Just a short drive from the dazzling Las Vegas Strip, the red rock landscape of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers a breathtaking escape into nature’s artistry. A stark contrast to the city’s neon lights, this stunning destination is a must-visit for anyone seeking outdoor adventure and scenic beauty near Las Vegas. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a casual tourist, or simply looking for a picturesque day trip, Red Rock Canyon promises an unforgettable experience.
Getting to this natural marvel is surprisingly easy, making it a perfect getaway from the city bustle. If you’re navigating with GPS, simply enter “Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center” or the address “3205 State Highway 159, Las Vegas, NV 89161”.
Please note that public transportation options to Red Rock Canyon are limited. However, many hotels offer tour buses and commercial tours that provide convenient access.
Driving Directions to Red Rock Canyon from the Las Vegas Strip
No matter where you are on the Las Vegas Strip, reaching Red Rock Canyon is a straightforward drive. We’ve outlined directions from two key starting points on the Strip: south and north of Russell Road.
From the Las Vegas Strip (South of Russell Road):
- Head onto I-15 South.
- Take Exit 36 for Russell Road/215 West.
- Stay left at the fork, following signs for Interstate 15 South.
- Keep right at the fork, following signs for 215 West and merge onto 215 West for 13.5 miles.
- Take Exit 26 for Charleston Boulevard and turn left.
- Continue onto State Route 159/West Charleston Boulevard for 5.5 miles.
- Turn right into the entrance of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
Driving directions from south Las Vegas Strip to Red Rock Canyon
From the Las Vegas Strip (North of Russell Road):
- Get on I-15 North.
- Take Exit 42A to merge onto US-95 North toward Reno for 6.8 miles.
- Take Exit 81A toward Summerlin Parkway and drive west for 6.5 miles.
- The freeway will end; exit right to get onto 215 South for 3.5 miles.
- Take Exit 26 for Charleston Boulevard/State Route 159 for 5.5 miles.
- Turn right into the entrance of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
Driving directions from north Las Vegas Strip to Red Rock Canyon
Driving Directions from State Route 160:
For those approaching from State Route 160, here are your directions:
- Get on I-15.
- Take Exit 33 toward State Route 160 West/Blue Diamond Road.
- Keep right at the fork and merge onto State Route 160 West/Blue Diamond Road for 10.5 miles.
- Turn right onto State Route 159 East/Charleston Boulevard (opposite the gas station) and drive for 10.5 miles.
- Turn left into the entrance of Red Rock Canyon.
Driving directions from State Route 160 to Red Rock Canyon
Explore the 13-Mile Scenic Drive and Plan Your Visit
The iconic 13-Mile Scenic Drive is the heart of Red Rock Canyon, offering stunning views and access to numerous trailheads and overlooks.
Important Note: Timed entry reservations are mandatory for the Scenic Drive between October 1st and May 31st for entries between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Secure your timed entry reservations at Recreation.gov (https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10075177) or by calling (877) 444-6777.
Operating Hours for Key Areas:
To help you plan your trip effectively, here’s a breakdown of the operating hours for different areas within Red Rock Canyon:
| Area | November – February | March – September | October | Special Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13-Mile Scenic Drive | 6 a.m. – 5 p.m. | 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. | 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Thanksgiving & Christmas: 6 a.m. – Noon |
| Red Spring Picnic Area | 6 a.m. – 5 p.m. | 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. | 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Daily Hours |
| Red Rock Overlook | 6 a.m. – 5 p.m. | 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. | 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Daily Hours |
| Visitor Center | 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Thanksgiving & Christmas: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. |
| Administrative Office | 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Monday – Friday |
| Red Rock Campground | Typically Closed Summer Months | Typically Closed Summer Months | Typically Closed Summer Months | Check for seasonal availability |
Photography and Filming Permits in Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon’s dramatic landscapes are a magnet for photographers. For casual snapshots during your visit, no permit is needed. This is considered personal use.
However, permits are required for still photography in specific situations:
- When using models or props that are not natural to the site. This includes professional portraits (wedding, family), product placements, reflectors, and similar equipment.
- Photography in restricted areas.
- Situations incurring additional administrative costs.
Non-commercial photography of scenery or wildlife typically doesn’t require a permit if the above conditions are not met.
Moving photography (filming) always requires a permit for commercial projects such as documentaries, films, advertisements, and wildlife filming.
Student film projects are exempt from permits if they don’t negatively impact public lands, but a proposal with school verification is required.
Film/Photography permits must be obtained in advance. Contact [email protected] or call (702) 515-5381 for details.
Special Recreation Permits (SRPs) for Organized Activities
If you’re planning organized activities within Red Rock Canyon, you likely need a Special Recreation Permit (SRP). This policy ensures responsible use and resource protection.
SRP Pre-planning: First-time applicants must consult with an Outdoor Recreation Planner (in person or by phone) at least 30 days before submitting an application. This ensures a complete and efficient application process.
SRP Application Deadlines: Applications are accepted between one year and 180 days prior to your proposed activity, unless waived by the Outdoor Recreation Planner.
Complete Applications are Essential: An incomplete application will be rejected outright. A complete SRP application includes:
- Filled Special Recreation Permit application form.
- GPS-generated map of the activity area (or pre-approved map).
- Operating/Business Plan.
- Advance payment of estimated fees (minimum $110).
SRP Fees: Fees vary based on the type of use:
- Commercial Use Fees: 3% of gross revenue or $130 annual minimum (whichever is greater).
