Planning your visit to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

To enjoy Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area safely, please recognize the unique challenges of the Mojave Desert. A little preparation will make your visit here even more enjoyable.

Emergencies

Mobile phone coverage in this area is unreliable. If you have coverage, please dial 911. If not, please ask other visitors to notify employees at the visitor center that you need assistance. In either case, make sure to leave your name, phone number, location, description of issue, vehicle type, and license plate, so first responders can find you.

General Safety

The best counter to risk preparation:

• Check the weather before you come. Weather at Red Rock Canyon can be drastically different from Las Vegas.
• Leave valuables at home, hide items in your vehicle, and lock your vehicle if you leave it.
• Let someone know where you're going and when you plan to be back.
• Leave town with a full tank of gas and a charged phone.
• Pack plenty of extra water, snacks, and first aid supplies.
• Dress in layers for changing weather.
• Never put your hands or feet anywhere you can't see.
• Plan hikes, rides, or climbs in advance according to your experience and ability.
• Understand and anticipate the risks of recreation in a rugged desert environment.

Heat

The Mojave Desert is the hottest desert in the world. Highs average over 100° Fahrenheit (38° C) during the summer, and temperatures over 120° Fahrenheit (49° C) have been recorded in the Las Vegas Valley. To protect yourself from the heat:

• Bring water with you and top off before you leave the visitor center. There is no potable water on the Scenic Drive.
• Don't ration water. Drink whenever you are thirsty and bring more than you think you need.
• Supplement water with electrolyte mixes or salty snacks.
• Hike, bike, or climb early in the morning or late in the evening during the summer.
• If you feel dizzy or nauseated, immediately get out of the sun and drink water.

Water

Bring and drink at least one gallon (four liters) of water per day if you are engaging in strenuous recreation or if high temperatures are in the forecast. However, dehydration is common even in fall and winter due to low humidity. Vending machines have bottled water is available for purchase near the lower restrooms outside the visitor center whenever the Scenic Drive is open. Additionally, a small drink stand sells bottled beverages inside the visitor center during normal operating hours (8:00 am to 4:30 pm daily). Water in natural springs is not considered potable for humans and is a valuable resource best left for native wildlife.

What to Wear

For hiking, select shoes that provide a comfortable fit, ankle stability, and protection against spiky desert vegetation. Wear clothes that provide protection against the sun, wind, and cold temperatures (such as hats, long sleeves, long pants, etc.) and apply sunscreen. Layered clothing is recommended, as weather can be unpredictable especially in spring and fall. Rain, hail and snow flurries may occur in winter, especially during February and March.

Desert Animals

Desert animals -- big and small -- are a potential hazard to visitors. Make sure to watch your step, and never put your hands or feet anywhere you can't see. Rattlesnakes (Crotalus spp.), scorpions (Scorpiones spp.), and spiders (Araneae spp.) may be sheltered in crevices or under rocks and shrubs. Never approach any wild animals, as even burros (Equus asinus), mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), and bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) can cause serious injury.

Flash Floods

Avoid canyons while hiking during rainstorms and be prepared to move to higher ground at any time. Watch for water running in the desert washes and across road dips while driving. Flooding occurs more quickly in the desert due to the topography and soil types. Do not walk or drive through water flowing across a road.

Lightning

Lightning storms are common in the afternoon during the summer. Seek cover in buildings or in vehicles if you see lightning in the forecast or hear nearby thunder. If caught outdoors, seek a low point like a canyon or valley and crouch down near the ground to wait out the storm.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area began collecting amenity fees in 1998. Work from your fee dollars can be seen in interpretive and educational programs for visitors and school groups, well-maintained roads and picnic areas, interpretive trail signs, clean restrooms, and trash receptacles. Conservation of critical habitat for desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii) and other wildlife, protection for wild horses (Equus ferus) and burros (Equus asinus), and cultural resource preservation also benefit from fee dollar support. Trail maintenance and repair -- as well as law enforcement support -- are funded by amenity fees to make sure your visit to Red Rock Canyon is safe and enjoyable.

Timed entry reservations are required for the Scenic Drive between October 1 - May 31 for entry between 8 a.m. -5 p.m. Timed entry reservations can be made at Recreation.gov by visiting https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10075177, or by calling (877) 444-6777.

America the Beautiful Pass Program Card

The America the Beautiful Pass Program began in 2007, replacing the National Parks, Golden Eagle, Golden Age and Golden Access Passes. These interagency passes are honored by the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation, and Army Corps of Engineers at federal fee sites across the nation. Information on this program can be found at www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/permits-and-passes/passes.

