a public land administered by the

NATIONAL conservation area

What’s Inside

[2]	 Rock Climbing, Desert Safety Tips,

Fees and Annual Passes

[3]	 Hike Trail Descriptions

[4] 	Hiking Map, Hike Ratings

Hours of Operation

“If you are looking for more information, please stop by the visitor 

center to view exhibits, pick up more handouts and talk with staff 

about how you can make your visit more special. Once you get home, 

take a peek at our website – www.nv.blm.gov/redrockcanyon.”

 Visitor Center

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

 13-Mile Scenic Drive, Red Rock Overlook on 

State Route 159 and Red Spring

November - February 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

	 March	 	 	 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

	 April - September	 	 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

October	 	 	 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Photo: Spread-winged Damsel (Lestes sp.)

by Athena Sparks

You’ve enjoyed your visit to Red Rock and now you may

be looking for a take-home memory of the National

Conservation Area. If you are a Nevada resident, you

have an opportunity to be reminded of your adventure

by purchasing a Red Rock Canyon license plate.

The process is easy: go to the nearest Nevada

Department of Motor Vehicles with your registration,

ID and your old license plates. The charge for the new

plate is $61 withaone-timeprocessingfeeof $5. Your

normal renewal period will remain the same and plate

renewals will be $30.

Friends of Red Rock Canyon receives $25 in revenue

for the first year per plate and $20 for renewals for

these stylish license plates. All proceeds from the

license sales will be used to support programs and

services at Red Rock Canyon.

License Plate

Red Rock Canyon

KEYSTONE VISITOR GUIDE

Red Rock by Car

So sit back and enjoy the drive. The maximum speed limit

on the 13-Mile Scenic Drive is 35 mph and in some sections

the speed limit is lower. By not exceeding the posted speed

limits, youcanenjoy thespectacular scenery whiledrivingata

speedthat is safefor youandyour fellow motorists,bicyclists,

runners and wildlife.

Now once you’ve followed the speed limit to your favorite

turnout, it’s time to park. Fortunately parking lots have been

created for your convenience; however they do have limits. If

the lot remains full, do not create your own parking spot by

parkingoff roadonvegetation.Theseplantsarenativetothe

arid Mojave Desert and can take decades to regrow.  You can

pick a new spot to visit or reenter the 13-Mile Scenic Drive

(your amenity fee is good for a full day).

The upside to following these easy tips is that you are

more likely to safely enjoy your visit to Red Rock Canyon

National Conservation Area, leaving it undamaged by your

activities. Note: law enforcement rangers can cite visitors

that disregard regulations.

It’s not called the Scenic Drive for nothing...

Photo: The Left Turn

by Joe Pohle

Photo: Red River Bed

by Jeff Yost
Red Rock Canyon

Photo: The Climb

by Christine Rasmussen

Page [2]

Late Exit permits (LE) provide an additional two hours

of climbing time after the normal closure of the scenic

drive. These permits are for multi-pitch routes and are

only available for the following areas: Angel Food Wall,

Ice Box Canyon, Juniper Canyon, Pine Creek Canyon and

Oak Creek Canyon.

Overnight permits (ON) are only available for routes on

the following walls: Mt. Wilson (1-2 nights), Levitation

Wall (1 night), Rainbow Wall (1-2 nights), Buffalo

Wall (1-3 nights), Hidden Wall (1-3 nights) and Bridge

Mountain (1 night). Camping is not permitted at the

base of any route.

Climbing Permits

Rock Climbing at Red Rock

There are two wilderness areas in the conservation area: Rainbow

Mountain Wilderness and La Madre Mountain Wilderness. New,

bolted, fixed anchors and/or protection bolts cannot be installed

in either wilderness area. All of the major canyons in Red Rock

Canyon are in the Rainbow Mountain Wilderness and all of the

climbing routes located on White Rock Mountain and many

crags near Kraft Mountain are within the La Madre Mountain

Wilderness.

