Red Rock Canyon Day Trips from Las Vegas

Red Rock Canyon is one of the most impressive stops in Las Vegas. That's why every year it receives more than two million visitors willing to enjoy all the adventures that this landscape has to offer.

Ana Caballero

Ana Caballero

10 min read

Red Rock Canyon Day Trips from Las Vegas

Paisaje en Red Rock Canyon | ©Michael Rodock

Red Rock Canyon is a natural conservation area located in Nevada, about 27 kilometers from the city of Las Vegas. The area is full of trails and areas for hiking, horseback riding, biking, rock climbing and many other incredible activities, all in the midst of a unique natural desert landscape.

This spectacular landscape is an area of worldwide geological interest, which means there is a lot to see, as well as a variety of ways to enjoy it. Throughout this article I will tell you about the best tours you can take to see Red Rock Canyon so you can add this excursion to your list of things to see and do in Las Vegas. You can't miss it!

1. Red Rock Canyon private tour for small groups

group of people on the river| ©Ann Kruetzkamp
group of people on the river| ©Ann Kruetzkamp

One of the best tours you can do from Las Vegas is this one that will allow you to see Red Rock Canyon at your own pace and without rushing, as you have the option to book it just for your group.

You will be able to see the most outstanding areas of the Mojave Desert, with natural stone sculptures, represented mostly by the impressive red rock peaks, which have been formed over the years, thanks to wind erosion.

Among the wonders that you will find in this tour are the Keystone Thrust fault and petroglyphs and other traces left by Native Americans in these lands over the years.

In addition, it usually includes entrance to the visitor center and stops at each of the scenic overlooks that you will find in the 21 kilometers of the tour. The best photos of the Nevada desert are taken at these points.

Details of interest

  • Price: approximately 560 euros for groups of up to 4 people.
  • Duration: 4 hours approximately
  • Means of transportation: They usually have pick up and return service to the hotel.
  • Advantages of this option: it is an excellent option to avoid crowds of people and enjoy with the family.

Book an excursion to Red Rock Canyon

2. Tour Red Rock Canyon by scooter and enjoy the desert in a different way.

scooter tour| ©jan buchholtz
scooter tour| ©jan buchholtz

This tour is a different and exciting way to enjoy the desert landscape that Red Rock Canyon has to offer. Each vehicle has room for two people, so the price is per scooter, so the total cost will depend on the number of small cars you require so that everyone in the family can take the tour.

The tour will last about 3 and a half hours and then you will have some time to explore some of the scenery on foot or discover curiosities at the visitor center. During the ride you can enjoy the best views, while following the guide in your small and fast vehicle.

An excursion to Red Rock Canyon is as important as the Grand Canyon tours: both are simply unmissable stops in Nevada.

The former is only about 30 minutes from Las Vegas, so it is the best option if you are going for a short time and want to get a good impression of the desert.

Details of interest

  • Price: approximately from 350 euros per 2 people.
  • Duration: 4 hours and 30 minutes approximately.
  • Means of transportation: Usually they have pick up and drop off service depending on the hotel.
  • Advantages of this option: It is a short tour, so it is ideal if you are short on time.

3. Tour to see Red Rock Canyon from a helicopter.

By helicopter| ©Mary
By helicopter| ©Mary

This is a very different way to admire the landscapes of the Mojave deserts. Like the helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon, this is undoubtedly one of the most incredible experiences you will ever have in your life.

On the way out, you will have the best view of the rock formations and their distinctive reddish color, and on the way back, the neon lights of the city complete the experience, elevating it to the next level.

The tour offers a private experience in which after touring the desert through the air, you stop at a private spot to enjoy a more intimate time, sipping exquisite champagne along with the scenery. Would you ask for marriage in such a magical place? Intoxicated with emotions, it's easy to understand why everyone wants to get married in Vegas.

Details of interest

  • Price: approximately from 250 euros per person.
  • Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours.
  • Means of transportation: Pick-up service from the hotel by limousine.
  • Advantages of this option: it offers a very different view of the Red Rock Canyon landscape. It admits a small group of up to 6 people.

Book a helicopter tour in Las Vegas

4. Discover the romantic scenery of Red Rock Canyon at sunset.

sunset from the rocks| © Joel Pilger
sunset from the rocks| © Joel Pilger

The best thing about this tour is being able to delight in the beauty of this landscape as it is bathed in the lights of the sunset. It's a special magic that makes this one of the best things to do in Las Vegas in 4 days, if you are short on time.

In addition to walking the nature trails, stopping at the viewpoints and seeing the desert wildlife up close, you can include as an extra a stop at the 7 Magic Mountains art exhibit by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone.

All this, just in time to watch the sunset and be amazed by the intensity of the colors of both the sky and the landscape - don't forget your camera!

Details of interest

  • Price: approximately 125 euros per person.
  • Duration: 4 hours to 5 hours and a half.
  • Means of transportation: Pick up and return to the hotel.
  • Advantages of this option: it is done in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.

5. Get to know Red Rock Canyon with an electric bike

man's bike on the road| ©Ornoth
man's bike on the road| ©Ornoth

Electric bike rides in Red Rock Canyon have a very special charm. You can enjoy the scenery at your own pace, without missing anything, riding along the trails accompanied by an experienced guide who will tell you the history of this majestic place.

This 30-kilometer paved tour, surrounded by desert, is one of the best excursions to National Parks from Las Vegas.

One of the biggest advantages of this tour is the possibility of reaching even the highest and most complicated terrain, without any problem or effort, something ideal for those who are not very fond of long walks on rocky terrain.

And if you like this type of activity, don't worry. There will be plenty of time for stops and short hikes in the magnificent and prehistoric Red Rock Canyon.

