Red Rock Canyon Day Trips from Las Vegas: Best Tours & Itinerary Ideas
- Eric Beuning
- Apr 24
- 5 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is just a short drive from the Las Vegas Strip. It offers a stunning desert landscape of red-hued cliffs, scenic drives, and diverse outdoor activities.
It also serves as a nice little break from the noise and lights of Las Vegas. Every time I visit Vegas, I pick a day to take an outdoor adventure to Red Rock, Valley of Fire, Death Valley, the Grand Canyon, or Zion National Park.
The relative silence of these places lets me get shake off the over-stimulation of the Vegas Strip and Fremont Street, and recharges me for the second half of my trip.
Of all the amazing outdoor destinations surrounding Las Vegas, I think Red Rock has the most options to suit just about any style. So, I took the time to outline the top tours, and a basic self-guided itinerary for a rental car.
Self-Guided Red Rock Adventure: Rental Car Itinerary from Vegas
For those who value independence, renting a car provides the freedom to explore Red Rock Canyon at your own pace. Here's a suggested itinerary and details.
Red Rock Entrance Fees & Park Info
Entry Fee: $20 per vehicle (good for 7 days)
Hours: The Scenic Drive is open from 6:00 AM to sunset, which varies by season
Location: 1000 Scenic Loop Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89161
Pass Options:
America the Beautiful Pass: $80/year covers entry to all U.S. national parks and federal lands
Annual Red Rock Pass: $50/year per vehicle (if you plan to return often)
Pro Tip: Arrive early in the day or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds, especially on weekends or holidays.
Red Rock What to Bring
Water 1 to2 liters per person minimum
Snacks or picnic lunch
Collapsible cooler with ice in zip-top bags
Sunscreen and hat
Good walking or hiking shoes
Camera or smartphone for epic shots
Binoculars for spotting wildlife or distant cliffs
Pro Tip: Bring a reusable water bottle and refill at the Visitor Center. There's no water on the Scenic Drive itself.
Red Rock Rental Car Itinerary
In my experience Discover Cars is the best option for finding the right rental car at the best price for a Las Vegas to Red Rock day trip.
Red Rock Canyon Driving Itinerary from the Las Vegas Strip
Kick off your Red Rock desert escape by picking up a rental car and heading west on I-15 N from the Las Vegas Strip.
Merge onto US-95 N, then take Summerlin Parkway to NV-159 W/Charleston Blvd.
Depending on traffic, you’ll arrive at the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area in half an hour.
Stop at the Red Rock Visitor Center, where you can grab a trail map, check the weather, and enjoy interactive exhibits. Don’t miss the outdoor tortoise habitat!
NOTE: These are the best bathrooms in the area.
Enter the 13-mile Scenic Drive, which is a one-way loop designed for leisurely exploration. First up is Calico Hills, where layered red and cream sandstone formations make for striking photo ops.
If you’re up for a short hike, Calico Tanks Trail offers panoramic views of the Las Vegas skyline. It’s a great place for a couple’s photo.
Next on the scenic road is High Point Overlook, the highest elevation on the drive, offering sweeping views of the canyon and surrounding Mojave Desert.
Continue to Ice Box Canyon, a shaded hiking area perfect for a quick walk or a longer trek into a cool box canyon.
Best Picnic Spot: Willow Springs
A little further down the road, is Willow Springs. I think this is the perfect spot for a picnic under the shade of the ancient juniper trees. Lost Creek Trail is a great choice, especially in spring when you might catch a glimpse of a waterfall that flows only after a recent rain.
Finish your loop at Red Rock Wash Overlook. It’s a nice quiet spot to reflect on the day before heading back to the Las Vegas Strip with plenty of time for dinner.
Best Guided Tours of Red Rock from Las Vegas
If you don’t want to rent a car, or you’d rather enjoy the hassle-free experience of having an expert guide handle the nitty-gritty details, there are some awesome Vegas to Red Rock tours to consider.
Experience the canyon in a custom-built Tour Trekker vehicle, designed for comfort and off-road capability.
This small-group tour provides an informative journey through the park's highlights, including stops at scenic overlooks and a guided nature walk.
Combine adventure with eco-friendly travel on this electric bike tour. Ride along the scenic loop with minimal effort, allowing you to focus on the breathtaking surroundings. The tour includes safety equipment and guidance from experienced instructors.
This is my top pick for a romantic Red Rock experience. My lady prefers to remain anonymous, but we have a stunning picture of the two of us at Red Rock that I’ve been meaning to frame.
This tour gives you the chance to witness the canyon's transformation as the sun sets, casting vibrant hues across the landscape. This tour offers a guided experience during the golden hour, perfect for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
For a luxurious perspective, this helicopter tour combines aerial views of Red Rock Canyon with a landing in a secluded area.
This is a true two-for-one experience, as you get the exhilaration of flight and the "Overlook Experience" of seeing the full majesty of the Mojave Desert on display.
At the same time, it's also a luxury experience as the tour includes the opportunity to enjoy a little champagne with the panoramic vistas. Great for creating a special romantic moment. I would also note that the helicopter they use for this aerial Red Rock tour is spacious, which matters to a big man like me.
If you’ve always dreamed of driving a three-wheeled Polaris Slingshot, and you’ve always wanted to visit Red Rock Canyon, this self-guided tour is the best of both worlds.
The canyon’s scenic roads offer a visual feast and the contours of the road only add to the excitement when you’re behind the wheel of a Slingshot.
This self-drive tour offers a thrilling way to experience the landscape, with the added benefit of an open-air vehicle. I find it’s best to schedule the Slingshot tour early in the day when the roads are still empty. This gives you more time to enjoy the driving experience.
Final Thoughts on A Las Vegas Tour of Red Rock Canyon
I always take a day away from Vegas to reset my senses, and Red Rock is one of the best areas to take a break from all the noise and lights of the strip. Whether you rent a car or take a guided tour, a Red Rock experience will give you a new relationship with the Mojave Desert. It also gives you something more unique to talk about when you get home to tell people about your amazing Las Vegas vacation.
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