Passes are available at the entrance station.

A number of passes are accepted:

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Daily Pass 

Private Vehicle                 $20
Motorcycle                       $10
Bicycle                              $8
Pedestrian                        $5

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Annual Support Pass

Annual Pass                     $50

America the Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes

Annual Pass                                             $80
Military Annual (active duty)                   Free
Senior Pass (62+ years old)                    See a Visitor Assistant for prices
Access Pass (permanent disability)         Free (lifetime)
Every Kid Outdoors (4th graders)            Free (Vouchers are required -- information is available at https://everykidoutdoors.gov/index.htm)

Pass Usage Guidelines

Passes are valid for up to:

• One personal car (for all pass types) containing up to five adults.
• One or two pass owners on two motorcycles or scooters. Signatures of both people must be on the pass and must match identification. Senior and Access Pass are valid for the pass owner on one motorcycle only.
• Up to four adult bicyclists
• Up to four pedestrians
• Children under 16 are always admitted for free

Veterans and Gold Star Families

Standard amenity fees are waived for Veterans of the United States Armed Services and Gold Star Families. More information and Gold Star Family vouchers are available at https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/veterans-and-gold-star-families-free-access.htm.

2025 Fee Free Dates

In 2025, more than 2,000 national parks, national forests, national wildlife refuges, and other federal lands will waive standard amenity fees on selected dates. At Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, the following dates are fee free:

• January 20, 2025         Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• June 19, 2025              Juneteenth National Independence Day
• July 16, 2025            Bureau of Land Management Birthday
• September 27, 2025    National Public Lands Day
• November 11, 2025     Veterans Day 

Commercial Fee

If you are planning to bring an organized group or tour group to Red Rock Canyon, please contact an Outdoor Recreation Planner at (702) 515-5350/5361 for more information.

Other Fees

There are other activities at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area which would require payment of a fee:

• Camping: $25/individual site per night, $80/group site per night (Reservations at Recreation.gov)
• Group picnic area reservation: $40 (Reservations at Recreation.gov)
• Wedding permit: Varies
• Professional/commercial photography permit: Varies
• Special recreation permit: Varies

Accordion content.

Accordion content.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area averages 294 days of sunshine per year (211 clear days, 83 partly cloudy days) with an average annual rainfall of 4.13 inches and an average humidity around 29 percent. The average temperature is 66.3 °F (19 °C.)

Current Weather Forecast

Red Rock Weather Brochure

Seasonal high and low temperatures

Timed entry reservations are required for the Scenic Drive between October 1 - May 31 for entry between 8 a.m. -5 p.m. Timed entry reservations can be made at Recreation.gov by visiting https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10075177, or by calling (877) 444-6777.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area accepts reservations for all campsites, the Red Spring Picnic Area and weddings.

Campsites

Reservations may be made for up to 14 nights in a row. We recommend reserving well in advance of our busiest months (March and October)

Individual campsites are limited to 10 people and two vehicles per site. Vehicles must fit in the campsite parking area.

There are three types of individual sites: 

• Walk-to site You must walk 50 to 100 feet from the parking area. Grills and picnic table provided.
• RV sites Pull-through and back-in sites with grills and picnic tables and no tent pads. There are no utilities. Potable water is nearby but filling of RV tanks is not permitted.
• Regular Individual Sites Both RV and tenting is available. Tents must stay on tent pads. Up to two vehicles are permitted per site but must fit in the designated parking area. Tables, grills, and fire rings are available when no fire restrictions are in place. Half of the sites have shade structures. 

Service fees apply to all sites through Recreation.gov. Reservations available up to day-of if sites are available.

Groups of no less than 10 and no more than 20 people may reserve one of the seven group sites at the Red Rock Canyon Campground.

To make a reservation, visit https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/250877 or call (877) 444-6777.

Red Spring Picnic Area

The Red Spring Picnic Area is located near State Route 159 off Calico Basin Road, just two miles east of the Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center. Red Spring has 12 picnic tables, various trash receptacles and toilets. The picnic tables are covered with aluminum pavilions for shade and protection from inclement weather. The Red Spring Picnic Area has grills available during the cooler months. Please check for any fire restrictions before you plan to use them.

Red Spring Picnic Area has a large group pavilion available for reservation that can accommodate up to 50 people. From the picnic area you can access the wheelchair accessible Red Spring Trail Boardwalk.

To make a reservation, visit https://www.recreation.gov/venues/VR2684 or call Recreation.gov at (877) 444-6777.

How long does it take to drive the Scenic Drive?

