Getting there
From the Strip, take West Charleston Boulevard (State Route 159) 17 miles until the visitor center appears on the right. Drive time is 25 to 35 minutes without traffic. There is no bus. A rideshare runs about $45 each way, or a half-day tour with ShowStopper or Pink Adventure costs $65 to $95 including park fees.
The scenic loop requires a timed entry reservation from October to May, book at recreation.gov for $2 on top of the $20 vehicle fee.
The scenic loop
Thirteen miles, one-way, with 10 pullouts. Do not skip High Point Overlook (mile 6) for the panorama or Calico Hills at mile 2 for the classic red-and-cream sandstone shots. Ice Box Canyon and Pine Creek both have short hikes (1 to 2.5 miles each) that get you into shade. The loop opens at 6am and closes with the season, typically 5pm winter, 8pm summer.
What to eat and where to stop after
There is no food inside the park. Pack from the Trader Joe's on Rainbow (12 minutes east) or eat afterward at Red Rock Casino Resort back toward town. T-Bones Chophouse there does a $32 steak lunch, or Hearthstone in the Downtown Summerlin mall serves solid pizzas around $22. Both have easy parking.
Good to know
Do I need a 4WD for Red Rock Canyon?+
No, the scenic loop is paved. Any rental car handles it fine, including in light snow.
Is Red Rock free to hike?+
No. Every vehicle pays $20 for a day pass or $50 for an annual. Walk-in and bike entry is $5, but you would still have to get there.
How hot does it get?+
July and August routinely hit 105F on the trails. Rangers pull people off Turtlehead Peak in the afternoons. Hike by 8am or wait until October.
Can I combine Red Rock with Valley of Fire in one day?+
Tight but doable. Red Rock in the morning, drive 90 minutes to Valley of Fire, quick 2-hour visit, back on the Strip by 8pm. Twelve hours minimum.