Getting to Red Rock Canyon
Airport, roads, tour buses and entry rules for the conservation area
Arriving from Las Vegas
Harry Reid International Airport is the gateway for international and domestic flights into the Las Vegas Valley. By car, Red Rock Canyon lies approximately 30 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. Hotels in Las Vegas may be the starting point for tour buses and commercial tours.
Tours to Red Rock Canyon
Distances and driving times
Driving the one-way Scenic Drive without any stops takes about 45 minutes. Along State Route 159 and at its junction with State Route 160, fuel and food are spread out at the distances listed in the table.
| Route or stop | Distance or time |
|---|---|
| Las Vegas Strip to Red Rock Canyon by car | Approximately 30 minutes |
| One-way Scenic Drive without stopping | About 45 minutes |
| Gas station at the intersection of State Routes 159 and 160, south of Red Rock Canyon | 10.5 miles |
| Town of Blue Diamond, south of the entrance along State Route 159 | 7.5 miles |
| Charleston Boulevard and Desert Foothills Drive, northeast of the visitor center | 4.5 miles |
Reservations and fees at the entrance
From October 1 through May 31, anyone entering the Scenic Drive between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. needs a timed entry reservation. The Red Rock Overlook on SR 159 charges nothing and takes no bookings, and its parking may be limited.
- Entry for one day costs $20 for a private vehicle, $10 for a motorcycle, $8 for a bicycle and $5 for a pedestrian.
- A night at an individual campsite is $25, and a night at a group campsite is $80.
Fuel, food and supplies
Restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations and banks closest to the canyon are found at Charleston Boulevard and Desert Foothills Drive, 4.5 miles northeast of the visitor center. Blue Diamond lies 7.5 miles south of the entrance along State Route 159, and the town has a restaurant, gasoline, a post office and a small store. A gas station also stands at the intersection of State Routes 159 and 160, 10.5 miles south of Red Rock Canyon.
On site: visitor center, rules and signal
The visitor center opens daily from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, and during those hours a small drink stand inside sells bottled beverages. Drinking water is not supplied along the Scenic Drive; the visitor center is the place to fill up. Mobile phone coverage across the conservation area is unreliable.
ATV use is not permitted in the Red Rock Canyon conservation area. Pets must stay on a leash of no more than 6 feet (2 m). The Red Spring Picnic Area has a fully accessible boardwalk that runs 0.6 miles (1 km).
Seasons and road conditions
In the Mojave Desert, strong thunderstorms are possible in the late summer months and can cause flash flooding. Monsoon storms potentially affect Las Vegas between July and August. Snow gathers every winter on the mountains around the Las Vegas Valley, while significant snow in the city itself is rare.
Overnight minimum temperatures in Las Vegas average around 40 °F (4.4 °C) in December and January. Las Vegas records freezing temperatures on an average of 10 nights per winter.
Questions about getting to Red Rock Canyon
How many minutes does the drive from the Strip take?
Approximately 30 minutes by car from the Las Vegas Strip.
Which airport handles flights into the area?
Harry Reid International Airport receives international and domestic flights for the Las Vegas Valley.
Where might a tour bus depart from?
Tour buses and commercial tours may leave from hotels in Las Vegas.
When does the Scenic Drive require a timed entry reservation?
The requirement runs from October 1 to May 31 and applies to entry between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Does a stop at the Red Rock Overlook cost anything?
No. The overlook on SR 159 has no fee and no reservation, though its parking may be limited.
What does daily entry cost?
Daily entry is $20 per private vehicle, $10 per motorcycle, $8 per bicycle and $5 per pedestrian.
What are the visitor center hours?
The visitor center is open from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm every day.
Is mobile phone coverage reliable?
No. Mobile phone coverage in the conservation area is unreliable.