Outdoors Summerlin, Las Vegas
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
An outdoor spot in Summerlin, Las Vegas, budget-friendly ($) and worth about 4 hours. Best time to go: Morning, Oct–Apr.
Why go
13-mile scenic drive past red sandstone cliffs, with short hikes like Calico Tanks.
It is one of 10 curated places we feature in Las Vegas, alongside 4 sights, 2 bars & cafés and 2 places to eat. 2 more of our picks sit within about half a mile in a straight line, so it pairs easily with Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center and Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive. Set aside about 4 hours here; it works best as the anchor of a day rather than a quick stop.
- Type
- Outdoors · Nature
- Neighborhood
- Summerlin
- Price
- $
- Time needed
- 4 hr
- Best time
- Morning, Oct–Apr
Nearby
Our closest curated picks, including 5 beyond Las Vegas. Distances are straight-line, not walking or driving.
- 1Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center
BLM visitor center at the start of the Scenic Drive, with desert exhibits and an outdoor tortoise habitat.
Sight · Red Rock Canyon · 0.0 mi straight-line - 2Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive
A 13-mile one-way loop past the Calico Hills and the Keystone Thrust, with trailheads and pullouts along the way.
Outdoors · Red Rock Canyon · 0.0 mi straight-line - 3Calico Basin
Area just outside the Scenic Drive with the Red Spring boardwalk and sandstone walls; no timed entry needed.
Outdoors · Red Rock Canyon · 1.1 mi straight-line - 4Calico Tanks Trail
A 2.5-mile round-trip scramble through the Calico Hills sandstone to a seasonal water tank and a view back to the Strip.
Outdoors · Red Rock Canyon · 2.2 mi straight-line - 5Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
Historic ranch under the Wilson Cliffs, with a cabin, blacksmith shop and short trails; Nevada State Parks runs First Day Hikes here.
Outdoors · Red Rock Canyon · 4.7 mi straight-line - 6Herbs & Rye
Off-Strip cocktail bar with a history-organized drinks menu and half-price steaks at happy hour.
Drinks · 13 mi straight-line
On these curated routes
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a stop on our Las Vegas & National Parks route. Open it to see the full day-by-day plan.
More to do in Las Vegas
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is our only outdoors pick in Las Vegas; here is what else we recommend there. See the full Las Vegas guide.
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Hoover Dam
1930s concrete giant on the Colorado River; walk the top and the bypass bridge for the full view.
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The Neon Museum
Boneyard of retired casino signs with guided tours on the history of Las Vegas.
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The Mob Museum
Organized crime history in the old federal courthouse, with a speakeasy and distillery in the basement.
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Fremont Street Experience
Covered pedestrian mall with the Viva Vision light canopy, old casinos and street shows.
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Atomic Liquors
Las Vegas's oldest freestanding bar (1952), once a spot for watching atomic tests.
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Bellagio Fountains
Choreographed fountain show on the Bellagio lake, free and right on the Strip.
When to go
Average daily highs in Las Vegas run from 56°F in December to 107°F in July; February is usually the wettest month. For Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area itself, we suggest: Morning, Oct–Apr.
Modelled monthly averages for Las Vegas from NASA POWER, not a forecast. Full Las Vegas weather by month.
Getting there
Map links open a live search for Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, so hours and directions come straight from the map app.
- Address
- 1000 Scenic Loop Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89161, USA
- Coordinates
- 36.13561, -115.42789
- Destination
- Las Vegas, Nevada
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area: quick answers
How much time do you need at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area?
Plan on about 4 hours at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. That is our curated estimate for a typical visit; groups that linger will want more.
When is the best time to visit Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area?
Our pick: Morning, Oct–Apr. Insider tip: Timed-entry reservation needed Oct–May for the scenic drive; go early.
Where is Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area?
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is at 1000 Scenic Loop Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89161, USA, in Summerlin. The Google Maps and Apple Maps links on this page open it for directions.
Which TripsCircle routes include Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area?
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area appears on Las Vegas & National Parks, a curated route you can open on TripsCircle and plan with your group.
Add it to your crew's plan
Save it to a shared TripsCircle itinerary, settle the timing with a quick poll, and split the costs with everyone going to Las Vegas.
Plan Las Vegas
- Las Vegas travel guide 10 places
- Best time to visit Las Vegas weather by month
- Las Vegas to Zion NP 141 mi straight-line
Lists & regions
Also in Las Vegas
- Bellagio Fountains Sight
- Lotus of Siam Food
- Fremont Street Experience Activity
- Atomic Liquors Drinks
Curated recommendation, not live listing data. Confirm hours, prices, bookings and access before you go.