Red Rock Canyon Hikes: Trails, Heat and Rules

Red rock canyon hikes range from a few minutes to a full day. The Moenkopi Loop is an easy trail of 2.1 miles (3.4 km) that starts at the visitor center and passes Triassic fossils and desert flora, with views of the Wilson Cliffs.

2.1Moenkopi Loop length (miles)
4Summer water per day (liters)
12Maximum group size (people)
50Soil crust recovery, up to (years)

The setting and the Moenkopi Loop

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is in Clark County, Nevada, United States. The Bureau of Land Management manages it as part of its National Landscape Conservation System.

The Moenkopi Loop begins at the visitor center and runs for 2.1 miles (3.4 km). Along the way it passes Triassic fossils and desert flora and offers views of the Wilson Cliffs. Hikes in the area range from a few minutes to a full day.

Red sandstone slopes and a prickly pear cactus in the foreground, with green shrubs and rocky mountains beneath a cloudy sky. — Layered red rock and desert shrubs lead toward distant mountains under a broad, cloudy sky. Photo: BLM Nevada, CC BY 2.0

Heat, water and storms

Summer temperatures

Temperatures in Red Rock Canyon can exceed 110°F, which affects summer hiking. Summer temperatures at Red Rock Canyon can also routinely exceed 105 °F (41 °C).

Drinking water

The summer figure for hikers is four liters of water per day. Water is only available at the visitor center, and none is provided at other trailheads or in the backcountry.

Flash floods and hiker registration

Mountain thunderstorms can cause flash flooding in canyons and washes, and hikers are told to check the weather. A voluntary hiker's registration is also available at the visitor center, for sharing a hiker's plans with someone.

Trail rules and protecting the desert floor

Hikers are asked to stay on established trails. Biological soil crust can take up to 50 years to recover in the Mojave Desert.

Group size on hiking trails and climbing routes is limited to 12 people or fewer.
Trails reached through the Scenic Drive are closed to bicycles.
ATV use is not permitted in the conservation area.

Reaching the trailheads

The Scenic Drive gives access to many trailheads. Between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., entry to it requires a timed reservation from October 1 to May 31.

Public transportation does not extend to Red Rock Canyon. Rideshare users are limited to the visitor center and the hiking trails that start there, so the Moenkopi Loop falls within that group.

A stop at the Red Rock Overlook on SR 159 needs no reservation or fee, though parking may be limited.

Camping near the trails

Red Rock Campground lies off State Route 159 (West Charleston Boulevard) inside the conservation area. Campfires and charcoal barbecues are prohibited there until fire restrictions are lifted, usually in late September or early October.

Popular primitive camping areas without facilities on BLM land include Bitter Spring Back Country Byway, Gold Butte Back Country Byway, Knob Hill, Virgin Mountains, Christmas Tree Pass and Logandale Trails System.

Guided hikes and tours

Tours and activities

Red rock canyon hikes: common questions

How long is the Moenkopi Loop?

The Moenkopi Loop is an easy trail of 2.1 miles (3.4 km) that starts at the visitor center. It has Triassic fossils, desert flora and views of the Wilson Cliffs.

How much water is needed for a summer hike?

The summer figure is four liters of water per day. Water is only available at the visitor center, not at other trailheads or in the backcountry.

How hot does it get on the trails?

Temperatures can exceed 110°F, and summer temperatures can routinely exceed 105 °F (41 °C).

Is there a hiker registration?

A voluntary hiker's registration is available at the visitor center, for sharing a hiker's plans with someone.

Can rideshare users reach the trails?

Rideshare users are limited to the visitor center and the hiking trails that start there. Public transportation does not extend to Red Rock Canyon.

What is the maximum group size?

Group size on hiking trails and climbing routes is limited to 12 people or fewer.

Are bicycles or ATVs allowed?

Bicycles are not permitted on any trails accessed via the Scenic Drive, and ATV use is not permitted in the conservation area.

Red Rock Canyon Hikes