Just a short drive from the dazzling Las Vegas Strip, you’ll find a natural wonder that stands in stark contrast to the city lights: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, often referred to as Red Rocks Park by locals and visitors alike. This stunning landscape, characterized by its towering red rock formations, offers a breathtaking escape and a wealth of outdoor activities. If you’re planning a visit to Red Rocks Park, this guide will provide you with all the essential information, from directions to activities and permits, ensuring you make the most of your trip to this incredible destination.
Getting to Red Rocks Park: Directions and Transportation
Navigating to Red Rocks Park is straightforward, whether you’re coming directly from the Las Vegas Strip or other parts of the city. For those using GPS, simply input “Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center” or the address “3205 State Highway 159, Las Vegas, NV 89161.”
Driving from the Las Vegas Strip (South of Russell Road):
- Enter I-15 South.
- Take Exit 36 for Russell Road/215 West.
- Keep left at the fork, following signs for Interstate 15 South.
- Stay 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 to Red Rock Canyon from South Strip
Driving from the Las Vegas Strip (North of Russell Road):
- Enter 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 to Red Rock Canyon from North Strip
Driving from State Route 160:
- Enter 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 to Red Rock Canyon from State Route 160
It’s important to note that public transportation does not directly serve Red Rock Canyon. However, many hotels in Las Vegas offer tour buses and commercial tours that include transportation to the park.
Exploring Red Rocks Park: Scenic Drive and Opening Hours
One of the best ways to experience the majesty of Red Rocks Park is via the 13-Mile Scenic Drive. This route winds through the heart of the conservation area, offering stunning views and access to various trailheads and viewpoints.
Timed Entry Reservations:
Keep in mind that timed entry reservations are required to access the Scenic Drive between October 1 and May 31, for entry between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Reservations can be made at Recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777.
Operating Hours:
The opening hours for the Scenic Drive and other key areas within Red Rocks Park vary throughout the year:
| Area | November to February | March to March | April to September | October |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13-Mile Scenic Drive | 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. | 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. | 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. | 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
| Red Spring Picnic Area | 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. | 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. | 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. | 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
| Red Rock Overlook | 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. | 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. | 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. | 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
* The Scenic Drive is open from 6 a.m. to noon on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Visitor Center & Administrative Office Hours:
| Area | Daily | Thanksgiving Day | Christmas Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor Center | 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. | 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. | 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. |
| Administrative Office | Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. | Closed | Closed |
Red Rock Campground: The campground typically closes during the summer months, so it’s advisable to check the current status if you plan to camp.
Photography and Permits at Red Rocks Park
Red Rocks Park is a photographer’s paradise, offering stunning vistas and natural beauty at every turn. For casual snapshots and personal use photography, no permits are required. However, for professional or commercial photography, permits may be necessary.
Photography Permits:
A film permit is required for still photography in Red Rocks Park when:
- Models or props are used that are not part of the natural or cultural resources. This includes family or wedding portraits by professional photographers, or product placements. Props include reflectors and similar equipment.
- Photography takes place in areas not generally open to the public.
- The activity is likely to incur additional administrative costs.
Non-commercial photography of scenery or wildlife generally does not require a permit if none of the above conditions apply.
Filming Permits:
Moving photography (filming) always requires a film permit for commercial projects such as documentaries, TV programs, feature films, advertisements, and wildlife filming. Student film projects may be exempt if they do not adversely impact public lands, but require a written proposal and school verification.
To inquire about film/photography permits, contact [email protected] or call (702) 515-5381.
Special Recreation Permits (SRPs):
For organized events, commercial activities, or competitive uses within Red Rocks Park, a Special Recreation Permit (SRP) is usually required.
SRP Pre-planning and Application:
First-time SRP applicants must schedule a coordination meeting with an Outdoor Recreation Planner at least 30 days before submitting an application. This ensures a complete application and avoids delays. Applications are accepted no earlier than one year and no later than 180 days before the proposed use.
Complete SRP applications must include:
- A filled Special Recreation Permit application form.
- A GPS-generated map or pre-approved map.
- An Operating/Business Plan.
- Advance payment of estimated fees (minimum $110).
SRP Fees:
- Commercial Use Fees: 3% of gross revenue or $130 annual minimum.
- Competitive Use Fees: $7 per person per day, 3% of gross revenue, or $130 annual minimum.