Rain, Rain Go Away 

The sandstone becomes very brittle when it rains and should

not be climbed for at least 24 hours. By allowing the sandstone

to dry out, hand and footholds will not be broken and gear will

be less likely to pull out during a fall. If it rains during your visit

to Red Rock Canyon and the sandstone is too brittle, consider

the limestone sport crags that are found in Red Rock and other

climbing sites around Las Vegas.

To obtain a permit, call 702-515-5050. You may call up

to seven days in advance or as late as the day of your climb. If

your message is not clear, you will not receive a permit and you

may receive a citation. Same-day permits are not issued after

4:30 p.m. For your safety and to receive a permit, the following

information must be included in your message:

 Name and telephone number

 Type of permit, LE or ON, and climbing date(s)

 Vehicle plate number and state

 Vehicle description

 Climbing route/wall and where you will park

 Emergency contact name and phone number

Additional informationonlimestoneclimbingandtheclassiccrags

of Red Rock is available at the visitor center. For more detailed

information on specific climbs, contact the climbing ranger at

(702) 515-5358.

With more than 2,000 climbing routes, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation

Area is one of the top five climbing destinations in the United States.

Desert Safety Tips

General safety

Let friends or family members know where you are going and

what time you expect to be back. Don’t rely on cell phones

during your visit as coverage in the area can be unreliable or

non-existent, especially within canyons. Leave your valuables at

home. If you leave your car, take your purse or backpack with

you and lock your doors. Never leave packages in plain sight

where they may tempt someone to break in to your vehicle.

Desert dwellers

Watch where you put your hands and feet. Rattlesnakes,

scorpions or venomous spiders may be sheltered behind

boulders or under rocks and shrubs. Do not touch, collect or try

to kill theses animals.

Water

Drink at least one gallon (four liters) per day if you are hiking,

the day is hot or the trail is exposed to direct sunlight. Carry

at least one gallon of extra water per person in your vehicle.

Bottled water is available for purchase at the visitor center.

This is the only location where drinking water is available in the

national conservation area.

Heat

Temperatures in Red Rock Canyon can average more than

100 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months. The best

protection against heat is drinking plenty of water and limiting

exposure to the sun during the hottest parts of the day. If you

feel dizzy, nauseous or get a headache, immediately get out of

the sun and drink plenty of water. Dampen your clothing to lower

your body temperature.

Protective gear

For hiking, select shoes that will provide a comfortable fit, ankle

stability and protection against cactus spines. Wear clothes

that provide protection against the sun (i.e. hats, long sleeves,

long pants, etc.) and apply sunscreen.

Flash Floods

When hiking, avoid canyons during rainstorms and be prepared

to move to higher ground. While driving, be alert for water

running in the normally dry desert washes and across road dips.

Do not walk or drive through flood water flowing across a road.

Lightning

Lightning storms frequently occur in the afternoon during

the summer months. To prevent lightning from striking

you, avoid high places and seek cover in buildings or in

vehicles with the windows rolled up. If caught outdoors,

crouch down on both feet with your arms wrapped around

your knees and wait out the storm.

To safely enjoy Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, please 

respect yourselves and others by recognizing the challenges that

visiting the Mojave Desert presents.

Fees and Annual Passes

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area began collecting fees in 1998. America the Beautiful Annual

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:

 Daily Fee – $7

	 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 annual Pass - $80

The America the Beautiful pass is an interagency pass that will be honored by the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and

Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation. Does not include stays in the developed campground.

	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 and 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. Does not

include stays in the developed campground.

	America the Beautiful Access Pass - Free

Lifetime pass for U.S. citizens with a permanent disability to national parks, U.S. Fish and 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.

Does not include stays in the developed campground.