Details of interest

  • Price: about 120 euros per person.
  • Duration: about 3 hours.
  • Means of transport: pick up and return to the hotel.
  • Advantages of this option: you will discover the desert without exhausting yourself.

6. Experience an off-road adventure in Red Rock Canyon.

car up the mountain| ©Daniel
car up the mountain| ©Daniel

If there's one place in the Mojave Desert where you can find the best off-road tours in Las Vegas, it's Red Rock Canyon.

Climbing aboard these open-top vehicles, you'll enjoy the scenery on a 21-kilometer circular tour of the desert, reaching every interesting nook and cranny, with plenty of time to get to know this canyon in depth.

The adventure will take you to strategic stops, where you will find pictographs of the ancient natives, discovering part of the interesting history of this place.

If you are attentive, you will see coyotes, snakes and other native animals. You will also visit the Keystone Thrust Fault, a place where nature will take your breath away.

Details of interest

  • Price: around 140 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 4 hours.
  • Means of transportation: pick up and return to the hotel.
  • Advantages of this option: you will enjoy the experience in the company of a small group of a maximum of 7 people.

Book an off-road tour in Las Vegas

7. Red Rock Canyon Hiking Tour

two people on the red mountain| ©Gregor Samsa
two people on the red mountain| ©Gregor Samsa

One of the best ways to experience Red Rock Canyon is to take the best hiking trails and become one with the scenery. Your guide will brief you on the history and geology of the area, and take you to the most iconic stops, where native footprints survive to this day.

The curious Native American petroglyphs are even more mysterious in person. Plus, the colors of the mountains and vegetation will make you feel like a true explorer. There will be no shortage of spots to take the best pictures, with an intoxicating natural colorfulness, so bring a good camera!

Details of interest

  • Price: approximately 580 euros for groups of 3 people.
  • Duration: 5 hours.
  • Means of transport: pick up and return to the hotel.
  • Advantages of this option: you will have the freedom to know the desert at your own pace, with the stops you want.

What are the advantages of taking a guided tour vs. visiting Red Rock Canyon on my own?

Person climbing the mountain| ©Gregor Samsa
Person climbing the mountain| ©Gregor Samsa

Having a trained and knowledgeable staff is essential to enjoy the ride without risk. For those who have never ridden a scooter, for example, the guide kindly offers a short, quick course, which turns out to be more than enough.

Guided tours and excursions include the most important stops, leaving you with a more complete impression and experience, some even allow you to experience the wonders of the desert without discomfort, such as the luxury tours.

You can also choose to book an option with a small number of people, touring the landscapes of Red Rock Canyon.

Don't forget to get interesting information at the visitor's center, where you will also find the souvenir store, which you will surely love. Remember to bring cash!

Why is it advisable to take a tour to Red Rock Canyon?

welcome signage| © Ian Mackey
welcome signage| © Ian Mackey

If you have the opportunity to get to Las Vegas, visiting Red Rock Canyon is one of the best options to get an incredible impression of this different and particular geography. For example, to travel through the desert feeling the wind at full speed is an incredible experience.

On these excursions you will have the opportunity to take a close look at the local fauna, including wild horses, pumas and eagles in flight. You can stop wherever you prefer and hike a bit to reach some high points where the view is simply magnificent.

One of the best stops is Wilson Cliffs, where the color of the region becomes even more intense. Likewise, Calico Hills competes closely with this explosive display of reddish and orange colors, splashed with intense green.

This is an unparalleled adventure that will immerse you in the desert landscape of Red Rock Canyon, traveling through the Mojave Desert.

Tips for a trip to Red Rock Canyon

mountain hiking bags| ©Coconino National Forest, Ariz.
mountain hiking bags| ©Coconino National Forest, Ariz.

The landscape of Red Rock Canyon looks like a passage to another world. The colors of the minerals and the shapes of the rocks are simply magnificent. To enjoy it to the fullest, it is essential to take certain precautions, since you cannot forget that it is a desert and the climate is very different from what you are used to feel.

  • Don't forget to hydrate yourself: First of all, bring enough water. Although most tours cover hydration, I assure you that it won't hurt to bring an extra bottle.
  • Clothing: Clothing is also an important point to consider. It should be appropriate for the warm weather, but at the same time protect you from the sun. UV-protected clothing that is light and loose-fitting is the best choice.
  • Footwear: Don't forget sturdy, comfortable sports shoes with good grip on the soles. This way you will be able to enjoy hiking routes you will never forget. Don't forget to bring sunglasses!
  • Take amap: Even if you are traveling on a guided tour, be sure to bring a map. You can download it from the official Red Rock Canyon website or at the visitor center before you start your tour.
  • Plan your trip in advance: Among other things, you should take into account the weather or the times of the year when it is best to make these excursions. Tours can be booked well in advance to make sure you cover all the sights you want to see.

How to book a tour to Red Rock Canyon

brown rocky mountain under blue skies| © Daniel Halseth
brown rocky mountain under blue skies| © Daniel Halseth

To book a tour to Red Rock Canyon, the first thing to do is to look at the best dates for your visit. Consider the weather and the places you want to see, and the type of experience you want.

For example, to enjoy a landscape full of flowers and vegetation at its best, April is the ideal month. During spring you will also see the most abundant waterfalls and the temperature is not so hot. Between 21°C and 26°C.

Fall is also a good time to visit Red Rock Canyon, i.e. September and October. The weather is equally cool and you can enjoy the desert scenery without being affected by the extreme heat of summer or the harsh cold of winter.

After you decide when, you have to think about what you want to see. There are many monuments and natural landscapes and, depending on how long your trip lasts, you will be able to see some or others.

When you have these decisions made, the next thing to do is to go to the pages that offer the tours and choose the ones that best fit your plans according to availability. I recommend you to do this in advance so that you don't run out of places.