When visiting Las Vegas, people do not typically think of going hiking or spending time outdoors unless they are walking the strip. However, spending one day at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a great way to get away from the Las Vegas craziness for a day. There are a ton of fun hiking trails and many of them are not too strenuous.
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History of Red Rock Canyon
Many Native Americans initially lived in the area due to the abundance of natural resources found in the area. A total of 6 different tribes can be found to have lived here: The Southern Paiute, the Patayan, the Anasazi, the Pinto, the San Dieguito, and the Paleo-Indians. You can find evidence of them throughout the park, including with Petroglyphs.
Later, European settlers came to the area and built it up around it. In 1990, the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area was created.
Best Time to Visit Red Rock Canyon
The best time to visit Red Rock Canyon is during the wintertime as it is much cooler and better for hiking. I would not recommend coming during the summertime as temperatures can climb to over 100 degrees. Many of the trails are not shaded and are not good to hike in hot weather.
How to Get to Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is located about 30 minutes west of the Strip. It is an easy drive. There is no public transportation option unless you want to hire a car to take you out there.
From the Strip, head west to the 159. The 159 will take you all the way into the park.
Transportation Around Red Rock Canyon
You will need a car to get around Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. There is not a shuttle or anything that runs through the park.
Hours and Admission
Admission to Red Rock Canyon is $15/car or free with the America the Beautiful Pass. The park is open from 6am-8pm.
Where to Stay
TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Search for the best Las Vegas hotels here!
The closest area to stay near Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is Summerlin. There are several nice hotels in the area. From Summerlin, it is about a 15 minute drive to the park. I opted to stay at the Hampton Inn Las Vegas Convention Center because it was cheaper. If you are planning on doing other things in Vegas, I recommend staying on the strip or near Fremont Street as there is a lot to do in those areas.
Tips for Spending One Day at Red Rock Canyon
- Make sure to bring lots of water as the park can get hot and dusty.
- The Visitor’s Center has the best bathrooms (they flush), while the other stops are drop toilets.
- Bring food with you as there is no place to buy food within the park.
- Make sure to make a reservation in advance to ensure you can get into the park.
What to See During One Day at Red Rock Canyon
In total, Red Rock Canyon contains 26 different hikes for visitors to take. The majority of the hikes in Red Rock Canyon are along the 13-mile scenic drive.
Calico I-II
Distance: 2-6 miles round trip
Start the morning of your One Day at Red Rock Canyon with a hike through the Calico Hills. This trail offers great close-up views of the Calico Hills. You can opt to hike part of the trail to get a feel for the area or hike the entire 6-mile trail.
High Point Overlook
The High Point Overlook provides a great view of the area without a hike. You can take in views of the canyon all the way to the visitor’s center. It is located along the 13-mile scenic drive and is well-marked.
Willow Springs
Distance: 1.5 miles
The Willow Springs trail is a short trail to a small man-made water hole. It is an easy hike for those who just wish to stretch their legs.
Petroglyph Wall Trail
Distance: 0.15 miles
The super-short trail goes past a wall with tons of petroglyphs. This is a great hike for all because it is so short and you get to see some cool petroglyphs on the wall.
Lost Creek-Children’s Discovery Trail
Distance: 0.75 miles
This trail may have been my favorite during our one day at Red Rock Canyon. It had a variety of things along the trail such as petroglyphs, a waterfall, cultural sites, and various plants. Part of the trail is a boardwalk. The other part of the trail includes some climbing over rocks and uneven terrain.
Red Rock Wash Overlook
The Red Rock Wash Overlook is another overlook for the park about 9-miles down the Scenic Drive. There are plenty of benches to sit and relax at for a while.
Red Rock Overlook
The Red Rock Overlook is a stop just outside of the entrance stations. If you did not make a reservation, this is a good place to stop as you can take in the views of the park without actually going into the reservation area.
More Than One Day at Red Rock Canyon?
Calico Tanks
Distance: 2.5 miles
The Calico Tank trail offers awesome views of the Las Vegas Valley. If you do Calico I-II you will get a similar feel with this trail.
Turtlehead Peak
Distance: 5-miles
Turtlehead Peak is one of the more popular trails in the park due to its views of Las Vegas, but it is a bit of a strenuous hike. Make sure to bring plenty of water and shield yourself from the sun, and try not to do this hike in the heat. Although it is a much more strenuous hike, you could still add it to one day at Red Rock Canyon if you have the energy.
Shaka Guide
Shaka Guide is a GPS self-guided audio tour that you can download to your phone. Currently, they have one for several of the National Parks. They provide great background information about the area. The best part is you do not need the internet to use them.
Final Tips for Spending One Day at Red Rock Canyon
Spending one day at Red Rock Canyon makes for the perfect day trip from Las Vegas and a fun way to take a break from the bar and food scene in Vegas. If you have more time, opt to head out on a Utah trip and visit some of the other National Parks such as Zion. You could also head south to California and visit many of the other fun places in California.