	America the Beautiful Military Annual Pass - Free

Yearly pass available for active duty military and their dependents that will be honored by the Bureau of Land Management, National Park

Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Bureau of Reclamation. Does not include stays in the developed campground.
Keystone Visitor’s Guide

Hiking Trail Descriptions

1. Moenkopi Easy 300 ft [90 m]	 1.5 hours • 2 mi [3.2 km]

This trail starts to the west of the visitor center near the picnic area. It offers panoramic views of the Calico Hills, the Spring Mountains and La Madre Mountains.

2. Calico Hills Easy - Moderate 400 ft [120 m]	 1.5 - 3.5 hours • 2 - 6 mi [3.2-9.6km]

This trail can be accessed by parking at either Calico I, Calico II or near the entrance station. This trail offers access to sport climbing areas and the best close-up views of the Calico Hills.

3. Calico Tanks Moderate 450 ft [140 m]	 2 hours • 2.5 mi [4 km]

This trail starts at the Sandstone Quarry parking lot. It winds through a wash and there may be seasonal water present in a natural tank [tinaja] at the end.

4. Turtlehead Peak Strenuous 2,000 ft [600 m]	 3.5 - 4.5 hours • 5 mi [8 km]

This trail starts at the Sandstone Quarry parking lot and follows the shoulder of the peak to the top [6,324 ft / 1,927 m]. The trail is intermittent and composed of loose rock.

5. Keystone Thrust Moderate 400 ft [120m]	 1.5 hours • 2.2 mi [3.5 km]

This trail is accessed from the upper White Rock Spring parking lot. It takes you to the most significant geologic feature of Red Rock Canyon - the Keystone Thrust.

6. White Rock - Willow Springs Easy-Moderate 200 ft [60 m]	 2.5 hours • 4.4 mi [7 km]

This trail starts at either the upper White Rock Spring parking lot or at the Willow Springs Picnic Area. Watch for wildlife that rely on these year-round springs.

7. White Rock / La Madre Spring Loop Moderate 890 ft [270 m]	 3.5 hours • 6 mi [9.6 km]

This trail can be started at three places: the upper White Rock Spring parking lot, the Lost Creek Trail parking lot or Willow Springs Picnic Area. The north side of White Rock is one of the best areas for

viewing bighorn sheep. You can connect to the La Madre Spring Trail to see a year-round spring.

8. Lost Creek - Children’s Discovery Easy - Moderate 200 ft [60 m]	 55 minutes • 0.75 mi [1.2 km]

This moderately easy trail is a wonderful place to explore because of the variety of plant life and a number of cultural sites. Depending on the season, there may be a waterfall [January - March.] Also look for a

pictograph and an agave roasting pit site. [Combination rocky, uneven terrain and boardwalk trail.]

9. Willow Springs Loop Easy 200 ft [60 m]	 1.25 hours • 1.5 [2.4 km]

This trail can be started at either the Willow Springs Picnic Area or Lost Creek Trail parking lot. The trail passes several pictograph and agave roasting pit sites.

10. La Madre Spring Moderate 400 ft [120 m]	 2 hours • 3.3 mi [5.2 km]

This trail starts at the Willow Springs Picnic Area. The first segment involves walking up part of the 4x4 Rocky Gap Road. These springs are a good place to watch for wildlife, including desert bighorn sheep.

11. SMYC Moderate 300 ft [90 m]	 2 hours • 2.2 mi [3.5 km]

This trail can be accessed from either the Lost Creek or Ice Box Canyon trails. It follows the terrain at the base of the escarpment and connects the two trails.

12. Ice Box Canyon Moderate – Strenuous 300 ft [90 m]	 2 hours • 2.6 mi [4.1 km]

The parking lot for this trail is at mile 8 on the 13-Mile Scenic Drive. This trail crosses open desert then enters the canyon. Unimproved trails in the canyon require some tricky rock scrambling where there may

be seasonal waterfalls [January - March].

13. Dale’s Moderate 300 ft [90 m]	 2.5 hours • 4.4 mi [7 km]

This trail can be accessed from either the Ice Box Canyon or Pine Creek Canyon trails. It follows the terrain at the base of the escarpment and connects the two trails.

