Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is the closest real wilderness to the Strip. The Scenic Drive loops past the Calico Hills, whose red and white bands of sandstone glow at sunrise and sunset, and trailheads lead into canyons with seasonal pools.
What to do
- Drive the 13-mile one-way Scenic Drive
- Hike Calico Tanks (about 2.5 miles round trip) for a view back to the Strip
- Walk the free Calico Basin Red Spring boardwalk
- Ice Box Canyon in spring for seasonal waterfalls
Fees: Per-vehicle entry fee; timed-entry reservation needed for the Scenic Drive from 1 October to 31 May, 8 am to 5 pm (book on recreation.gov).
Tip: In the reservation season, entering before 8 am or after 5 pm needs no timed-entry booking, only the entry fee. In summer, hike only at first light: the canyon walls hold the heat.
Heat and safety
Carry at least a gallon (4 litres) of water per person for a desert day, a hat and sunscreen. Phone signal is patchy outside town: download maps before you go and tell someone your plan. From June to September, finish any hiking by mid-morning.
How to spend the day
- Leave the Strip at first light and enter before 8 am.
- Drive the Scenic Drive clockwise, stopping at the Calico viewpoints.
- Hike Calico Tanks or Ice Box Canyon before it gets hot.
- Have lunch in Summerlin on the way back.
Bring
- At least 2 litres of water per person
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Shoes with grip for sandstone
- Your timed-entry booking in season
Frequently asked questions
How far is Red Rock Canyon from Las Vegas?
About 17 miles. About 25 to 30 minutes by car from the Strip.
When is the best time to visit Red Rock Canyon?
October to May; summer only at sunrise.
How much does it cost to visit Red Rock Canyon?
Per-vehicle entry fee; timed-entry reservation needed for the Scenic Drive from 1 October to 31 May, 8 am to 5 pm (book on recreation.gov).
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