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Something for Everyone at Red Rock Canyon

The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area [RRCNCA] is located just a few miles west of Las Vegas and encompasses 195,819 acres within the Mojave Desert. Red Rock Canyon is an area of worldwide geologic interest and beauty.


Visitor Center

* The Visitor Center and the Elements Gift Shop are open daily 8am-4:30pm *
The Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center is an informational hub for visitors filled with indoor and outdoor exhibits, plant specimens from throughout the canyon, and live Desert Tortoise habitats. Chat with the Information Desk about hike recommendations, participate in a program, and pick up something at the Elements shop to remember your trip.

Scenic Drive

Video Tour

The 13 mile Scenic Drive through Red Rock Canyon allows visitors to explore the highs and lows of the canyon from their vehicle or bicycle, with many scenic stops and and trailheads along the way. Entrance fees support visitor facilities and upkeep for this world-renowned scenic drive.

*Reservations for entry to the Scenic Drive are required October 1 through May 31*
Timed Entry reservations are available online, along with daily entry passes, and visitors with an annual or lifetime pass can enter their pass type (Annual, Senior, etc.) during the “Order Details” section of the checkout process. If you would like to purchase an annual or lifetime pass during your visit, that option is also available under the “Add a pass” drop-down menu.

Make your reservation here: Red Rock Reservations for Timed Entry
For more information please visit the following links:
BLM Timed Entry Press Release
BLM Timed Entry Frequently Asked Questions

Hikes & Trails

Red Rock Canyon is a maze of canyons and peaks, ledges and chimneys, chutes and gullies leading to surprises around every wall. There are 26 different hikes and trails that take you from the deep canyons to the highest points of Red Rock canyon. Click here for a complete list of hikes.

Climbing

Climbing is becoming increasingly popular in Red Rock Canyon. There are routes of interest to both the beginning and advanced climbers. Great boulders and sheer rock faces bring climbers from around the world. For more information, select "Rock Climbing" on the BLM Red Rock Canyon page.

UPDATE: See our news post regarding late exit permits for multi-pitch routes.

Biking

Bicycling in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area can be an enjoyable way to see the local flora and fauna. Bicycles are allowed on the one-way Scenic Drive, paved spur roads, and designated mountain bike trails. Bikes are not allowed on designated hiking trails. Motor vehicle regulations for bicycles apply while in the Conservation Area. The BLM website has more information for cyclists, just click "Road Biking" or "Mountain Biking".

On or off the pavement, beware of rocks falling off the cutbacks around switchbacks, debris where the road or trail crosses washes and loose gravel on the road surface. No water is available along the loop and no air or other repair facilities are available in the Red Rock Canyon Area. Please wear a helmet to protect from falls and debris.

Camping

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area has one developed campground. Opened in 1998 to replace the Old Oak Creek Campground, formerly known as the 13-Mile Campground. The Red Rock Canyon Campground is located two miles east of the visitor center on W. Charleston Blvd (State Route 159), one mile south on Moenkopi Road from the junction with W. Charleston Blvd.

Flora & Fauna

Red Rock Canyon is home to a diverse mix of plants and animals. From seasonal wildflowers and wildlife to year-round stand-bys, you might be surprised at how much life you'll find here!
Browse our Red Rock Canyon A-Z, Wildlife Wednesday, and Flower Friday articles to learn more, and check out the birding guide.

Photography

Recreation At Red Rock

Red Rock Canyon's scenic vistas are inspiring to both amateur and professional photographers. Most visitors take snapshots of their visit. This type of photography is considered casual or personal use and does not require a film permit.

However, professional portraits and motion & still photography require film permits. Click here and select "Photography" for details, or call (702) 515-5000 to start the photography permit application and to find out permit costs. Click here for more information on when a permit is needed.

Off Road Driving

Off-highway driving in the National Conservation Area is limited to designated roads. Drivers traveling off designated roads are subject to fines. Roads open for off-highway recreation are multi-use: please be aware of other recreational user groups. Follow "Tread Lightly" motorized vehicle guidelines. Opportunities for off-highway vehicle touring include Rocky Gap Road, Cottonwood Valley, and other trails outside the Scenic Loop.

Student Field Trips

Looking to bring your students out to explore and learn about Red Rock Canyon? Interpretive Naturalist-led field trips are available. Please contact Janis Kadlec at (702) 515-5380. Click here and select "For Teachers and Parents" to find information on teacher resources.

Commercial and Organized Groups

All group use of Red Rock Canyon which charges fees or donations requires a permit regardless of number of clients/participants. Organized groups which do not charge a fee and are less than 15* people may be exempt. Groups 15* people or larger do require a permit. To apply for a permit or to ask questions, please contact the BLM Outdoor Recreation Planners at (702) 515-5350.

*Group sizes must be limited to 12 members in the La Madre or Rainbow Mountains Wilderness Areas. Click here and select "Wilderness" for more information on these wilderness areas.

More information

The BLM's Red Rock Canyon website has additional information for all sorts of activities. Have a safe and wonderful visit!

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