Find Desert Adventure Just Outside Vegas at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
When you think Nevada, what first comes to mind? If you thought Las Vegas, you’re on par with the rest of the world. Being the state’s largest and most popular city, Las Vegas draws in tons of tourists to its flashy and seemingly luxurious lifestyle. Many travel far and wide for a weekend of partying, gambling, or lounging by the pool under the desert sun.
Out of the many times we’ve ventured to Vegas, we never thought to research some of Nevada’s epic nature spots. I know, so unlike us right?
Surprisingly, just 30 minutes outside of the Las Vegas Strip is an incredible red rock paradise known as Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. A desert haven for hikers and outdoor lovers looking for a break from the loud and flashy city.
The short drive to the park makes it a convenient stop to add to any itinerary. Especially if you’re looking for spots to check out just outside of Vegas. To be honest, we all could use some fresh air after roaming a never ending sea of smoke-filled casinos.
Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area Info/Details
Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area is located just 30 minutes west of Las Vegas. Use Highway 159 to reach the park entrance.
Official Address:
- Price of Entry – $15/vehicle and $10/motorcycles for 1 day (prices subject to change)
- America The Beautiful National Park passes accepted
- Hours of Operation – Open Year Round
- Scenic Drive Hours vary depending on the season – see below
- Nov – Feb – 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- March – 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Apr – Sep – 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Oct – 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Visitor Center Hours – 8:00am – 4:30pm
The Scenic Drive – 13 mile Loop Through the Park
Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area is fairly large with tons of things to see and do throughout the park. However, the main attraction that almost all come to do is the Scenic Drive.
The Scenic Drive is a 13 mile one way loop road that takes you around the top spots of the red rock canyons. It also gives access to a wide variety of hiking trails.
Depending on how much time you have, you can simply drive the scenic loop making quick pit stops along the way. Or you can drive the loop and tack on some hikes! Obviously, we recommend adding on a hike as it’s one of the best ways to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the red rocks.
We decided to visit Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area at the tail end of our Vegas trip. Of course, after a weekend in Vegas we were exhausted from late nights and little sleep.
Still, we wanted to check out the park before we started our drive back home to California. Because we only had half the day, we managed to see 3 epic spots and include 1 hike during our visit.
Undeniably, we would have LOVED to see much much more of this stunning desert park. Although due to time constraints we were still happy with the 4 things that we managed to see.
4 FUN STOPS AT RED ROCK CANYON NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA
🌻 Our content may contain affiliate links. If clicked through to make a purchase, the price remains the same for you and we will earn a small commission. This helps us to continue creating useful and valuable content for you and other visitors. 💜Below are 4 amazing stops to see at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area if you’re be looking for a quick adventure through the red rocks. These 4 stops along with driving the entire scenic loop took us around 3.5 hours to complete.
Refer to the park map below – each star is where the 4 stops are located. Check out the other stops along the way if time permits!
Click the image to view it in full size.
Keep in mind – the desert can be extremely hot and harsh from the lack of shade. If traveling in the summer, stay hydrated and bring sunscreen or a hiking hat for ultimate sun projection.
The list below is in order of the Scenic Drive from start to finish.
1. Calico Hills
One of the more iconic features of the park is Calico Hills. This is the first couple stopping points along the Scenic Loop Drive.
These unique red rock hills are made up of Aztec Sandstone. The red color comes from the presence of iron oxide or hematite. Exposure to the natural elements causes these iron minerals to “rust” or oxidize which turns the rock into a red/orange color.
Calico Hills is a fine example of the extraordinary red rock formations in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Appearing more so like a whimsical conglomerate of vibrant orange boulders.
To reach Calico Hills, you can stop at either point – Calico Hills I or Calico Hills II. Since Calico Hills I is first on the scenic drive, this stopping point is usually a little more crowded.
You can also choose to hike along the base of Calico Hills all the way up to Sandstone Quarry. Distance can range from 2-6 miles depending on how far or short you wish to hike.
Only having half the day, we opted for a different hike and chose not to hike Calico Hills. Although we still trekked down near the base for an up close view of the wonky looking boulders.
Overall, this area is a beautiful place to roam! Next time we’re in the area, we will have to make time to fully venture through the Calico Hills.
2. High Point Overlook
After Calico Hills, continue along the Scenic Drive until you reach High Point Overlook. This is the first, and probably most widespread overlook of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
From up here you can see Calico Hills on your left as well as all the way down to the road where you originally drove up into the park.
Situated at a 4,771 ft elevation, you have amazing views of the desert valley below encompassed by the beautiful red rock mountains. Feel the desert breeze on your face and spend some time soaking up this wonderful landscape.
Once you’re done gazing, continue on the Scenic Drive to start heading towards a small hike!
