Best Things to Do in Red Rock Canyon: Complete Guide
Written/Edited by: Northern Latitudes Editorial Team
Updated: 8/9/2026
If you plan to visit Las Vegas, you might also plan to visit Red Rock Canyon. The conservation area is a major attraction in the area, drawing millions of visitors each year. But concretely, what can you do? Here is a guide to the best activities in Red Rock Canyon.
The Visitor Center
Let’s begin by the beginning, the visitor center is probably going to be your first stop after entering the park. The visitor center features restrooms, a store, small museums and rotating exhibits on various subjects. The exterior also displays some local plants, and desert live tortoises.
Photo Source: Northern Latitudes
Drive Around the Scenic Drive
This one may seem a little bit obvious, but there is probably no better way to discover Red Rock Canyon than to drive down its scenic drive. The 13-mile scenic drive will take you around the park to the major viewpoint and trailhead. Below is a break of the stops we found to be the most interesting along the way:
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Visitor Center - Good for bathroom breaks, souvenirs and education on the environment.
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Calico Hills South Parking - Great views over Calico with the opportunity to walk down at the base of the rocky hill.
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High Point Overlook - Point of view overlooking the whole park.
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Petroglyphs Wall Trailhead (via Rocky Gap Rd) - Easily accessible petroglyphs.
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Red Rock Wash Overlook - Another good view of the park.
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Exit
This list doesn’t include all parkings, but the one we think to be worth a look. Note that the scenic road is a one-way loop, so once you get in you have no other choice than to drive all the way to the end. Don’t miss your stops!
Photo Source: Northern Latitudes
Hiking
When temperatures are cooler (so any season except summer), Red Rock Canyon is a great playground for hiking lovers. There’s many hiking trails with different “personalities” and levels of difficulty. We found some of the best hiking trails of southern Nevada in Red Rock Canyon.
If you enjoy long hikes, then aim for the Grand Circle Loop. If you like shorter and calmer trails, then walk along Pine Creek. And if you like challenging hikes with beautiful views, check our Turtle Head Peak.
Whether you are alone or with your family, trained hikers or not, you will find something for you in Red Rock Canyon.
Climbing
Thanks to its tall cliffs and Aztec sandstone, Red Rock Canyon is a major destination for climbers. The park offers the possibility to do some bouldering, cracks multi-pitch big walls and more. Some guides offer beginners classes for those eager to try climbing.
No permits are required to climb in Red Rock Canyon. Unless you plan on bivouacking or staying after the park’s closure.
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
Private Tours & Activities
Several private companies offer visitors the possibility to discover Red Rock Canyon in fun ways. For example, you can take a ride on a scooter to drive around the scenic drive, or rent your own electric bike. Check out this link to find a tour.
The following link is an affiliate link for Get Your Guide.
Camping
Staying overnight in the paying area of Red Rock Canyon is not possible, meaning that there are no campgrounds directly in this area. However, there is one campground right next to the park. The Red Rock Campground includes vault toilets, trash and running water. It’s not necessarily the most comfortable campground, but a good way to enjoy the calm of the area.
Address: 3293 Moenkopi Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89161
Fees (Sep 01 to May 31)
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Standard Vehicle – $25
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Walk To – $12
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Rv Nonelectric – $25
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Group Shelter – $80
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Shelter – $25
Reservations are required and can be made up to 6 months in advance, but not less 48H ahead of arrival.
Horseback Riding
Wanna feel like a cowboy? Great! Because you can do some horseback riding in Red Rock Canyon. Some private companies offer rides in specific areas of the park.
Photo Source: Northern Latitudes
The Points of Views
If you’re among those who like beautiful views overlooking some even more beautiful landscapes, then Red Rock will not disappoint. Here is a list of places in Red Rock Canyon where we found some of the best views.
Photo Source: Northern Latitudes
The Visitor Center
If you’re among those who like beautiful views overlooking some even more beautiful landscapes, then Red Rock will not disappoint. Here is a list of places where you can get some interesting views.
The High Point Overview
Located along the scenic highway, the high point overview overlooks a large part of the reserve, with miles of landscape.
Keystone Thrust Trailhead
If you keep driving after the high point overview, you will find a dirt road taking you at even higher altitude. From the small parking up there, you can admire one of the best views of the park.
Red Rock Canyon Overlook
Completely opposite of the area described above, you can find the Red Rock Canyon Overlook. This overlook gives a view over the whole area of the scenic drive, including the red calico hill, and orange and white walls of sandstone. And you know what is really cool about it? You don’t even have to get inside the paying area to enjoy it. The overlook is located only Red Rock Canyon Dr a bit futher north of the fee station.
More to Explore in Red Rock Canyon NCA
There are several other areas to see around the paying section of Red Rock Canyon. The following sites are within the national conservation area, but not within the paying section (they may have their own fees though).
Spring Mountain Ranch
Spring mountain ranch is a separate Nevada state park. It’s located within the Red Rock Canyon NCA, but features its own admission fees. The ranch is popular for its varied fauna & flora as well previously being the property of Howard Hughes.
Map provided by Northern Latitudes.
Calico Basin
Calico Basin is located right next to the main section of Red Rock Canyon. It’s a completely free part of the reserve where people may find hiking trails and picnic areas. The Red Spring Oasis offers some beautiful views, mixing vegetation with the deep red rocks of Calico.
Blue Diamond
Blue Diamond is a small rural community located about 15min away from the main section of Red Rock. The community is known for its historical ties with gypsum mining in the area.
Looking for more information?
If you would like to know how to pay for the park, or how you can get there, don’t hesitate to check our designated article.
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