Red Rock Canyon Nevada

on November 06, 2020

Introduction:

What? :

Red Rock Canyon was designated as Nevada's first National Conservation Area (NCA) is located on the west side of Las Vegas valley, right off the west city neighborhoods.

The park is famous for its desert landscape of red sandstone rock boulders, the towering Spring Mountains high cliffs and mountain peaks that are cut by deep canyons creeks.

The large park is managed by the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and it is surrounded by even larger Wilderness areas and high mountain ridges (Rainbow Mountain and La Madre Mountains Wilderness).

The Scenic Loop Drive is a one-way road circling the heart of the large valley from the visitor center entrance.

You can enjoy the park by driving along the scenic road and enjoy the vast views from the many stops along the drive or take a hike leading up into canyon’s creeks with running water during the winter months or climb up to the surrounding mountain tops.

There are 26 official hikes trails and many more off trail exploration that take you from the deep canyons to the highest points of Red Rock canyon.

Because of the park unique and diverse desert landscape panoramic viewing and its proximity to Las Vegas and easy access the park became highly popular, especially during weekend and holidays. There is online reservation system implemented, see Due note 1 below.

The area is visited by more than three million visitors each year.

Where? :

The park is located 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip and city center, about 30 minutes’ drive.

You can take Charleston Boulevard/State Route 159 and drive west or use the 215 highway and exit at W Charleston Blvd and NV-159 W/Red Rock Canyon Rd. From highway 215 drive for 5.9 mile and then you will see the park entrance on your right.

Google Map Link

When? :

The park is open year-round, but the late fall and winter month are the recommended time to visit here.

Temperatures can average more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months. If you are planning to hike, try to come early in the morning. The best protection against heat is drinking plenty of water and limiting exposure to the sun during the hottest parts of the day.

The park averages 294 days of sunshine per year.

Summer afternoon monsoon rainstorm is expected, be aware of flash flood and lightning.

Winter mid-day temperatures are the best for hiking, cold night around freezing and mid-day around 50-60f with almost no rain at all.

Due note 1:

Entrance Reservation:

To manage visitor overcrowded and congestion, protect the nature and improve visitor experience the access into the park visitor center and Scenic Loop Road is controlled by an online reservation system.

This system is implemented between November 3 through May 31.

The park road is open starting 6am.

Between 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. a Timed Entry Permits (+/- 30 min) is required per vehicle.

Timed entry reservations can be made at Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.

https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10075177

Note: You can still hike in Red Rock Canyon NCA without the need for reservations or paying fees when hiking into the park from the nearby areas.

Note: Actually, most of my visits and hike into the park started outside the park road, yes it a lot longer hike but you can enjoy this area even if you do not have entrance reservations.

Due note 2:

Daily Private Vehicle Entry $20; America the Beautiful Annual Pass is accepted.

Visitor Center is open daily 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Red Rock Canyon Main Information Line: 702-515-5350

The Park Visitor Center is located just after the entry kiosks at the start of the one-way, Scenic Loop Road.

You can find gift shop in the visitor center.

Due note 3:

Cell service is limited, make your park reservation prior driving here. If you plan to hike download your map.

At the visitor center there is wifi.

Due note 4:

Pets are welcome at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Pets are permitted on trails and should be leashed

Due note 5:

The Red Rock campground typically closes for the summer months.

Due note 6:

The park is very popular with the rock and boulder climbing community.

There are routes of interest to both the beginning and advanced climbers. Great boulders and sheer rock faces bring climbers from around the world.

Avoid climbing on sandstone within 72 hours after rain.

Due note 7:

Off-highway driving in the National Conservation Area is limited to designated roads.

Due note 8:

When hiking drink at least one gallon (four liters) of water per day.

Flash Floods: When hiking, avoid canyons during rainstorms and be prepared to move to higher ground.

Due note 9:

There are several picnic areas in the park and along the scenic drive.

There is another picnic areas that is located at Red Spring area.

Due note 10:

Wear a hat, dress in layers, sunglasses and apply sunscreen

Due note 10:

Rattlesnakes and scorpions like to hide under rocks and in shrubs, be aware.

Due note 11:

The nearest restaurants, supermarket, gas station, are located at the corner of Charleston Boulevard and Desert Foothills Drive, 4.5 miles northeast of the entrance to Red Rock Canyon.

Related Blogs:

My thoughts:

When I was a “tourist” visiting Las Vegas area I came here one time to enjoy some nature near Las Vegas. I spend only short time here, enjoying the red rock formations and unique desert view.

Now when I moved to Las Vegas I’m heading this park during the winter months whenever I want to have a great hike, exploring the red-rock canyons, the desert canyons and the high mountains peeks views.

The park offer many trails options, and it is a great place for short or long hikes.

The Visit:

I do recommend stopping at the large new Visitor Center to learn about the park unique natural and cultural history, get information on trails latest conditions and get ranger advice about recommended hikes. After the visitor center drive the 13 miles Scenic Loop Road, stop at viewing points and hike. It takes about 45 minutes to drive without stopping.

As you drive up the loop, you will pass several parking lots that are used as trailhead.

Reminder: this is one-way road, if you passed your planed hiking trailhead parking you can’t drive backward (you can re-do the loop, but this is a long drive).

Note: during weekend peek visitor times the parking lot can be full and without parking spot. You can wait in line for next open spot, drive on and hike back (check if there is a trail), or change your hiking plans…

Along the drive you will have the following parking lots:

Calico 1

Calico Hills North

Sandstone Quarry Overlook (popular trailhead)

the Highpoint Overlook

Lower White Rock Parking Lot (the turn off to White Rock Mountain Road that leads to White Rock Trailhead)

Willow Springs Picnic Area and Lost Creek

Ice Box Canyon

Red Rock Wash Overlook

Pine Creek

and the turn off to Oak Creek Canyon.

My favorite hikes in the park:

Additional Pictures:

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