The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Desert tortoise © R. Fridell

Open to the Public

Yes

Things To Do

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Plan Your Visit

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Get Directions

Size

5,032 acres

Location

Southern Nevada near Las Vegas

Partners

The Howard Hughes Corporation, Bureau of Land Management

What the Conservancy Has Done

In 1988, The U.S. Bureau of Land Management, The Howard Hughes Corporation and The Nature Conservancy formed a strategic partnership to create a 5,032-acre buffer zone around the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, including the site where the Red Rock Visitor Center stands today.  By relocating Summerlin, The Howard Hughes Corporation’s 22,500-acre master planned community, from this site to another that was more appropriate for human development, a “win-win” situation was achieved that allowed for continued economic development for the community of Las Vegas, while at the same time protecting a fragile natural desert community.  

This $25 million transaction was one of the largest ever completed by the Conservancy in the West and, thanks to the generosity of The Howard Hughes Corporation, resulted in a savings to taxpayers of over $1 million.  This partnership still stands as a model of private and public interests working together to balance economic and environmental needs. 

By coming together in a spirit of innovation, cooperation and community goodwill, this group ensured that public access into Red Rock Canyon was permanently protected and that residents and visitors alike could enjoy a bounty of recreational opportunities including hiking, biking, and rock-climbing; as well as opportunities to view desert bighorn sheep, numerous bird species, threatened wildflowers, rare insects, and sensitive reptiles such as the Gila monster and desert tortoise—all in their native habitat.  

Red Rock is owned and managed by the Bureau of Land Management.  For full visitor information or questions, visit their website: Red Rock National Conservation Area 

Accessibility

The visitor center is fully accessible. Accessible restrooms are available at the visitor center and most pullouts on the scenic loop. Wheelchair accessible trails are at Willow Springs Picnic Area, visitor center, and the overlook.

Fees and Annual Passes

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area began collecting fees in 1998. America the Beautiful Pass, which replaced the National Parks Pass, Golden Age, Golden Access and Golden Eagle began sales in 2007. Below is a list of all passes that are available at the Red Rock Canyon entrance station:

• Scenic Drive Day Pass (car) - $7
• Daily pass for Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Does not include overnight stays in the developed campground.
• Scenic Drive Day pass (motorcycle, bicycle, pedestrian) - $3
• Daily pass for Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Does not include overnight stays in the developed campground.
• Red Rock Annual Pass – $30
  • Yearly pass for Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Does not include overnight stays in the developed campground.
• America the Beautiful Pass - $80
  • The America the Beautiful pass is an interagency pass that will be honored by the National Park Service, US Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation.
• America the Beautiful Senior Pass - $10 one time fee
  • Lifetime pass for U.S. citizens who are 62 and older to national parks, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuges, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Reclamation and Bureau of Land Management sites.   Pass provides 50 percent discount on campground fees.
• America the Beautiful Access Pass – Free (purchase at visitor center) - Lifetime pass for U.S. citizens with a permanent disability to national U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuges, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Reclamation and Bureau of Land Management sites. Pass provides 50 percent discount on campground fees.

Hours

The Scenic Drive hours are:

November 1 through February 28/29;  6 a.m. – 5 p.m.
March 1 through March 31;  7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
April 1 through September 30;  6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
October 1 through October 31;  6 a.m. – 7 p.m.

The Red Rock Overlook on SR 159 (W. Charleston Blvd) is open for one additional hour.

The Visitor Center hours are:

8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Things To Do

Hiking, rock climbing, wildlife viewing, learning Red Rock's history at the visitor's center.

Plan Your Visit

For more information on planning your visit, please visit the Bureau of Land Management's website: Red Rock National Conservation Area.

Directions

West Charleston Blvd (State Route 159) is the most direct route to Red Rock Canyon from the “Strip” however there are a series of signals and traffic can be slow. You should allow 25 minutes drive time from the “Strip.”  See map.

Discussion

Have you been to this preserve? Are you thinking of visiting? See what others are saying about their experiences and add your comments below.

Add Your Comments

Time for you to join the discussion. Tell us about your experience at this preserve. What plants and animals did you see? When did you go? You can help others plan their visit when you share your thoughts. And thank you for visiting one of our nature preserves!

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