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Red Rock Canyon Tour Self-Guided Drive Experience

5 Reviews 4.60 out of 5 stars Based on 5 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Las Vegas, USA

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On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.

5 to 6 hours (approx.)
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Instant confirmation
Offered in: English

Overview

Experience the stunning landscapes of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area with our self-guided driving audio tour! Just a short drive from Las Vegas, this adventure lets you explore the 13-mile scenic loop at your own pace, uncovering vibrant red sandstone formations, ancient petroglyphs, and diverse wildlife. Our expert narration provides fascinating insights into the area's geology, history, and ecology, enhancing your journey without the constraints of group tours. With offline maps and GPS-triggered stories, you can enjoy a seamless, hands-free experience. Join thousands of travelers who have discovered the freedom and flexibility of audio tours—download now and embark on your Red Rock Canyon adventure!

*Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours*

What's Included

  • Tours NEVER expire
  • Freedom to explore at your own pace
  • Offline map (no wifi or data needed)
  • Private Transportation
  • Entrance Fees
  • Parking Fees
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Summerlin
Las Vegas, NV, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

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.
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40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.
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45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Sandstone Quarry Overlook

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.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

High Point Overlook

Park and take in the view from this spot along the Scenic Drive.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

White Rock Trailhead

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.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.
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40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Lost Creek Canyon

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.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Pine Creek Canyon

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.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Oak Creek Canyon

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.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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!
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Cowboy Trail Rides

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!
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Red Spring Picnic Area

This is another spot where you can enjoy a picnic with a stunning view.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Show 15 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Location services (GPS) must be enabled on the device
  • Travelers are responsible for securing any required entrance passes, reservations, or permits before starting
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Red Rock Canyon Tour Self-Guided Drive Experience?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PDT). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-102020P149

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Reviews

4.60
5 reviews

Average 4.60 out of 5 stars based on 5 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Tours NEVER expire
  • Freedom to explore at your own pace
  • Offline map (no wifi or data needed)
  • Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
  • Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
  • Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive
  • Private Transportation
  • Entrance Fees
  • Parking Fees
  • Meals and Refreshment

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • 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
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Operated by a business

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Free Cancellation

100% refund
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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PDT).

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  • Cool Rewards is a loyalty program operated by Cool Destinations. Rewards may be earned by any eligible person holding a Cool Destinations account, subject to the Cool Destinations customer Terms of Use.

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  • Rewards can be earned by making bookings on the Cool Destinations website. You will be able to see the value of the rewards you can earn during the booking process.
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