Red Rock Canyon: A Natural Oasis Just 20 Miles from The Strip
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There are many hidden gems to check out after you explored the main Vegas attractions. After a few exciting, yet tiresome days of soaking in all the excitement and glamour of The Strip, it makes sense to plan a relaxing day trip to one of the great natural natural wonders of Nevada, many of which are easily accessible via a short day trip. Thanks to living so close by (in beautiful Flagstaff), I have been able to plan many trips here relatively cheaply.
After a trip too many dining, seeing shows, and visiting popular tourist attractions, I was antsy to get away from all the glitz and glamour and explore the beautiful mountains. Mike and I both love hiking and anything to do with nature in general, so we figured why not explore while we have a car? Because we drove in and didn’t need a rental car, it would basically cost nothing to drive to the mountains. We lived in Nevada years ago and miss the majestic mountain scenery so it was a fun trip down memory lane driving around the big open desert.
Unfortunately, many tourists come and go without seeing the “other side of Nevada.” One of these fascinating, off-the-Strip attractions is gorgeous Red Rock Canyon. This massive 200,000 acre conservation area lies just 20 miles or so from all the craziness. It’s a beautiful place to hike, take a scenic drive, and simply enjoy nature after too many days of smoky casinos.
A great sidetrip for nature lovers
At Red Rock, you will find miles & miles of hiking trails, a 13 mile scenic drive, several scenic overlooks, and a great interpretive center. In terms of natural things to do, it does not get much better than this. Whether you choose a leisurely scenic drive, a challenging bike ride, or a refreshing hike, you will get to enjoy the same towering red rock formations and sandstone and limestone cliffs. There are breathtaking views in every direction, and this coming from someone who hikes in Sedona regularly.
There are several scenic overlooks in which you can just sit back for a bit and enjoy the mesmerizing views. Hiking a trail or 2 is the most optimal way to enjoy the mesmerizing scenery (there are 26 diverse options). Combining the scenic drive with stops at the overlooks gives you more than enough to do to justify the half hour drive. Even those preferring to take it easy on their vacation should be able to relax here with the beautiful views and ample non hiking options. No hiking is required to enjoy the gorgeous natural scenery!
Flora & fauna: it’s a diverse place
6 different Native American cultures were said to frequent this area due to the abundance of plant and animal life not found in the surrounding desert areas. Petroglyphs throughout the park have been discovered. On your visit, you will notice just how different the landscapes are here then the surrounding desert.
Both plant and animal life are abundant, and water can occasionally be seen during the winter months. According to the visitor center, Wild Burro and Bighorn sheep are occasionally spotted, as well as other smaller mammals and lots of birds.
You can learn more about the history of the park via the canyon’s webpage.
Hiking & scenic drives
Hiking is one of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of the park. Hikes range from easy loops of under 2 miles to all day adventures of 10+ miles only suited for the most advanced fitness enthusiasts. You don’t have to go all out on your vacation as there are a few easier options.
There are several seasonal waterfall hikes including IceBox Canyon, First Creek, and LostCreek, with December-April being the best time to catch a glimpse of these desert rarities.
If you are an avid cyclist, you may want to consider a ride along the scenic loop drive. The road is very hilly, and thus, only recommended for advanced cyclists. I’ve never seen so many cyclists out at one time, so I guess the popularity with locals says something! Really, the entire southwest seems to be a cyclist’s dream destination. I see so many throughout the entire state of Arizona.
You can check out this hiking guide to get a feel for the type of trails present before your visit.
The best thing to do here is take the scenic drive which is about 13 miles long. After several days partying, staying up late, and indulging too much, a hike may be a bit too much. This is where a nice cruise can be a great alternative. You will see a lot of intense cyclists out sharing the road.
If I was a Vegas local, I would definitely be out there enjoying a magnificent workout and scenery every weekend! What a beautiful place in the midst of all that man made commercialization! Take a few looks at the gorgeous mountain views you will get to enjoy along the route.
Why are the rock formations red?
The striking red hues are due to the presence of iron oxide, which results naturally from exposure to the elements. These sandstone cliffs are really old, being that they formed over 180 millions years ago during the Triassic Period. On an interesting side note, the tracks of theropod dinosaurs have been found in the Aztec sandstone in several locations, of which paleontologists are studying today. You can read more on the park’s website or browse through the exhibits at the visitor’s center.
This place in a way reminds me of Sedona. On a side note, I still prefer hiking amongst the ancient rocks in Sedona. If you have time for a few day trips, I definitely recommend a trip to Northern Arizona, which is easily one of the most gorgeous areas in the country. Basically, if you like the scenery here, you will be really impressed with Sedona’s landscapes.
A perfect daytrip for non gamblers
Hikers aside, I would say this is also a great daytrip for non gamblers, non drinkers, those under 21, and anyone else seeking relaxation. You have likely noticed these gorgeous mountains in the backdrop on any Vegas trip as they are clearly visible in the distance. Why not take some time out on your next trip to explore this gorgeous area in person?! This great little day trip is less than a half hour away, so check it out if you need a break from the Neon lights or slots for a bit.
If you are driving in, it will be easy enough to get here. If flying and not planning on renting a car, Uber is the way to go over a pricey cab ride. Pink Jeep tours are another option for those without a car. Your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel.
Best time to visit
This preserve is located within the beautiful Spring mountains. Although the elevation is a little bit higher than The Strip, the temps here still soar into the 90’s regularly during the summer season. Plus, the sun is pretty brutal out here. Also keep in mind that there is no shade, so it’s definitely better to plan your visit in the cooler fall or winter months.
Movie filming!
As a movie buff, I figured that many films probably took advantage of the spectacular setting. I have noticed many places throughout the Southwest featured in various films. According to the Nevada Film Office, here are a few movies that filmed in this area. How many have you seen?
- Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
- Fools Rush In – I love this Matthew Perry rom-com!
- Austin Powers
- Girl’s Night
- Anywhere But Here
- Rambo III
- Total Recall
Location & pricing info
The canyon is located at State Highway 159. Admission is $20 per vehicle, although an Annual National Parks Pass is also valid, which I really recommend purchasing if you visit national parks on a regular basis – it’s a wonderful deal for the frequent traveler. We have used ours extensively since moving to Arizona. Walk in rates are $5 pp and bicyclist rates are $8 pp. Pricing current as of 2025 – please check the website for updates and special events.