- Competitive Use Fees: $7 per person per day, 3% of gross revenue, or $130 annual minimum (whichever is greater).
- Organized Use Fees: $7 per person per day or $130 annual minimum (whichever is greater).
Additional fees may apply for site use and exclusive use. Commercial businesses operating in Red Rock Canyon, regardless of size or fees charged, must obtain an SRP. Organized groups under fifteen people (non-rock climbing, no fees charged) should contact the office to confirm permit requirements.
Insurance Requirements: Commercial and competitive SRP applicants (excluding vendors) must have liability insurance protecting the public and the U.S. Department of Interior-Bureau of Land Management. Minimum coverage includes property damage ($30,000), per occurrence damage ($300,000), and a minimum annual aggregate limit ($600,000).
For complete details on SRP requirements, including maps, operating plans, insurance, stipulations, and reporting, please refer to the official BLM documentation and contact the Red Rock/Sloan Canyon Field Office.
Discover the Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center
A highlight of any visit to Red Rock Las Vegas is the Visitor Center. It’s more than just an information hub; it’s an experience designed to deepen your appreciation for this unique landscape.
Outdoor exhibits at Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center
This LEED Gold-certified center features innovative outdoor exhibits focused on the elements:
- Earth Exhibit: Explore desert tortoises and Red Rock’s fascinating geology.
- Air Exhibit: Learn about dust devils and even create your own.
- Fire Exhibit: Discover agave roasting pits and understand the desert heat.
- Water Exhibit: Appreciate the preciousness of water in the desert environment.
Inside, you’ll find helpful staff and volunteers, panoramic views of the Calico Hills, interactive touch screen exhibits, a classroom, and a gift shop.
The original visitor center, now the administrative building, opened in 1982 and served around 20,000 annual visitors. Today, Red Rock Canyon welcomes over a million visitors each year, prompting the construction of this new, enhanced Visitor Center.
Resources for Teachers, Parents, and Kids
Red Rock Canyon is a fantastic place for learning and exploration for all ages.
- Teacher Resources: Educational materials about Red Rock Canyon and teaching aids for educators.
- Color Nevada Wild: A coloring book by the Nevada Department of Wildlife.
- Virtual Junior Ranger Red Rock Canyon: Activity book to become a Junior Ranger and learn about Red Rock Canyon.
- Jóvenes Guardabosques del Cañón Red Rock: Spanish version of the Junior Ranger program.
- Junior Ranger Geology and Fossils: Activity book focused on geology and fossils.
- Junior Ranger Wild Horses and Burros: Learn about wild horses and burros in the American West.
- My Public Lands Citizen Science Junior Ranger Activity Book
- Native Plants Junior Ranger Activity Book
- Wildlife & Habitat Junior Ranger Activity Book
- Wilderness 50th Anniversary Junior Ranger Activity Book
- California Trails Interpretive Center Junior Ranger Activity Book
- Sammy’s Quest Junior Ranger Activity Book
Get Involved: Volunteering at Red Rock Canyon
Become a steward of this incredible landscape by volunteering at Red Rock Canyon. It’s a rewarding way to contribute to the preservation of public lands and connect with nature.
Volunteers of all skill levels are welcome, with opportunities for short-term and long-term commitments. Benefits include:
- Meeting people who share your interests.
- Learning about the desert environment near Las Vegas.
- Free training in geology, botany, zoology, and local history.
- Spending time outdoors.
Volunteer roles include information desk assistance, tortoise habitat monitoring, trail maintenance, and support for natural and landscape resource teams. Contact the Volunteer Coordinator at (702) 515-5313 to learn more.
Partnerships Enhancing Your Red Rock Canyon Experience
Red Rock Canyon benefits from strong partnerships with organizations dedicated to its preservation and visitor experience.
The Southern Nevada Conservancy (SNC) enhances the BLM’s programs through education, interpretation, and visitor services. SNC provides guided hikes, educational programs for schools and the public, and supports interpretive signage and trail development. Their Elements Gift Shop proceeds directly support Red Rock Canyon programs. SNC also staffs the entrance fee station.
Friends of Red Rock Canyon logo
Friends of Red Rock Canyon (FORCC) is dedicated to the preservation and enrichment of Red Rock Canyon. FORCC volunteers contribute thousands of hours annually to graffiti removal, trail maintenance, visitor center support, and cultural site monitoring. Fundraising initiatives include personalized dedication walkway tiles, Nevada license plates featuring Red Rock, and memberships.
Contact Information for Red Rock Canyon
Mailing Address:
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
1000 Scenic Loop
Las Vegas, NV 89161-1202
Phone Numbers:
- Main Information Line: 702-515-5350
- Emergency or Fire: 702-293-8932 or 911
- Hikes and Programs Sign-up: 702-515-5367
- Gift Shop and Bookstore: 702-515-5379
- Scenic Drive Timed Entry, Campsites, Group Picnic Area Reservations: 877-444-6777
- Commercial, Weddings, Large Groups, Competitive Events, and Vending Permits: 702-515-5371
- Film and Commercial Photography Permits: 702-515-5399/5381
- Volunteer Coordinator: 702-515-5313
- Friends of Red Rock Canyon: 702-515-5360
- Southern Nevada Conservancy: 702-515-5367
- BLM Southern Nevada District Office: 702-515-5000
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a treasure just minutes from Las Vegas. Plan your visit today and experience the awe-inspiring beauty of red rock formations and the tranquility of the Mojave Desert.
