Spending a Day in Red Rock Canyon
The perfect day trip to Red Rock Canyon from Las Vegas, Nevada.
For years we would visit Las Vegas but never actually leave the strip. We didn't know what we were missing.
This all changed when an impromptu Vegas vacation fell apart and we decided it was time to venture out. Since we were already in the city we wanted something nearby but with a completely different vibe.
Red Rock Canyon is this hidden gem perfect for adventure seekers. By driving about 30 minutes you leave the craziness of Sin City and suddenly you're one with nature.
We were so happy we finally branched out and did some exploring. The hikes are amazing and the views are phenomenal.
Now for our yearly Las Vegas getaways, we make sure to set aside time for visiting Nevada’s Red Rock Canyon. It's an easy day trip and the perfect way to wind down while on vacation.
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Contents
Where to Stay
Las Vegas Strip
Red Rock Canyon made its way onto our travel destination list because of it's close proximity to Las Vegas. With only a quick 30 minute drive you can be in the park and ready to explore.
Staying at a strip hotel can be a perfect compromise for getting Red Rock during the day but the Las Vegas nightlife when you're done. In one day you can be one with nature then get some gambling in.
Any Las Vegas hotel puts you within a drive to Red Rock Canyon but we feel staying on the strip gives you that EXTRA Vegas experience.
If you don't have your own car we suggest getting a rental. You can always pay for a shuttle or rideshare but having a rental car gives you more control over your plans.
Red Rock Canyon Campground
If you want to get the whole Red Rock experience then staying in the campground is a must. Red Rock Canyon is beautiful and the campground allows you to be surrounded with amazing views.
It is the closest place to stay for all of the hiking and outdoor adventures. There seems to be a limited amount of spaces so make sure to reserve a spot online in advance.
You would need to bring your own tent but the sites have fire pits, tables, and grills. There is a bathroom but they are "vault toilets". Basically a step up from porta-potties but a step down from actual plumbing.
Where to Eat
Fast Food
It's no secret that everything is a little pricy in Vegas and food is no exception. One of the best parts about taking day trips away from the strip is that you can get food on the road without breaking the bank.
On the way to and back from Red Rock Canyon we like to stop and get fast food. This way it's quick, easy, and most importantly cheap.
Our go-to spots are
- Burger King
- Raising Cane's
Burger King is the more direct option since it's right off the highway but we never pass up a chance to get Raising Cane's. It's worth the extra 10 minutes on the road.
Pack a Picnic
Red Rock Canyon has plenty of lookout points perfect for a picnic. You can use tables in the campground, lay a blanket down, or find a good rock.
We're big fans of packing up our hiking bags and eating on our hike. Once we get to the summit we can relax, enjoy the view and have a quick lunch.
We like to keep it simple and buy our food from the grocery store on the way out of Las Vegas. This way we can get premade sandwiches and plenty of snacks.
What to do
Hiking
The best part of Red Rock Canyon is taking in all the views. What better way than to hike around and get to see everything first hand. Plus, most hikes offer great viewpoints at the end so you can see even more.
There is a road that loops around the park and has trails along the way. There is a huge range of hikes so you can pick what hike would be best for you.
They have long hikes and short hikes and flat hikes and steep hikes. Basically, they have a hike for almost everyone.
TurtleHead Peak
We decided to try TurtleHead Peak for our hiking adventure in Red Rock Canyon.
It's a five-mile hike total but is labeled as strenuous. Honestly, we knew it was labeled as strenuous but since we are a little over-confident we figured it wasn't going to be that tough. We were very wrong, it's definitely strenuous.
The first mile is pretty flat and very well marked. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the rest of the hike.
The trail is extremely hard to find and you basically have to keep guessing where the actual trail is. At one point we asked hikers coming down from the top if we were on the trail and they informed us it appears once you get about a 1/2 mile from the end, there is no trail.
Even with all the crazy trail finding, this hike is still AMAZING. The views are breathtaking and the top view is worth the exhaustion. Plus there is some fun in losing the trail and being even more adventurous.
We hope our adventure to Red Rock Canyon, Nevada will give you inspiration and help you plan your next trip. There are plenty of hikes and views perfect for any nature lover. Happy exploring!
