Red Rock Canyon Tour Self-Guided Drive Experience

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center

   Entering Red Rock Canyon for the Scenic Drive is your only opportunity to enter the Visitor Center and, since the loop is one-way, you only pass the Visitor Center at the beginning of the Scenic Drive. This is the only place that has restrooms with running water and a water filling station, plus an Information Booth with trail maps, Gift Shop, and outdoor exhibits worth a walk-through, plus a chance to see live desert tortoises.

   40 minutes here · Admission not included

2. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

   Almost everything worth seeing and doing at Red Rock Canyon is along this Scenic Drive, including the Visitor Center. This is the number one way, and best way, to experience Red Rock Canyon. Much of the year, a reservation is required for the Scenic Drive.

   45 minutes here

3. Calico 1

   It would be hard to pass this first stop in the Calico Hills without at least stepping foot on some of the vivid red rock. Although you could just park, get out of the car and take a few moments to enjoy the mind-blowing view and take some photos, you probably won’t be able to resist hiking at least a little of this moderate trail. It runs 2 - 6 miles from different start/end points, but just a taste of it will allow you to experience the beauty and shapes of these gorgeous rock formations up close.

   30 minutes here

4. Calico Hills

   Pull up and feast your eyes on this view! You’ll want to take even more photos of the Calico Hills from this angle, and you’ll find yourself seeing all kinds of different things in these intricate rock formations. If you’re lucky enough to get a parking spot in this small lot, you could also hike part of the same Calico Hills trail from here that you can access from Calico I, but with different vantage points of the glorious red rocks.

   5 minutes here

5. The most popular hiking trail in all of Red Rock Canyon begins from this location, which is the site of an old quarry operation. You can see the cuts in the mountain sandstone and a few of the slabs remain on-site. Look for rock climbers way up high (they are so far up that they almost blend in!) But the real reason this stop is so popular is because it’s the starting point of the Calico Tanks Trail. You may have to drive around the parking lot a few times until a space opens up, but it’s worth it to take at least part of this . moderate trail for the magnificent views.

   30 minutes here

6. High Point Overlook

   Park and take in the view from this spot along the Scenic Drive.

   5 minutes here

7. This is one of only a few truly sweeping overlooks of Red Rock Canyon, and this one’s at the highest elevation point in all of Red Rock Canyon at 4,771 feet above sea level. Pull in, get out of the car, and immerse yourself in the view as you slowly turn full-circle to see all of the mountain majesty surrounding you.

   5 minutes here

8. Willow Spring

   Just a quick turn off the Scenic Drive will bring you to a place you don’t want to miss: Willow Spring. There are two highly recommended hikes from this beautiful picnic area dwarfed by mountains. The Petroglyph Wall Trail is a short, easy .15 mile hike to a cliff side full of ancient art dating back over 800 years that only takes about 30 minutes round trip. The Willow Springs Loop is another easy trail (1.5 miles round-trip) that’s really great to take at least part of the way (it runs parallel to the parking lot, starting from the picnic tables) because often there are bighorn sheep watching you from the mountain ledges above! They blend in, though, so keep your eyes peeled! You’ll also pass by the largest of the ancient agave roasting pits. And, if you brought a picnic lunch and are hungry, enjoy this incredible view while you take a break.

   40 minutes here

9. In the same area as Willow Spring, enjoy the mountains from this vantage point as you try to spot the bighorn sheep. They love to hang out on the rocky cliffs but are good at blending in with the scenery! A popular hike from this location is The Children’s Discovery Trail – rated easy, with some rocky terrain and a boardwalk, plus a hidden seasonal waterfall that usually flows between December and April. There’s a variety of desert plant life to see here, too.

   5 minutes here

10. Ice Box Canyon

    Ice Box Canyon is a popular area for birding and for advanced hikers. The trailhead from here is difficult and strenuous, but it’s worth a stop in the parking lot just to take in the scenery and for some photos.

    5 minutes here

11. Red Rock Canyon Overlook

    This is a sweeping and serene overlook. Take it in. Breathe in the fresh air. Relax for a couple of minutes immersed in nature, as you listen to the wind blowing through the mountains or the unusual birds, including the western tanager, chirping in the Joshua Trees.

    5 minutes here

12. Stop here for views of the open desert and monolithic canyon walls, along with some diverse plant life. If you get here later in the day, this side of the Scenic Drive is shrouded in silhouette with the sun coming from behind the mountains. There is a moderate hike from here that leads past an old homestead site and into a meadow.

    5 minutes here

13. You’ll be driving down a short gravel road to get here, but you don’t need a truck – regular cars can handle the bumpy road as long as you drive slowly. The mule deer like to romp around this area and will sometimes run right past your car! The view is just beautiful where the canyon cuts into the Red Rock Escarpment, and it’s just a short detour off the Scenic Drive.

    5 minutes here

14. Red Rock Canyon Overlook

    This is arguably the best overlook in all of Red Rock Canyon. Be sure to walk the paved trail that begins at the helipad on the far end of the parking lot. You’ll stroll past the Joshua Trees to the benches at the tip of the overlook and see most of the giant mountains along the Scenic loop that you just finished driving around. You can also have a wonderful picnic with a view from here if you like. Be sure and grab a selfie with this backdrop!

    20 minutes here

15. Here, you’ll see horses, mules, and the beloved Jackson the Red Rock Burro if he’s ‘home’ and not out on a trail ride. There are great mountain and canyon views from here, as well. Worth a quick stop. The Fossil Ridge Trail also begins from here. And you may find yourself tempted to make a reservation for a horseback ride that takes you along Canyon paths!

    20 minutes here

16. Red Spring Picnic Area

    This is another spot where you can enjoy a picnic with a stunning view.

    60 minutes here

Where it starts and ends

Before you book

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Languages

en

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Every day

Group size

Up to 15 travelers per booking

Operated by

Shaka Guide Apps

Know before you go

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Travelers must have a smartphone compatible with the Shaka Guide app.
• The app must be downloaded and the tour redeemed before arrival.
• Strong Wi-Fi or cellular data is required to download the tour in advance.
• Location services (GPS) must be enabled on the device
• Travelers are responsible for securing any required entrance passes, reservations, or permits before starting
• Tour starts and ends 10 miles west of Downtown Las Vegas — plan at least a half to full day
• Timed entry reservation required Oct 1–May 31 between 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Stock up before entering — last grocery store and gas station at 11720 W. Charleston Blvd & Desert Foothills Dr; no food, gas, or water inside the canyon (one bottle refill station at the Visitor Center only)
• Do not park on dirt — strictly enforced; if lots are full, wait for a space
• Do not leave valuables visible in your car — lock everything in the trunk or leave at the hotel
• Hike early morning April–October — temperatures can exceed 100°F
• Watch for cyclists, horseback riders, wildlife (desert tortoises, burros, mule deer) on the one-way Scenic Drive — sharp turns, no speeding
• Dogs welcome on leash — bring extra water and never leave pets in the car ••••••

Photos

Traveler reviews

5 verified traveler reviews for Red Rock Canyon Tour Self-Guided Drive Experience. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.