Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive: Hours and Rules

The Drive at a Glance

The Red Rock Canyon Scenic Loop Drive is a 13-mile (21 km), paved, one-way scenic drive. Driven without stopping, the one-way route takes about 45 minutes. New low water bridge crossings at the Sandstone and Red Rock washes replaced at-grade road alignments on the drive, improving flash flood safety and reducing closures.

Aerial view of red and tan rock ridges at the edge of a dry desert plain, with rugged mountains and a hazy valley behind. — Red and pale rock formations rise from the desert floor below rugged brown mountains in this view from the air. Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0

13 miles (21 km)Loop length
About 45 minutesDriving time without stops
3 milesScenic Drive and Visitor Center to the campground

The Red Rock Scenic Drive and Visitor Center is 3 miles from the campground. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is about 30 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, where most hotels are located.

Opening and Closing Times

The Scenic Drive opens at 6:00 a.m. every day of the year, unless flash floods or snowstorms close it. The Scenic Loop Drive closes around sunset, and the closing hour changes with the month.

Scenic Loop Drive closing times
Months	Closing time
November through February	5 p.m.
March and October	7 p.m.
April through September	8 p.m.

Holiday hours

On Thanksgiving and Christmas Day the Scenic Drive is open only from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Timed Entry Reservations

Timed entry reservations are required for the Scenic Drive from October 1 to May 31, for entry between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. The reservations are booked online or by phone at (877) 444-6777.

Reservation period: October 1 to May 31.
Entry times covered: between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Booking by phone: (877) 444-6777, with online booking also available.

Rules of the Road

The Scenic Drive is one-way, and driving the wrong way is illegal and will be ticketed. The drive is limited to street licensed vehicles only.

Bicycles must follow motor vehicle road regulations: ride in the one-way direction and not side-by-side except to pass.
No bikes are allowed on trails accessed via the Scenic Drive.
Vehicles left parked along the scenic drive without a permit will be cited and possibly towed at the owner's expense.

Conditions Along the Route

The most congested time on the Scenic Drive is anticipated between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., especially on weekends and holidays. Mobile phone service is limited.

There is no potable water on the Scenic Drive, so visitors should fill up at the visitor center. Flash floods or snowstorms can close the drive, and new low water bridge crossings at the Sandstone and Red Rock washes reduced closures.

Tours

Tours in and around Red Rock Canyon

Scenic Drive Questions

How long is the Scenic Drive and how long does it take?

The Red Rock Canyon Scenic Loop Drive is a 13-mile (21 km), paved, one-way drive. It takes about 45 minutes to drive without stopping.

When are timed entry reservations required?

Reservations are required from October 1 to May 31 for entry between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. They are booked online or by phone at (877) 444-6777.

What time does the Scenic Drive open and close?

It opens at 6:00 a.m. every day of the year unless flash floods or snowstorms close it. It closes around sunset: 5 p.m. November through February, 7 p.m. in March and October, and 8 p.m. April through September.

What are the hours on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day?

On Thanksgiving and Christmas Day the Scenic Drive is open only from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Are bicycles allowed on the Scenic Drive?

Bicycles must follow motor vehicle road regulations, riding in the one-way direction and not side-by-side except to pass. No bikes are allowed on trails accessed via the Scenic Drive.

Is there drinking water on the drive?

There is no potable water on the Scenic Drive, so visitors should fill up at the visitor center.

The Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive