Red Rock Canyon from Las Vegas

A guided day trip from Las Vegas to Red Rock Canyon, combining a stop at the Visitor Center, a scenic drive and a visit to Willow Springs to see ancient rock art.

This day trip takes you from Las Vegas to Red Rock Canyon, a desert area only minutes from the Strip. You travel in a custom-built Tour Trekker vehicle with a guide. The first stop is the Visitor Center, where interactive exhibits cover the area's desert life, and where you can look for Mohave Max, the desert tortoise.

The route follows the 13-mile Scenic Loop Drive, passing the Wilson Cliffs, the Spring Mountains and Calico Hills. At Willow Springs, the group views ancient rock art and takes in panoramic views of the landscape. Along the way, the guide covers desert ecosystems, rock art and fossils, including the dinosaurs that once lived in the region.

This outing suits visitors who want to see the landscape beyond the casino corridor, as well as travelers interested in geology, rock art and natural history. It is a daytime activity, and the custom vehicle makes the drive comfortable for those who prefer a guided itinerary over driving themselves.