Located 20 miles west of Las Vegas, these towering sandstone cliffs rise 3,000 feet above the Mojave Desert. The 13-mile scenic drive winds past ancient petroglyphs and desert wildlife.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area lies 17 miles west of Las Vegas, spanning 195,819 acres of Mojave Desert. The red sandstone peaks reach heights of 3,000 feet, where you can watch climbers scale routes like the classic Solar Slab or hike past petroglyphs on the Petroglyph Wall Trail. Look for desert tortoises crossing the paths during spring and fall, when temperatures are mild enough for these protected creatures to be active.
Plan your visit to the Scenic Drive between October and May by making timed entry reservations at Recreation.gov or calling at least 24 hours ahead. The entrance is a 25-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip - take Charleston Boulevard/State Route 159 west until you reach the visitor center.
Drive the one-way loop road through red rock formations and desert valleys. Stop at any of the 26 marked viewpoints to photograph the contrast between the gray limestone La Madre Mountains and the red Aztec sandstone peaks. Many cyclists ride this route in the morning hours, when temperatures are cooler and traffic is lighter.
Choose from 26 marked trails across the area. Walk the 2-mile Moenkopi Loop for desert plant identification, climb to valley views on the 2.5-mile Calico Tanks trail, or challenge yourself with the steep 5-mile round-trip to Turtlehead Peak. During winter, hike to seasonal waterfalls in Ice Box Canyon, or follow the White Rock/La Madre Springs Loop to see desert springs.
Climb more than 2,000 established routes on the Aztec Sandstone walls. The rock's hard surface varnish creates solid holds for both traditional and sport climbing. Beginners often start at the Panther Wall, while experienced climbers test their skills on multi-pitch routes at Eagle Wall.
Watch for desert tortoises, especially during spring and fall mornings. The Visitor Center houses ten desert tortoises in a protected habitat where you can learn about these threatened species. Side canyons contain year-round springs that attract bighorn sheep and desert birds. In spring, yellow desert marigolds and red paintbrush flowers bloom across the canyon floor.
Camp from September through May at designated sites equipped with vault toilets, drinking water, and fire rings. Check in after 3 p.m. and check out before 11 a.m. Book your site through Recreation.gov - you can stay up to 14 days.
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