The speed limit on the one-way, 13 mile (21 kilometer) Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive averages 35 mph (55 kph), though some sections are lower. It takes about 45 minutes to drive without stopping. If you plan to stop for photos, hikes, or picnics, please plan additional time.

Can we drive backwards on the Scenic Drive?

The Scenic Drive is a one-way road. Do not drive the wrong way (counter-clockwise) on the Scenic Drive. Many visitors are focused on the scenery and may not be aware enough to avoid a vehicle driving the wrong way in time, potentially causing property or ecosystem damage, severe injury, or even death. Driving the wrong way on the Scenic Drive is also illegal, and you will be ticketed if caught.

In extreme circumstances such as a flood, icy conditions or wildland fire, Bureau of Land Management staff may lead traffic backwards on the scenic drive after appropriate safety measures have been put in place.

What trail can I take my kids on?

The most popular trails for kids are the Lost Creek Children's Discovery trail and the Red Spring Boardwalk. Both are less than a mile (1.6 km) roundtrip.

How high are the peaks we can see along the Scenic Drive?

Approximate heights of some of the peaks in the conservation area:

What is the elevation at the visitor center? What’s the highest point on the Scenic Drive?

Where are the nearest services?

The closest restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, banks, post, and grocery stores to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area are located at the corner of Charleston Boulevard and Desert Foothills Drive, 4.5 miles (7.2 km) northeast of the Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center on State Route 159/Charleston Blvd.  There are many restaurants, supermarkets, stores, gas stations etc. further east along Charleston Blvd.

There is a restaurant, gasoline, post office, and small store in the town of Blue Diamond, 7.5 miles (12 km) south of the entrance to Red Rock Canyon, along State Route 159.

A gas station is located 10.5 miles (17 km) south of Red Rock Canyon at the intersection of State Routes 159 and 160.

Where can I find waterfalls or water?

There are dozens of streams, waterfalls, and tinajas in Red Rock Canyon, depending on the season and recent weather. Ice Box Canyon, Oak Creek Canyon, First Creek Canyon, and Lost Creek have waterfalls when conditions allow. Permanent springs can be found at La Madre, White Rock and Willow Spring. During the winter months, there is usually snow on the mountains (and sometimes even at the visitor center). After the snow has melted from the mountains, the resulting run off usually means that we have flowing water in these areas. The easiest waterfall to get to is at Lost Creek and there is a large tinaja at the end of the Calico Tanks trail.

We ask that you and your pets do not swim, wade, or bathe in this water so as to keep it healthy for native wildlife who depend on this scarce source of water. Please don’t release wildlife anywhere in the conservation area as it interferes with the natural balance and can bring in outside diseases and populations that are not native to the area.

Drinking the spring or creek water is not recommended. The water is not tested and could contain parasites. Only the water at the visitor center and the campground is safe to drink.

When can we see the tortoises?

Mojave desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii) are a rare (federally threatened and state protected) member of the turtle group (Order Testudines) found in Red Rock Canyon! Outdoor tortoise habitats at the Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center house seven females and two males. They brumate (similar to hibernation) during the winter, so they are seldom seen from November to March. If you are lucky enough to see a tortoise in the wild, please give it space, and make sure to "drive like a tortoise" to avoid hitting these slow-moving animals.

How long do I have to wait after it rains before I can go rock climbing? Where can I climb when it is raining?

We advise that you wait at least 24 or 48 hours before climbing on sandstone, depending on how heavy the rain was.  Sandstone becomes brittle when wet, so you may put your life at risk or loosen holds for those who climb after you if you climb on wet sandstone.

There are two areas of limestone not too far from Red Rock Canyon you can climb after rain.

• Gun Club can be accessed west of the 215 heading west on Alexander Road from a park past the intersection with Cliff Shadows Parkway. Difficulty ranges from 5.8 to 5.12b, and routes are up to 40 feet (12 m) tall.
• Urban Crag is in Lone Mountain Park on the corner of North Jensen Street and West Helena Avenue just south east of the 215 and Lone Mountain Road exit. Difficulty ranges from 5.8 to 12b.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area can be enjoyed at all activity and mobility levels. In addition to enjoying the sights along the Scenic Drive, Red Rock Canyon offers several wheelchair accessible areas:

