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Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 25,797 Google reviews · Running trail in Mountain Springs, Nevada · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 13 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Natural wonder with red rocks draws those looking to hike, rock climb or go for a scenic drive.
What runners say about Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
“There are tons of options for people who are serious hikers/climbers, those who prefer shorter, less strenuous hikes, or people who simply want to enjoy a scenic drive.”
“After getting enough noises and temptations from real world such as Las Vegas, this canyon is perfect escape or seclusion to calm down your soul.”
After getting enough noises and temptations from real world such as Las Vegas, this canyon is perfect escape or seclusion to calm down your soul. I enjoyed this canyon so much that I came two days in a row to hike different trails in the park. Remember that reservation is required at the entrance.
Absolutely incredible experience! Living in Summerlin, I’m only about 30 minutes away, but it feels like another planet. The 13-mile one-way scenic loop offers endless, breathtaking views of red rock formations that are truly like nothing else in the country.
Red Rock Canyon is unreal — a total reminder that Vegas isn’t just neon and slot machines. The views are stunning, the trails are easy to navigate, and the drive through the canyon alone is worth the trip. It’s peaceful, dramatic, and feels like you accidentally teleported to a national park 20 minutes from the Strip.
Check to be sure you don’t need reservations before you head out there. If you have a national annual pass, take it! Remember scenic route is a one way road. Don’t feel obligated to rush through it, that’s why there are wide one lanes to pass each other if needed. Take your time and enjoy the beautiful scenery!
Trail conditions & character
“There are tons of options for people who are serious hikers/climbers, those who prefer shorter, less strenuous hikes, or people who simply want to enjoy a scenic drive.”
“There’s ample parking at all the stops along the 45-minute scenic drive.”
“The 13-mile one-way scenic loop offers endless, breathtaking views of red rock formations that are truly like nothing else in the country.”
“That said, for the unfamiliar, basically the whole site is above 3,000 feet, or about 1,000 meters elevation, so it will be normally, about 3°F or 1.”
“It’s peaceful, dramatic, and feels like you accidentally teleported to a national park 20 minutes from the Strip.”
“The 13-mile one-way scenic loop offers endless, breathtaking views of red rock formations that are truly like nothing else in the country.”
“Think dramatic rock outcrops, narrow gorge paths, rocky scrambles, desert vegetation, and even pockets of lush springs.”
Plan your run at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance13 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteblm.gov
- Phone(702) 515-5350
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–5 PM |
Running trails near Mountain Springs
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Calico Tanks Trail
4.9 ★★★★★ 456 reviews
Popular out-& back hiking trail on red rock with scrambling sections & scenic views of the canyon.
Calico Basin Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 393 reviews
Scenic trail running along the base of the Calico Rocks, popular with hikers & rock climbers.
Ice Box Canyon Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 248 reviews
Canyon hike (sometimes strenuous, sometimes moderate, sometimes short), featuring a waterfall and rock formations, with an icy section known as the “Ice Box”.
Buckskin Cliff Shadows Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 251 reviews
Hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking are available at this park with scenic views.
Cliff Shadows Open Desert Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 139 reviews
Outdoor area for mountain biking, climbing and hiking, plus picnic tables.