14. Pine Creek Canyon Easy - Moderate 300 ft [90 m]	 2 hours • 3 mi [4.8 km]

This trail takes you across the open desert, past an old homestead site and into the canyon. You may find seasonal waterfalls. Unimproved trails in the canyon require some tricky rock scrambling.

15. Fire Ecology Easy 200 ft [60 m]	 55 minutes • 0.75 mi [1.2 km]

This trail branches off the Pine Creek Canyon Trail. It is a short, figure eight trail that goes through a stand of Ponderosa Pine where a controlled burn took place.

16. Oak Creek Canyon Easy - Moderate 200 ft [60 m]	 1.5 hours • 2 mi [3.2 km]

To access this trailhead, take the Oak Creek turnoff from the 13-Mile Scenic Drive onto a dirt road. The trail then heads through open desert to the mouth of the canyon. Unimproved trails lead deeper into the

canyon. Oak Creek is also accessible from State Route 159.

17. Arnight Moderate 300 ft [90 m]	 1.5 hours • 2.4 mi [3.8 km]

This trail can be started at the Oak Creek Canyon parking lot or by hiking the Pine Creek Canyon Trail. It connects the Oak Creek parking lot with the end loop of the Pine Creek Canyon Trail.

18. Knoll Moderate 300 ft [90 m]	 2.5 hours • 3.5 mi [5.6 km]

The shortest and easiest way to access this trail is by taking the Oak Creek Canyon Trail. This trail links the upper section of the Arnight Trail with the Oak Creek Canyon Trail, following the base of the

escarpment.

19. First Creek Canyon Easy - Moderate 300 ft [90 m]	 2 hours • 3 mi [4.8 km]

This trailhead is on State Route 159 [W. Charleston Blvd.] 2.6 miles [4.1 km] southwest of the exit to the 13-Mile Scenic Drive. The trail leads to the mouth of the canyon. Seasonal streams and waterfalls can

be found deep in the canyon on unimproved trails [January - March.]

trail name levels of difficulty and gain approximate round-trip time and distance

Photo: Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni)

by Gregory Mclemor

Page [3]
Red Rock Canyon

Hiking Map

Hike Ratings

Ratings are based on the general ability of a person who

hikes frequently. Your ability may differ from the ratings

standard used at Red Rock Canyon. Your ability may also

be affected by weather, the condition and steepness of the

trail, having enough water and physical condition on a given

day, among other things.

Strenuous:

Generally, lots of uphill sections (and later downhill); possibly 

more than 1,000 feet of elevation gain; double digit mileage 

and/or difficult terrain and rock scrambling.

Moderate:

Uphill sections include up to 1,000 feet of elevation gain; single 

digit mileage; uneven terrain and some rock scrambling.

Easy:

Like a walk in the city, but on uneven terrain. (Not guaranteed to 

seem easy if you are not used to trail hiking.)

Combinations:

Listed as easy-moderate, moderate-strenuous and so on.

Moderate Moderate-Strenuous Strenuous

Restrooms Parking Area Wheelchair Access Picnic Area

Page [4]

Photo: Indigobush (Psorothamnus fremontii)

by Kate Sorom

Red Rock Canyon 

Contact Information

www.nv.blm.gov/redrockcanyon

Emergency or Fire

[702] 293-8932 or 911 

BLM Southern Nevada District Office

[702] 515-5000

Red Rock Visitor Center

[702] 515-5350

Climbing Permits

[702] 515-5050

Gift & Book Store

[702] 515-5361

Friends of Red Rock Canyon

[702] 515-5360

Red Rock Canyon Interpretive Association

Organized Hikes

[702] 515-5367

This publication was made available

through a partnership with Bureau of

Land Management, Friends of Red Rock

Canyonand Red Rock Canyon Interpretive

Association.

BLM/NV/LV/GI/12-15+1800