Visiting Red Rock Canyon During Peak Season

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It’s well known that Las Vegas is one of the world’s entertainment meccas. It’s also the gateway to stunningly beautiful public lands including Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Located just 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip, the area is visited by more than three million visitors each year. 

As the Conservation Area prepares to welcome visitors during peak season (late fall through spring), advanced reservations will be required to enter the area, including the popular 13-mile Scenic Drive, in order to improve the visitor experience, address capacity issues during busy seasons, and improve human health and safety. 

Several stops along the Scenic Drive offer photo opportunities, picnic areas and access to 30 miles of trails leading through colorful geologic formations, past waterfalls and petroglyphs. Red Rock Canyon is also a renowned rock-climbing destination and popular with mountain and road cyclists. 

Prepare for your visit to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area during peak season

Beginning October 13, 2020, advanced timed entry reservations will be available for Red Rock Canyon for arrivals starting November 3 and after, and will be required for each vehicle entering the Conservation Area between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. If you plan to walk or ride your bicycle to the Conservation Area, a timed entry reservation is not required, however you will need to pay the entrance fee or have your pass validated at the entrance station.

Keep in mind, if you're planning to visit Red Rock Canyon for multiples days, you'll need a timed entry reservation for each day you plan to be in the Conservation Area. Tickets are reserved for one-hour entry time slots – please be sure you arrive during your reserved time in order for your ticket to be valid. Once you enter the Conservation Area, you are welcome to stay until closing. 

Two visitors walk along a maintained gravel path with the red rock mountains in the background.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (Bob Wick, BLM)

As you prepare to make a timed entry reservation for Red Rock Canyon, take time to carefully review the different ticket types. Reservations are available for private vehicles, vehicles with trailers, RVs, and more. Each reservation will include the entry and reservation fee into the area.

For those passholders, annual, lifetime, or Red Rock Canyon Annual Support Passes are accepted and you will be prompted to apply your pass information as you proceed through checkout (a $2 reservation processing fee applies). Be prepared to show your pass at the entrance station to be validated.

All reservation-holders must present a printed or digital copy of the timed entry reservation for validation, as well as a photo ID.  Remember, the reservation-holder must be present in your group when you arrive.  

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