awesomeness, I can't help but be blown away with the God's powers. Makes me take a big breath.... and the wonders of everything surrounding me just takes my breath away!
We were able to do one hike into the Calico Tank which took us into the rocks and ended up in a natural tank of water from the rain(?) and a beautiful view of the Vegas strip of the hotels in distance above the rocks. Such contrast in scenery and it was quite appealing.
I have to plan a trip to come back for some more hiking. -
Review from Charley C.
Atascadero, CA
4/21/2011
Red Rock Canyon is 14 miles out of vegas - Just go Out Charleston to the west till you see it. This is an overwhelmingly beautiful drive, (for Drivers), Climb (for rock Climbers) and great set of trails (for Hikers). The Visitor center has a very artistic descritpions of the desert and informative displays. I love this place. It is one of the most beautiful spots you could dream of in the desert. -- Drive slow, - Stop - Get out and look all directions - repeat!
Did I say I love this place?
this is the best 7 dollar value in all of vegas! -
Review from Anthony T.
Las Vegas, NV
3/12/2011
Red Rock Canyon is probably the best thing away from the strip and the typical Vegas lifestyle. It still amazes me to this day how many locals are so consumed by the glitzy nightlife and lights and do not even know that this place exists.
This place IS A MUST visit for tourists and locals alike. It's one of natures beauties at its best. You can go hiking, rock climbing, running, jogging, and so much more. For those lazy people you can take the scenic 13 mile drive and enjoy the views of Red Rock.
It costs $7 dollars now per car for the scenic drive. Used to be only $5, they also discontinued the military discount. I personally bought the $30 season pass for unlimited visits since I go to Red Rock several times a week.
Several times a week you wonder? Yes, I go running, rock climbing (freestyle) and ruck marching with a 60lbs. pack for personal fitness. I plan on conquering the entire 13 mile ruck by this summer.
Red Rock is so awesome I vow never to give it up, it keeps me fit, it keeps me happy, makes feel alive and sexy.... -
Review from Jeffrey C.
Saratoga, CA
6/16/2011
Red Rock Canyon is definitely one of the best kept secrets of Las Vegas. They do charge a $7 fee per car to get in, but they use that money in order to maintain the area. Honestly that scenic view from the car is just amazing and once you get closer it looks a LOT better in person as opposed to pictures from a camera. The scenic drive starts from the Calico Hills (which are the red rocks) and then the further you go you will see canyons and mountains.
It's hard to give this place less than 5 stars when the views are just astounding. So far I've only done the Calico Hills trail but I want to do the others! -
Review from Nelson S.
I hardly go night clubbing and not really in to the glamorous strip life filled with gold diggers and fake people. I only moved to vegas because my company went down hill in So California. Moving to southwest Vegas, i thought there would be no other options but the party life....wow I was glad to find out I lived so close to a national park and a beautiful one at that with many trails to choose from at levels from easy to very difficult.
I'm a nature, country boy at heart and this is where I go to escape the city life. I hike alone usually to meditate and clear my mind from the stress of life. It's so peaceful here with a good 13mile scenic drive if you're not adventurous enough to hike. Great scenery to take pics or just to take a breather and enjoy the hidden beauty that most do not care to see outside of the Vegas strip.
My favorite hike is turtle head. A very difficult 5 mile hike that includes lots of climbing which I like. My second fav trail which is a easy 6 mile loop called white rock trail. This area has plenty of trees and shade until you reach the halfway point. A nice trail to bring a partner and a cool place to have a nice long conversation while getting a good work out. Im glad Vegas is surrounded my mountains and canyons, thought it was just a flat desert land out here.
I hike about once a week so feel free to join me if ever interested in trying something new or if you're already into this kind of thing. I'm so familiar with the landmarks that I go off trails to add more challenge to the hike and plus I like to discover things. I don't recommend it though, I got lost once and took me 12hrs to find my way back. That was then then though, I know this place by heart now. -
Review from Joyce H.
