Red Rock Canyon, Nevada

(updated on Jan. 10, 2008)

Distance from Las Vegas : 25 Miles
Time of year to visit : All Year
Gasoline Available : No (Gas is available within 12 miles of Red Rock down Charleston)
Fee : 5$ to enter the 13-Mile Scenic Loop, no charge for the Red Rock Overlook

Services Available :

Road Conditions :
Nevada Department of Transportation

Tourist Information :
Nevada Commission on Tourism
U.S. Department of the Interior / Bureau of Land Management

Red Rock Canyon History:
Red Rock Canyon was designated as Nevada's first National Conservation Area. Red Rock Canyon is located 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip on Charleston Boulevard/State Route 159. The area is 195,819 acres and is visited by more than one million people each year. Red Rock Canyon offers enticements of a different nature including a 13-mile scenic drive, more than 30 miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, and visitor center with exhibit rooms and a book store.

The unique geologic features, plants and animals of Red Rock Canyon NCA represent some of the best examples of the Mojave Desert. In 1990, special legislation supported by the Nevada congressional delegation, changed the status of the Red Rock Recreation Lands to a National Conservation Area (NCA), the seventh to be designated nationally. This legislation provides the funding to protect and improve the area. Red Rock Canyon NCA is enjoyed by the local population as well as visitors from the United States and many foreign countries. One million visitors each year enjoy the spectacular desert landscape, climbing and hiking opportunities, and interpretive programs sponsored by the BLM.

The 13-mile scenic drive is a Backcountry Byway. It is completely paved and offers opportunities to see desert wildlife, red and cream sandstone formations, waterfalls and petroglyphs. The 13-Mile Drive is a one-way road. Bicycles are permitted to ride on the scenic drive, and must obey traffic laws. Sightseeing, photography, and hiking trails are accessible from the designated pullouts and parking areas. The scenic drive is open daily from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Winter (November through February); 6 a.m. to 8p.m. in the Summer (April through September); and from 6a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Spring (March) and Fall (October). Show courtesy towards cyclists and pedestrians. Drive only on established roadways and park only in designated areas. Watch for rocks or other debris on the roadway. All terrain vehicles (ATV's) and unlicensed vehicles are not permitted at Red Rock Canyon NCA.

Directions :
• Take US-95 N toward ELY / RENO. for approx. 5.7 Miles;
• Take the SUMMERLIN PKWY exit- EXIT 81A;
• Follow E SUMMERLIN PKWY. for approx. 5.5 Miles;
• Take CR-215 S / BRUCE WOODBURY BELT. for approx. 1.8 Miles;
• Take the NV-159 exit- EXIT 22- toward CHARLESTON BLVD / RED ROCK CANYON;
• Turn RIGHT onto W CHARLESTON BLVD / NV-159 W. Follow NV-159 W for 9 Miles;
• Either Continue on W. CHARLESTON BLVD for the Scenic Overlook or turn right on OAK CREEK CANYON RD for the 13-Mile Scenic Loop.