- Organized Use Fees: $7 per person per day or $130 annual minimum.
Additional site and exclusive use fees may apply. Commercial businesses operating in Red Rocks Park, regardless of fee charges or group size, must obtain an SRP. Organized groups under fifteen people not rock climbing and not charging fees should contact the park to confirm fee requirements.
Other SRP Requirements:
- Insurance: Commercial and competitive SRP applicants (except vendors) must have liability insurance naming the U.S. Department of Interior-Bureau of Land Management as additionally insured.
- Stipulations: Permittees must comply with SRP stipulations, including those related to resource protection and public safety.
- Reporting: Post-use reports and other documentation may be required.
- Bonding: A bond may be required to cover restoration costs.
Red Rocks Park encourages multi-year SRPs for previously approved activities meeting specific conditions. Expedited SRP processes are also being explored to improve efficiency. Limited Commercial Permits are in place for certain activities to manage park resources effectively.
Visitor Center: Your Gateway to Red Rocks Park
A visit to Red Rocks Park is enhanced by a stop at the Visitor Center. This LEED gold-certified facility serves as an excellent starting point for your exploration, offering information, exhibits, and a gift shop.
Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center Outdoor Display
The Visitor Center’s innovative design focuses on outdoor interpretive exhibits themed around earth, air, fire, and water, promoting stewardship of public lands. Explore the Earth exhibit to learn about desert tortoises and geology, create a dust devil at the Air exhibit, discover agave roasting pits at the Fire exhibit, and appreciate water conservation at the Water exhibit.
Inside, you’ll find helpful staff and volunteers, touch screen exhibits, a classroom, and a gift shop, all with a stunning view of the Calico Hills as a backdrop. The Visitor Center has grown significantly since the original, now administrative building, opened in 1982, accommodating over a million visitors annually.
Educational Resources and Volunteering at Red Rocks Park
Red Rocks Park is committed to education and offers resources for teachers, parents, and kids to learn more about the area’s natural and cultural heritage.
For Teachers and Parents:
- Teacher Resources: Provides information and teaching aids about Red Rock Canyon.
For Kids:
Red Rocks Park offers a variety of engaging Junior Ranger activity books:
- Color Nevada Wild: A coloring book by the Nevada Department of Wildlife.
- Virtual Junior Ranger Red Rock Canyon: Program and activity book to become a Junior Ranger.
- 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.
- 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
Volunteering:
Volunteering at Red Rocks Park is a rewarding way to contribute to the preservation of this natural treasure. Individuals, families, and groups are welcome, with opportunities for various skill levels and time commitments.
Volunteer Benefits:
- Meet people with shared interests.
- Learn about the desert environment.
- Free training in geology, plants, animals, and native peoples.
- Enjoy the outdoors.
- Volunteers receive benefits like federal employees for work-related injuries and tort claims protection and may deduct out-of-pocket expenses on income tax returns.
Volunteer opportunities include roles at the information desk, tortoise habitat monitoring, trail monitoring, and with the natural resource and landscape teams. For volunteer inquiries, contact the Volunteer Coordinator at (702) 515-5313.
Partnerships and Contact Information for Red Rocks Park
Red Rocks Park benefits from strong partnerships with organizations dedicated to enhancing visitor experiences and conservation efforts.
Key Partners:
- Southern Nevada Conservancy: Enhances recreational and educational programs through interpretation, education, and financial support. They operate the Elements Gift Shop at the Visitor Center, with proceeds supporting park programs.
- Friends of Red Rock Canyon: Focuses on preservation, protection, and enrichment of Red Rock Canyon through volunteer programs, graffiti removal, trail maintenance, and fundraising efforts like the Dedication Walkway and Nevada license plates.
Friends of Red Rock Canyon logo
Contact Information:
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/Campsite/Picnic Area Reservations: 877-444-6777
- Commercial/Wedding/Large Group/Competitive/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
Plan Your Visit to Red Rocks Park Today
Red Rocks Park, or Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, offers an unforgettable experience just outside of Las Vegas. With its stunning red rock formations, diverse activities, and rich educational opportunities, it’s a destination that caters to all interests. Whether you’re seeking a scenic drive, hiking adventure, or a deeper connection with the natural world, Red Rocks Park awaits your discovery. Plan your visit today and immerse yourself in the beauty of this Nevada gem.
