Red Spring Picnic Area
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
The Red Spring Picnic Area features spectacular views of the red and tan sandstone cliffs of Calico Basin. The area is tucked between the gray limestone La Madre Mountains to the north, the red sandstone Calico Hills to the west, and a desert ridge to the south.
The Calico Basin area is fed year round by water from three permanent springs: Red Spring, Calico Spring, and Ash Spring. The water from these springs support large cottonwood trees, ash trees, scrub live oak, honey mesquite, and saltgrass meadows. Red Spring flows from a shallow tunnel in the rocks along the Red Spring Boardwalk trail, feeding a beautiful marshy grassland and attracting a variety of wildlife.
The Red Spring Picnic Area contains picnic tables, metal barbeque grills (available only as fire restrictions allow), trash cans, and restrooms adjacent to the parking area.
Note: Picnic Area reservation holders do not need to book a Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Scenic Timed Entry ticket in order to access Red Spring Picnic Area. If while visiting the area you would like to visit the Scenic Drive, you will need to make a timed entry reservation. Reservations are required October 1 to May 31, 8am -5pm
Need to Know
Need To Know
Picnic Area reservation holders do not need to book a Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Scenic Timed Entry ticket in order to access Red Spring Picnic Area. If while visiting the area you would like to visit the Scenic Drive, you will need to make a timed entry reservation. Reservations are required October 1 to May 31, 8am -5pm
Vault toilet restrooms and garbage cans are provided on site.
Please bring your conformation letter the day of your reservation.
No potable water onsite.
Respect Resources:
- Stay on designated trails and routes, including the Boardwalk.
- Walking on the Red Springs Meadow is prohibited.
- Do not disturb or feed wildlife.
- Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them.
- Removal of or defacing a building, poster, sign, or other property is prohibited.
- Flower petals, chaulk bombs and confetti cannons are not allowed.
Respect Others:
- Loud music and noise are prohibited.
- Areas around grills and picnic tables must be clean at all times.
- Dumping is prohibited.
- All pets must be on a leash and cleaned up after.
- No littering; trash receptacles are located in picnic areas.
- Park vehicles in designated area only.
Fire and Fireworks:
- Charcoal fires only in grills.
- Extinguish all fires prior to leaving the premises.
- Fireworks are prohibited.
Permits:
- Any commercial use, including photography and weddings, requires a BLM permit.
- Organized groups may require a permit.
- No metal detector use unless permitted by the BLM.
- The group shelter can be reserved on recreation.gov.
Skateboards, bicycles, roller skates, and motorized vehicles are prohibited on the Boardwalk.
Observe Area Hours:
The Red Spring Picnic Area is open every day of the year with hours changing slightly according to the season:
October: 6am to 7pm PST
November - February: 6am to 5pm PST
March: 6am to 7pm PST
April - September: 6am to 8pm PST
The busiest use periods are weekends, holidays and fee free days, October - December and March- May.
Cultural Resources:
Sites and artifacts dating back many centuries have been found within RED Rock National Conservation Area. Please help protect these valuable resources of the past. Federal law prohibits the removal and disturbance of cultural artifacts and sites. Violations are punishable by fines and/or imprisonment.
Contact Information
1000 Scenic Loop Drive Las Vegas NV 89161
Phone Number
(702) 515-5350
