The Red Rock Canyon is well-known for its thirteen-mile scenic drive. The pristine landscape, fields, trails, and mountainous hills that tourists will come across during the drive are just a tip of the many appeals of the Mojave Desert. Driving through the highway of the Mojave Desert, where the Red Rock Canyon is situated, is what tourists would call “a wonderful driving experience.” A traveler once described their experience as “It is just you and nature on the desert roads. There are no cars for over half an hour.” On the thirteen-mile drive, tourists get to see flowing lava and sand dunes glistering in the sun. Now, it is obvious why there are over 2 million visitors to this place every year. For anyone up for the adventure, here's everything drivers need to know about a road trip along the Red Rock Scenic Drive in the Mojave Desert.
What To Know About The Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive
The first thing to do when arriving at the alluring Red Rock Canyon is to pay the $15 entrance fee to gain access to a world of unending, Martian scenery. When visitors arrive at the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, they will first go to the fee station, which is where to get the ticket pass. Afterward, they can visit the Visitor’s Center, an excellent place to get more information about activities in the Red Rock Canyon and some of the scenic stops. Visitors can also get recommendations on places to tour in the Mojave Desert, check out exhibits, and buy souvenirs.
This center closes by 4:30 in the evening and opens by 9 am. Visitors who would like to check out this place should arrive before evening. However, the scenic drive is open from dusk to dawn which is anytime from 6 am to 5 pm or 8 pm on some months.
Visitors must not park over the vegetation, and drivers must not go over the speed limit.
Things To Do In Red Rock Canyon
Upon entering the area, visitors can explore the many fascinating spots in the desert. The Red Rock Canyon is not only prominent for its thirteen-mile drive; actually, the scenic drive is one of the many things to do when visiting Red Rock Canyon. After enjoying a blissful scenic drive for 13 miles, which can take from 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on whether visitors stop and enjoy the scenery, visit parks and trails, or just drive through the Canyon, visitors will get to other parts of the desert where they cannot drive through.
Here are some of the activities to expect at the canyon.
Hiking The Red Rock Canyon Trails
Visitors who will love to explore the depth of the canyon must be ready to ditch their cars and hike through the 26 trails, rocks, and hills in the desert. Visitors might not be able to explore all of them, but they can pick their favorites out of the best hikes in Red Rock Canyon. And it is definitely worth it! Visitors get to see the prominent Calico hills and Red Rock canyon’s most scenic and challenging trail - the Ice Box Canyon Trail.
Rock Climbing In Red Rock Canyon
The beauty of going to a place with many appealing rocks is challenging oneself to climb them. Both beginners and professional rock climbers will enjoy the rock climbing activities in this area. Some of the best places to rock climb in Red Rock Canyon are Calico Hill and the Sandstone Quarry.
Visitors should not climb the rocks after one or two days of rainfall or snow in the area. They should completely avoid wet rocks to prevent accidents.
Horseback Riding In Red Rock Canyon
Whether visitors are professionals or not, with the help of the guides at the canyon, visitors can explore the desert scenery while riding a horse. The family-owned Cowboy Trail Rides is a great choice for horseback riding in the canyon. There are plenty of other horseback riding experiences in Red Rock Canyon, too.
Biking In The Mojave Desert
Cars are not the only way to enjoy a scenic drive in the canyon. Those with bikes can also cycle the trails for a wonderful tour experience. Visitors can either go biking on the road or on the mountain, and they must ensure to take necessary safety precautions and wear safety gear like road and mountain helmets, knee and elbow pads, etc.
Tourists biking in Red Rock Canyon (or anywhere, for that matter) for the first time will find that reading some expert biking tips for beginners is useful.
Camping In Red Rock Canyon
- Visitors who would like to spend the night can do so at Red Rock Canyon campground after making reservations. The campground is the perfect place for stargazing and sleeping under the night sky. Note that campers can only stay on the campground for 14 days with a group limit of 12
First-time campers should read some camping and glamping tips before planning their first trip.
Enjoy Wildlife In Red Rock Canyon
Visitors can also check out the wildlife, plants, and flowers in the Mojave desert. There are many plant and flower species to see. Visitors will also see wild animals like burros, which they can watch from afar.
Visitors must not go near the Burros or try to feed them to avoid danger. They must also not uproot any plants or take away any flowers from the desert.
Visitors can check out the official Red Rock Canyon Page for more information on reservations and tours.