Hotels near Red Rock Canyon

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is the easiest taste of the Mojave wilderness from Las Vegas, a sweep of dramatic red-and-cream sandstone cliffs just half an hour west of the Strip. A 13-mile one-way scenic loop drive threads past the best viewpoints, with trailheads for short walks and longer hikes branching off along the way.

The rock formations glow at sunrise and sunset, and the area draws hikers, rock climbers and cyclists looking for a break from the casinos. It is a complete change of pace and a reminder that Vegas sits in a genuinely beautiful desert.

Pro Tip: Timed-entry reservations are required for the scenic loop in the busy cooler months, so book online before you drive out. Go early to beat both the heat and the crowds, carry plenty of water, and allow two to three hours for the loop with a short walk.