The Red Rock Canyon Scenic Loop Drive is a 13-mile, one-way paved road inside the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, about 15 miles west of Las Vegas. For road cyclists, it has become one of the most sought-after rides in the region — not because the road itself is unusual, but because of who else is on it. From October through May, BLM enforces a timed-entry reservation system for vehicles between 8am and 5pm, capping car traffic and giving cyclists a rare, largely car-light 13-mile loop.
What to Expect
The route starts with a sustained climb — local outfitters cite roughly 2,245 feet of total climbing over the 13 miles — before settling into mostly downhill and rolling terrain. It's paved the whole way and rideable on a standard road or gravel bike; it is not a technical or singletrack experience, but real elevation work early on means this suits cyclists comfortable with a sustained grade more than total beginners.
Getting There & Fees
Cyclists pay an $8 per-bicycle day-use fee at the gate (versus $20 for a car), and a $50 annual Red Rock pass is available for locals who ride it often. Because this is a fee area with a controlled entry point, cycling clubs and shops (Las Vegas Cyclery, Escape Adventures) build guided rides and tours specifically around it.
Practical Advice
- Best timing follows the reservation calendar: October-May is both the lowest-traffic and most temperature-friendly stretch.
- Summer (June-September) drops the reservation requirement but brings extreme desert heat and limited shade.
- The road threads past the Calico Hills and their red-oxidized Aztec Sandstone formations, with canyon walls rising as high as 3,000 feet — High Point Overlook is a named stop along the route.
First-time riders should treat this as a moderate, not casual, ride: bring your own water, expect one sustained climb, and budget for the per-bike entrance fee.