• Visitor Center – LEED certified center features a 17-minute film, interpretive programs, a gift shop, and outdoor exhibits including Mojave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) habitats and native desert plants. A short, mostly paved trail runs to a sundial with views of the Calico Hills and fossil photography opportunities (fossil collection is prohibited).
• Willow Springs Picnic Area – picturesque area along the Scenic Drive that features rock art, restrooms, and a picnic area. A short, paved trail runs to Southern Paiute archaeological sites.
• Red Rock Overlook – located along State Route 159, the overlook features stunning views of Red Rock, restrooms, and a picnic area.  A short, paved trail provides scenic views of the Red Rock Escarpment.
• Red Spring Picnic Area – located east of the visitor center in Calico Basin (off of State Route 159), this area features a year-round spring, restrooms, and picnic area. A 0.6-mile (1 km) fully accessible boardwalk provides views of the spring and meadow, velvet ash trees (Fraxinus velutina) with seasonal fall colors, and excellent birding.
• Restrooms – accessible restrooms are available at the visitor center, and most pullouts on the Scenic Drive have vault toilets. Please note that vault toilets along the Scenic Drive have accessible parking but may not have accessible bars.

Thank you for your including Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area in your wedding plans. We have a wedding permit system to ensure your wedding is as special as possible while protecting Red Rock Canyon's unique resources.   

An approved Special Recreation Permit (SRP) is required for all weddings. Applications must be submitted ​no more than 180 days from your wedding to a minimum of 30 days in advance of intended use. SRPs are available on a first come, first served basis. A fillable application is available here.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers four wedding locations:

• Overlook on State Route 159: The overlook provides a scenic panoramic view of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. It is a developed site with a paved parking area (approximately 25 parking spaces) and hiking trail and picnic tables. It is located approximately 1.7 miles south of Red Rock Canyon's 13-Mile Scenic Drive entrance, off of State Route 159.
• Red Spring Boardwalk Platform in Calico Basin
• Ash Spring Overlook in Calico Basin
• Amphitheater at the Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center

Wedding sites are available at the following times:

The Visitor Center Amphitheater is available 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. The last wedding time scheduled is starting at 3:30 p.m. and to end at 4:30 p.m.

Permits do not allow exclusive use of a site. Picnic areas, trails and other facilities are open to the public. The maximum number of people at the wedding depends on the site: Amphitheater = 200; Red Rock Overlook = 50; Ash Spring foundation in Calico Basin = 12; Red Spring Platform = 50. There are limits to the number of vehicles per location as well. 

A member of your party must have a copy of approved permit in hand at time of wedding. Failure to abide by regulations will result in denial of future permits and possible issuance of a citation by BLM personnel or law enforcement.

Fees for wedding  permits depend on if you use an existing permitted company, have any paid photography, officiant, or other paid services for the wedding, or if you have unpaid or reimbursed services. Minimum fees for non-commercial groups are the greater of $115 or $6/person. 

Currently permitted chapels include the permit fees in their fees. The following wedding chapels and companies have commercial permits to perform wedding services at Red Rock Canyon NCA for Fiscal Year 2022 are at this link: Red Rock Canyon Wedding Permittees. New commercial permits, where an officiant and/or photographer are paid, are limited to one time permits with the minimum of $345.

Please keep in mind that rice, birdseed, butterflies, balloons, arches, chairs and other props are prohibited.

If you and your party plan to enter the 13-Mile Scenic Drive, regular gate fees are included in your permit.

If you have any questions or comments, please call (702) 515-5371 or e-mail  [email protected] .

Pets are welcome on all trails at Red Rock Canyon! In fact, your pet can become an official B.A.R.K. Ranger for Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area by following these principles:

B - Bag and throw away your pet's waste. Baggies for waste disposal are available in the campground, at the Scenic Drive Entrance Station, and several trailheads throughout Red Rock Canyon.

A - Always leash your pet. Pets should be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet (2 m) to minimize conflicts with other people, other pets, and native wildlife.

R - Respect wildlife and other visitors. Remember many people do not feel safe around dogs, and letting your pet chase other animals could end with injury to your pet or a fine for harassing wildlife.

K - Know where you can go. The only places in Red Rock Canyon you can go but your pet can't are the visitor center and associated outdoor exhibits (for the protection of our tortoises). All trails allow dogs, but they may not all be best for your pet.

Ask how your pet can become an official B.A.R.K. Ranger at the Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center!

Here are some other notes about visiting Red Rock Canyon with pets:

• Pets may never be left unattended -- in vehicles or tied up outside -- no matter the weather.
• Dog water bowls are located outside the Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center. Remember to bring water for your pet, too!
• Rattlesnake (Crotalus spp.) bites can be fatal to pets. Be aware of potential hiding spots and keep your pet away from them.
• Remember summer temperatures regularly exceed 110° F (43° C). Pets are not as tolerant of hiking in the heat as we are, and even a relatively short amount of time in a hot car can be fatal.