Red Rock Canyon has more hiking than most visitors realize — slot canyons, scrambling routes, sandstone ridgelines, quiet basins, and an entire world of scenery just 20 miles from the Strip. With over a dozen official trails and even more social routes, choosing can get overwhelming. These seven hikes consistently deliver the best views, terrain, and overall experience — whether it’s your first visit or your twentieth.
These are real local favorites chosen for payoff, reliability, and scenery — not just popularity.
The 7 Best Hikes in Red Rock Canyon
1. Calico Tanks
Distance: ~2.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Area: Scenic Loop (Sandstone Quarry)
Calico Tanks is the hike most visitors should start with. The trail winds through layered sandstone, climbs a few light scrambles, and ends at a wide skyline overlook of Las Vegas. It’s short, varied, and delivers one of the biggest payoffs in the entire conservation area.
Why it’s a top pick: Best blend of fun terrain, approachable difficulty, and a standout final view.
Local note: The scrambling is just enough to be fun without being stressful, and the sandstone terrain is beautiful the whole way. The downsides? Crowds — especially mid-morning and weekends — and zero shade, which makes summer rough. The “tank” is seasonal and often dry, but the overlook still makes this one of the top hikes in Red Rock.
Read our full guide to the Calico Tanks Trail.
2. Guardian Angel Pass
Distance: ~3.2 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous (scrambling)
Area: Calico Basin (Red Spring)
A local favorite most visitors never hear about. Guardian Angel Pass combines sandstone scrambling, hidden features, and a true “desert playground” feel. The route wanders through Calico Basin before climbing to a narrow pass with sculpted walls and the namesake rock feature tucked into an overlook. It’s adventurous without being extreme and offers a quieter experience compared to the Scenic Loop.
Why it’s a top pick: Scrambling, surprises, and some of the most photogenic rock features in the basin.
Local note: The views at the pass are outstanding and the scrambling is genuinely fun, but the route isn’t well marked and it’s easy to drift off trail. Crowds can stack up in narrow sections, and the angel carving is smaller and easier to miss than most people expect. Watching climbers on the surrounding walls is a bonus, and finishing on the Red Spring boardwalk is a surprisingly peaceful cooldown.
Read our full guide and how to find the Guardian Angel
3. Kraft Mountain Loop
Distance: ~3.5 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Area: Calico Basin (Kraft Boulders)
The Kraft Loop circles the full base of Kraft Mountain, mixing ridge views, sandstone formations, and steady ups and downs. The climb known as “Hell Hill” hits early, but the trail pays you back with colorful canyons, sculpted rock, and constant variety. It’s a favorite with hikers and climbers and one of the most photogenic routes in Calico Basin.
Why it’s a top pick: Challenging loop with a little bit of everything — scenery, texture, and classic red rock terrain.
Local note: The terrain is genuinely fun and varied, and the loop feels shorter than the mileage suggests. But it’s popular, especially with dog walkers and climbers, and not everyone keeps pets leashed. Parking is limited and tight, so early arrival helps. If you want something quieter with more character, Upper Gateway is the better alternative.
Read our full guide to the Kraft Mountain Loop.
4. White Rock Mountain Loop
Distance: ~6.0 miles
Difficulty: Moderate–Strenuous
Area: Scenic Loop (White Rock)
One of the most complete hikes in Red Rock and shockingly under-traveled. The White Rock Mountain Loop moves through pinyon-juniper forest, open desert, mountain foothills, and breezy ridgelines with big views of the La Madre range. It feels more remote than most hikes near the Scenic Loop and offers variety from start to finish.
Why it’s a top pick: Expansive scenery, fewer crowds, and a satisfying “big day out” without technical scrambling.
Local note: We liked the steady mix of terrains, the quiet feel, and how well-marked the trail was — especially compared to Calico Basin routes. The mileage helps thin out crowds, which makes the loop feel more peaceful than most Scenic Loop trails. But the eastern side of the loop has endless rocks underfoot (toe-stubbing territory), and wind exposure can be rough on blustery days. If you hike clockwise, the final mile is the least scenic and tends to drag.
Read our full guide to the White Rock Mountain Loop.
5. Pine Creek Canyon
Distance: ~3.4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Area: Scenic Loop (Pine Creek)
Pine Creek is the calm, peaceful canyon hike that surprises people. It starts across an open desert valley, then narrows into a shaded canyon with seasonal pools, cool rock layers, and towering walls frequented by climbers. It has the same general “feel” as Ice Box Canyon but without the crowds and without the endless boulder-hopping.
Why it’s a top pick: Quiet canyon vibes, light scrambling, and especially nice lighting in cooler months.
