Las Vegas to Red Rock Canyon
Routes, transport limits and entry rules from the Strip
Distance and driving routes from the Strip
Red Rock Canyon is 17 miles (27 km) west of the Las Vegas Strip. A trip from the Strip to the conservation area is about 30 minutes.
After exit 26, the final leg on State Route 159/West Charleston Boulevard to the Scenic Drive entrance is 5.5 miles. An alternative route from I-15 uses exit 33 toward State Route 160 west/Blue Diamond Road.
- 17 miles (27 km)Distance west of the Strip
- About 30 minutesTime from the Strip
- 5.5 milesFinal leg after exit 26
Reaching the canyon without a car
Las Vegas has no public transportation link to Red Rock Canyon. Tour buses and commercial tours may be available from Las Vegas hotels. Visitors arriving by ride share can only do activities at the visitor center and the hiking trails that start there.
Tours from Las Vegas
Timed entry reservations for the Scenic Drive
For entry between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., the Scenic Drive requires a timed entry reservation from October 1 to May 31. Reservations are made on Recreation.gov or by phone at (877) 444-6777. On arrival, commercial buses, motorcoaches and vans are charged an extra $5 per person, with the driver excluded.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Reservation period | October 1 to May 31 |
| Entry hours covered | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| How to book | Recreation.gov or by phone at (877) 444-6777 |
| Commercial buses, motorcoaches and vans | Extra $5 per person on arrival, driver excluded |
Staying overnight and seasonal conditions
The conservation area is 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip, and visitors can stay in Las Vegas. Red Rock Canyon Campground is an approximate 20 mile drive from the Strip. The campground is closed from June 1 to August 31, while dispersed camping off Lovell Canyon Road stays open year-round while spots are available.
July is the hottest month in Las Vegas, the nearest major weather station to Red Rock Canyon, with an average daytime high of 104.5 °F (40.3 °C). Backcountry risks at Red Rock Canyon include flash flooding and lightning from thunderstorms.
How the land came under protection
In 1936 Congress designated Red Rock Canyon as part of the Desert Game Refuge, now known as the Desert National Wildlife Refuge. In 1964 the BLM withdrew 10,000 acres at Red Rock from mining and other development. In 1967 the BLM designated 62,000 acres as Red Rock Canyon Recreation Lands, the first formal designation at Red Rock.
| Year | Action | Area |
|---|---|---|
| 1936 | Congress designated Red Rock Canyon as part of the Desert Game Refuge | Not stated |
| 1964 | BLM withdrew land from mining and other development | 10,000 acres |
| 1967 | BLM designated Red Rock Canyon Recreation Lands, the first formal designation | 62,000 acres |
Questions about the trip from Las Vegas
How far is Red Rock Canyon from the Las Vegas Strip?
Red Rock Canyon is 17 miles (27 km) west of the Las Vegas Strip, and the conservation area is about 30 minutes from the Strip.
Does public transportation run from Las Vegas to Red Rock Canyon?
No. Public transportation does not run from Las Vegas to Red Rock Canyon, though tour buses and commercial tours may be available from Las Vegas hotels.
What can ride share visitors do at the canyon?
Visitors arriving by ride share can only do activities at the visitor center and the hiking trails that start there.
Which road routes lead to the Scenic Drive?
After exit 26, the final leg on State Route 159/West Charleston Boulevard to the Scenic Drive entrance is 5.5 miles. An alternative route from I-15 uses exit 33 toward State Route 160 west/Blue Diamond Road.
When are timed entry reservations required and how are they made?
They are required for the Scenic Drive from October 1 to May 31 for entry between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. They are made on Recreation.gov or by phone at (877) 444-6777.
What extra charge applies to commercial buses and vans?
Commercial buses, motorcoaches and vans pay an extra $5 per person on arrival, excluding the driver.
When is Red Rock Canyon Campground closed?
The campground is closed from June 1 to August 31. Dispersed camping off Lovell Canyon Road stays open year-round while spots are available.
More tours near you
Sources
- Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area | Bureau of Land Management
- Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area - Nevada | Bureau of Land Management
- Red Rock Canyon Campground - Nevada | Bureau of Land Management
- Las Vegas
- Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
- Red Rock Celebrates 25 Years as a National Conservation Area | Bureau of Land Management