5/1/2011
Red Rock Canyon is one of the hidden treasures of Las Vegas. When I lived in Vegas I would go hiking in Red Rock every weekend in the summer.
It's a beautiful place to visit for picnics, to learn about the wildlife, geology, weather and vegetation in the area as well as a nice place to go for hikes. The visitor's center is air conditioned, has plenty of parking and has very friendly staff to help you with all your needs.
One of my favorite hikes is Ice Box Canyon. I would recommend this hike on a hot day because it is a very well shaded trail. The reason I love this trail is because of the waterfalls at the end of the trail. It's a beautiful thing to see in the middle of a desert landscape. It's about 2.6 miles and should take about 2 hours.
One of the hardest trails in the area is Turtlehead Peak. It's a very strenuous trail but worth the effort. It's about 5 miles and should take about 4-5 hours to complete. Once you reach the top of the peak you will realize why you did it. It had a panoramic view of the area that is breathtaking.
I hope you enjoy Red Rock Canyon as much as I do. -
Review from Hootie B.
Las Vegas, NV
5/25/2011
This isn't about Red Rock Canyon as a whole but more about my one favorite moderate hiking trail.
Good Ole' Ice Box Canyon, I haven't been there in a couple of years. It has always been my favorite Red Rock hike. It's isn't too simple, it's just challenging enough for this novice hiker!!
At any time you can wimp out, all you have to do is turn around and go back to your car accompanied with the sense of defeat, but if you do decide to go to the end you might be rewarded by the sight of a mystical waterfall. Please remember the waterfall is seasonal.
Years...I mean decades ago I used to do this hike by myself, which wasn't too bright, their is some rock jumping toward the end of the hike, also considering decades ago this wasn't a well traveled hike. Today your sure to run into other groups of hikers, but I still wouldn't recommend going alone.
Another funny thing, I would always seem to meet nice girls while hiking, screw the Vegas bar/nightlife scene!!
Final word, although I'm not an expert hiker use common sense, check weather for-cast, wear approriate shoes/clothing, don't start late in the day, bring plenty of water, avoid summer heat, although I remember the canyon being somewhat cooler than the surrounding area. Etc, etc.
Enjoy!! -
Review from Kelley R.
6/1/2011
Red Rock is a great place just West of the city. This is one of the first places I visited when I moved here almost 6 years ago. What has really helped me explore more of the area is geocaching and a hiking meetup group. I would have never realized some of the great hikes there are in the area without the help of others.
Some of my favorite areas are the ones not crowded with tourists. Follow the loop around to the far west side where there is less parking in the lots and those are some of the best hikes. Icebox canyon, a must! Everywhere along the road the views are crazy and sometimes you may even see a few burros running around.
What I do have a problem with now is that you can't even walk or bike in for free anymore. So when I don't feel like paying or don't want to buy a new year pass I just hop over the Calico and do hiking over there. You can hike into Red Rock for free! -
Review from Kyle A.
Allen, TX
7/24/2011
Cannot believe how few people were out here. Truly one of Vegas' little known jewels. Beautiful views, hassle free driving, and stops to snap pictures at every turn. Perfect if you want to get away from the light and noise of the strip.
Worth renting a car for. -
Review from Tony T.
Anaheim, CA
10/17/2011 3 photos
If you like the outdoors or just like scenic views you should definitely check out Red Rock Canyon next time you come to Vegas. I wish I'd been sooner. It's a beautiful place. There are several hiking trails or you can just drive the scenic route. There's also a visitor's area with a gift shop. It's very inexpensive and a good way to take a breather from all the manmade sights in Vegas.
-
Review from Megan M.
Chicago, IL
10/24/2011
Beautiful! We spent an afternoon here on a recent trip to Vegas and next time, we'll be sure to pack hiking clothes/shoes. It's a short drive from the strip and so worth it. The scenery is incredible and we got so many great photos. It's worth the $7 entrance fee and car rental!
