Field guide
Red Rock Canyon hike and trail running information
Find official information for a Red Rock Canyon hike. This guide covers the 13-mile scenic loop, trail access, and timed entry reservations.
Red Rock Canyon is a National Conservation Area located 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip. The area features red and cream colored sandstone cliffs in the Mohave Desert and contains many miles of hiking trails.
This page provides information for runners and hikers based on official sources. It covers access to the area, the main scenic drive, and rules for using the trails.
Official facts at a glance
- Type of place
- National Conservation Area
- Location relative to Las Vegas Strip
- 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip on Charleston Boulevard/State Route 159
- Travel time from Las Vegas Strip
- approx. 30 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip
- Scenic Loop Drive length
- 13 miles
- Timed entry reservation hours
- 8am – 5pm
- Timed entry reservation period
- October 1 to May 31
- Items requiring fees/reservations
- Timed entry tickets for the scenic drive, backcountry late exit pass, camping spots, large picnic area in Red Spring
- GPS address for visitor center
- Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center, or 1000 Scenic Loop Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89161
- Public transportation access
- Not available
- Ride share user activity limitations
- Limited to the visitor’s center and the hiking trails that originate there
- Key features and activities
- red- and cream-colored sandstone cliffs, Mohave Desert, world-class climbing, miles of hiking trails, a 13-mile scenic loop drive, visitor center, multiple day-use areas, campground
Source: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (blm.gov). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
The scenic loop drive
The main access to many trailheads is a 13-mile scenic loop drive. The drive begins at the visitor center and passes multiple day-use areas.
Runners and hikers using the road should be aware that it is a paved surface shared with vehicles and cyclists.
Access and reservations
A timed entry reservation is required to enter the scenic drive between October 1 and May 31, for entry between 8am and 5pm.
Other items that require reservations or fees include camping spots, the large picnic area in Red Spring, and a backcountry late exit pass.
Getting to Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon is located about 30 minutes and 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip. The visitor center address is 1000 Scenic Loop Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89161.
Public transportation is not available to the area. Ride share services are limited to drop off and pick up at the visitor center and the trails that start from there.
Before you go
- Check if your visit falls between October 1 and May 31, as a timed entry reservation is required for the scenic drive.
- Confirm the scenic drive hours, as reservations are needed for entry between 8am and 5pm during the reservation season.
- Plan your transportation, as public transit does not serve the area.
- If using a ride share service, know that access is limited to the visitor center and its trailheads.
- The main scenic drive is 13 miles long, so plan your route and timing accordingly.
Nearby options: running and active spots in Las Vegas. All cities: City running and hiking guides.