3. Lost Creek Trail / Children’s Discovery – 0.75 mile roundtrip
As we said before, we only had a few hours to explore the park so we opted for a shorter “hike.” Okay, it’s more of a nature walk.
We chose Lost Creek Trail since it seemed to have the most variety of things to see along a short distance. Along this trail, expect to see a wide variety of plant life, cultural sites, pictographs, a creek, and even a seasonal waterfall (Dec – Apr).
Lost Creek Trail combines with Children’s Discovery Trail making it an easy loop trail under 1 mile long.
We started left from the parking lot on Lost Creek Trail to do the loop in a clockwise fashion.
FYI – We still highly recommend proper hiking shoes even though this is a short trail. It’s a rocky road ahead with some slight scrambling. Consider these 3 performance day hiking shoes should you need a pair!
Starting On Lost Creek Trail
The beginning of the trail takes you through the desert valley towards the tall rock canyon. Halfway to the canyon, you’ll cross a wide wash which gives a lovely view through the desert mountains.
Further up the trail, you’ll start a small climb up into more dense foliage. All different kinds of plant life surround this area. It was easy to forget we were still in the desert with all this greenery!
As you get closer to the mountain, the trail takes you onto a wooden boardwalk suspended above a small creek. Along the path are numerous placards providing more information on the plant and animal life in the area.
After this, the trail continues up as it winds through dense plant life.
You’re nearing the end of Lost Creek Trail when you reach the man-made stone staircase. In this section, expect some slight scrambling as you will be navigating your way around some large boulders.
As near the rock cliffs, the trail can get a little confusing. We lost the pathway a few times and weren’t sure if we were even still on the trail. Despite this, it’s a fun area to explore and you’re not really at a risk of getting lost.
Once you reach the towering rock wall and the trail dead ends, you’re at the end of Lost Creek Trail.
Unfortunately, we were here during off season so we did not catch a glimpse of the waterfall.
Looping Back Through Children’s Discovery Trail
Navigate your way back along the trail of brush and rocks till you find Children’s Discovery Trail. As long as you’re heading down and left, you’ll most likely end up on it. Make your way down out of the bushes until you reach some more placards on the left.
This section highlights the cultural aspect of the land showcasing some of the old tribal sites as well as some pictographs.
It’s fascinating imagining tribes once living here and utilizing the land for survival. After all, I think I liked this portion of the trail more because of the up close and personal history lesson.
Make your way down the trail once you’re done reading about the land’s history. The trail loops you left along the side of the mountain until it spits you back out on flat land. It’s a straight shot back to the parking lot from here.
4. Pine Creek Canyon
Last, but not least on this short adventure through Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, is Pine Creek Canyon. This is one of the most highly visited trails outside of Calico Hills and it’s easy to see why just by pulling up into the parking lot.
Off in the distance, you see massive rock structures on both sides of a huge rock formation. The jagged and sharp tips of these mountains gives off an intense, but captivating appearance.
Simply drive up to the trailhead parking area to see the incredible rock canyon from afar.
If you choose to hike Pine Creek Canyon (which we hope you do), expect to hike 3-3.5 miles roundtrip with a 500 ft elevation gain. You’ll be taken through the desert valley and up into the depths of Pine Creek Canyon. Also along the way, you pass a homestead and meadow.
After leaving here, you’ll soon reach the end of the Scenic Drive. See below for more tours or group excursions you can do at Red Rock Canyon.
Don’t Miss This Enchanting Red Rock Park Just Outside of Las Vegas
While we love all our fun trips to Las Vegas, we honestly enjoyed this red rock paradise even more. Only 30 minutes from the bustling Strip is a spectacular desert landscape that gives you the breath of fresh air you need after a Vegas trip.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a large place, but it’s conveniently accessible along one 13 mile Scenic Drive. From hiking, to viewpoints, and even rock climbing, there’s something for all types of outdoor enthusiasts here.
Depending on how much time (or energy) you have, you can either spend half a day or multiple days exploring the grounds. With over 20 hiking trails just along the Scenic Drive, you can see how this park can easily fill up an itinerary.
We wish we had more time to cover more of the park. Honestly, it feels like we just barely scratched the surface!
We hope that you have ample time to see as much as you can! If you only have a few hours to spare, use our quick guide through Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area to fuel your short adventure. Trust us, we’ll be visiting again for sure!
For more incredible red rock parks like this, check out our posts on Garden of the Gods in Colorado or Red Rock Canyon State Park in California.
If you’re heading to California after Vegas, don’t miss these 8 Best Spots of the California Desert!
Have you been to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area? What was your favorite spot of the park? There’s so much to see, we would love to hear your opinion!
Like this? Pin it!
