Red Rock Canyon Las Vegas Tours

The Red Rock Canyon State Park is a scenic desert canyon 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip (about a 25 minute drive). Unlike the flashy gambling town to its east, the Red Rock Canyon is about nature and desert serenity. Deep cool sandstone canyons and a consistent supply of water provide an environment in which a wide variety of vegetation and wild life thrives. The canyon's rich geology and the occasional water fall further make it into one of the most scenic places in the Las Vegas area.

To get there, drive west on Charleston Boulevard, which turns into Nevada Route 159. Charleston Boulevard crosses the Strip so you can start from there. Route 159 will bring you to the Red Rock State Park Visitor Center, located on the right side of the road, and a 13 mile one-way road that loops through the canyon and is commonly referred to as the scenic loop.

The simplest way to experience the canyon is to drive the loop, and stop along the way in a few of the designated parking areas to admire the scenery. The scenic loop is open daily from 6:00am to 5:00pm November through February, 6:00am to 8:00pm April through September, and from 6:00am to 7:00pm March and October. If you are a bit more adventurous, taking a hike off the loop is highly recommended.

Numerous hiking trails start at the parking areas just off of the loop. If you decide to go on a hike, be sure to bring hiking shoes, a map, and plenty of water. Also keep in mind that any hike requires some amount of strenuous effort.

Bicycling is permitted only on roads and designated trails. When riding on the roads be sure to watch out for traffic, which is usually heaviest from 10L00am to 3:00pm.

Biking all the way from the city of Las Vegas is also possible, as Red Rock Canyon is not very far out of town. About 5 miles from the Strip, at Rainbow Boulevard, Charleston Boulevard connects to a biking trail that leads to the visitor center 11 miles down the road.

There are two picnic areas, on at Willow Spring, along the scenic loop, and the other at Red Spring, in the Calico Basin area. Both picnic areas are equipped with tables, barbecue grills, and toilets, but drinking water is offered only at the visitor center.

Fires are only permitted in designated areas in camp stoves or in the provided grills, and are not allowed in the backcountry. If you're planning on having fire, be sure to check for further regulations at the visitor center.

Red Rock Canyon is also one of the finest rock climbing spots in the world. If you are a rock climber and want to give it a try at the Red Rock Canyon, contact the visitor center for rules and regulations.

Various guided tours of Red Rock Canyon are available, including tours in off-road vehicles (e.g. jeeps and Hummers), guided hiking and biking tours, and horse back riding tours. Guided technical rock climbing is also an option. For more information on tour operators online, go to the Las Vegas Tours and Trips page. Otherwise, inquire at your hotel, or in the Red Rock Canyon visitor center.