Red Rock Canyon
Las Vegas, NV
A one-way scenic drive past red and cream sandstone cliffs just west of Las Vegas. A timed-entry reservation is needed for much of the year.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area lies about 24 km (15 miles) west of Las Vegas and covers roughly 800 sq km (197,000 acres). The cliffs are made mostly of Aztec sandstone, the remains of ancient sand dunes, and rise up to 900 m (3,000 feet). About 66 million years ago the Keystone Thrust pushed older gray rock over younger red rock. The highest point is La Madre Mountain at 2,485 m (8,154 feet). Desert tortoises, wild burros and bighorn sheep live in the area.
The Scenic Drive is a 21 km (13-mile) one-way loop with 12 trailheads; the visitor center is at the start. From October through May, a reservation through Recreation.gov is required to enter between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (as of October 2026); check the current rules before you go. The area has more than 48 km (30 miles) of hiking trails. In summer temperatures routinely exceed 40°C (105°F), so hike only early in the day. Watch for rattlesnakes and for flash floods during thunderstorms.
- Nearest town
- Las Vegas, NV
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 36.1356, -115.4277
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and November. Still fine, with some compromises, in February, October and December. Hot in May–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Kyle Canyon CampgroundCampsite13 mi from Red Rock Canyon · 31 pitchesTentsDrinking waterToiletsDogs allowed
- Fletcher View CampgroundCampsite14 mi from Red Rock Canyon · 13 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterToiletsDogs allowed
- Hilltop CampgroundCampsite16 mi from Red Rock CanyonTentsCaravansToiletsDogs allowed
- Thousand Trails Las VegasMotorhome stopover19 mi from Red Rock CanyonMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Hitchin' Post RV Park and MotelMotorhome stopover20 mi from Red Rock CanyonMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Las Vegas RV ResortMotorhome stopover20 mi from Red Rock CanyonMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
All campsites in Nevada · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Red Rock Canyon?
Red Rock Canyon is in Las Vegas, NV, at GPS 36.1356, -115.4277. It is about 31 mi from Pahrump.
Can you camp near Red Rock Canyon?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Red Rock Canyon Campground, about 3 mi away; within 25 mi there are 19 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Red Rock Canyon?
Red Rock Canyon is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Red rock around Las Vegas: Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire.
What is there to see near Red Rock Canyon?
Places worth a stop nearby: Mount Charleston (15 mi), Fremont Street Experience (16 mi), The Neon Museum (17 mi) and Seven Magic Mountains (22 mi).
When is the best time to visit Red Rock Canyon?
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and November. Still fine, with some compromises, in February, October and December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)