Local note: We loved how empty this trail was even when the rest of the Scenic Loop was packed — it feels like a secret alternative to Ice Box. The final scramble up the creek, the canyon walls, and even a bit of cascading water made it worth the push. Watching climbers was a bonus. The downside: the trail gets tricky to follow once you enter the canyon — GPS helps. The first section is pleasant but not remarkable; the real payoff is past the Pine Creek Loop and into the canyon. Temperatures swing a lot between sun and shade — bring layers.
Read our full Pine Creek Canyon guide.
6. Turtlehead Peak
Distance: ~4.6 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Area: Scenic Loop (Sandstone Quarry)
Turtlehead is the classic Red Rock summit — steep, rocky, and a rite-of-passage for many locals. The trail climbs aggressively from the start, weaving through gullies and ridgelines before reaching a spectacular panoramic view of the valley, the Strip, and the La Madre range. It’s a fantastic challenge, but best attempted in cooler months and early mornings.
Why it’s a top pick: The most iconic summit in Red Rock with a broad 180° panoramic view over the valley and Las Vegas skyline.
Local note: The scrambling is fun and the summit payoff is huge, but the route is notoriously easy to lose on the way up. Expect steep, loose sections that require careful footing. There’s no shade, so wind and heat can be brutal. The descent is tough on tired legs — but the sense of accomplishment at the top makes this one unforgettable.
Read our full guide to hiking Turtlehead Peak.
7. Keystone Thrust
Distance: ~2.4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Area: Scenic Loop (Upper White Rock)
Keystone Thrust is short, accessible, and more scenic than people expect. It leads to one of the most important geological features in the region — the fault where older limestone was pushed over younger sandstone. The trail crosses open desert and climbs a gentle ridge before reaching the thrust and broad views toward the Calico Hills. It’s accessible year-round and makes a great quick outing.
Why it’s a top pick: Easy-to-reach geological landmark with wide views and low crowds.
Local note: We liked the quiet trail and the clear look at the fault line. The views open up nicely, especially if you continue a bit past the official endpoint — about half a mile farther gave us some of our favorite Calico Hills vistas. Just know the end of the “official” trail isn’t obvious, there’s zero shade, and it’s not quite as memorable as nearby Calico Tanks or Turtlehead.
Read our full guide to Keystone Thrust.
Why Ice Box Canyon Isn’t on This “Best Hikes” List
Ice Box Canyon has a reputation as a must-do hike, but the actual experience depends heavily on timing and recent weather. The canyon walls at the end are beautiful, but they make up only a small portion of the route — most of the trail is a long, exposed walk across open desert before you reach the narrows. Crowds can also be intense. On popular days, you’ll often encounter lines of hikers funneling into the canyon, music echoing off the walls, and off-leash dogs weaving through boulder sections.
Parking is limited and fills early, and the waterfall is entirely seasonal — usually dry unless there’s been recent rain. Ice Box can be good under the right conditions, but it’s not consistently rewarding enough to rank among the best hikes in Red Rock.
Map + Planning Tools
Red Rock Canyon Activities Map
Tips for Hiking in Red Rock Canyon
- Start early for parking, shade, and cooler temps.
- Winter winds make 50–60°F feel colder than expected.
- Summer hiking should be limited to sunrise outings only.
- Rock scrambling is common — shoes with grip help.
- Cell service drops in canyon sections.
- Bring more water than you think you need.
FAQs About Hiking in Red Rock Canyon
Do I need a reservation to hike?
Only if you plan to enter the Scenic Loop between Oct 1–May 31, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Arriving before 8 a.m. does not require a reservation, but the standard entry fee still applies.
What’s the best time of year for hiking?
October through April. Temperatures are reasonable, the light is great, and most trails feel more approachable. Summer hiking here is unsafe during peak heat.
Which hike has the best views?
For payoff-per-effort, Calico Tanks. For a true summit feel, Turtlehead Peak. For solitude and big scenery, White Rock Mountain Loop.
Is Calico Basin free?
Yes — no fee, no reservation. Parking can fill fast on weekends.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, on leash. A lot of visitors ignore this rule; if you’re bringing a dog, bring extra water and be prepared for rough sandstone underfoot.
Is Ice Box Canyon worth it?
Sometimes. It’s excellent only when water is flowing and crowds are low. We explain why it didn’t make this list above.
Final Thoughts
Red Rock Canyon has more variety than most visitors expect — from sandstone scrambles and skyline overlooks to quiet forested foothills. This list keeps things simple by highlighting the seven hikes that deliver the strongest combination of payoff, terrain, and overall experience.
If you’re new to the area, start with Calico Tanks or Pine Creek.
If you want a challenge, go for Turtlehead.
If you want solitude, choose White Rock Mountain Loop.
If you prefer a free, no-reservation option, explore Calico Basin.
Whichever trail you pick, go early, avoid extreme heat, and bring more water than you think you’ll need. Red Rock rewards anyone who shows up ready to wander — and there’s no wrong place to start.
Happy Hiking!