Cher

I will be visiting L.V. next week with my hubby, staying at Bellagio, and plan to rent a car for one day to check out some sites off the strip. We've been to the Grand Canyon, and actually will be doing a rafting trip down the Colorada through the GC for a couple days prior to getting to LV, so we're looking for some other things to check out.

I was planning to visit Red Rock Canyon in the morning - do a bit of hiking - and then go to Valley of the Fire State Park, and do most of our exploring through there via car (since will be hot in the afternoon). However, upon looking at the map, I'm wondering if this is reasonable to do during a day trip? We'd like to be back to our hotel by early evening.

BTW - We are going to see the Hoover Dam on another day via a tour.

Scarlett

I like going to Mt Charleston when it was very hot ( we went in Aug a couple of times lol ) - it was always cooler there.
But I think Red Rock would be a sufficient day, you don't want to spend most of the day driving. And Red Rock has a lot of places for you to get out and hike or just meander and watch the crazy climbers..
We usually went around lunch time so we could take a picnic and have it there, then came back in the late afternoon, had a leisurely time resting and getting ready for the evening.. we always stayed up soooo very late when we were in LV.
Enjoy the tour to Hoover Dam!
We drove ourselves, really really liked the part of the drive where you come over a hill, it looks like you are on the moon and there is that very very blue lake ahead of you. But the traffic and drive to the Dam was so annoying, we turned around and went back to town ..
Please do post a trip report

newyorkais35

Hi there.

Valley of Fire State Park was the highlight of my trip to Las Vegas. It was BEAUTIFUL!!! The light brings the rocks to life, so to speak!!! Honestly, I would skip Hoover Dam completely. Quite boring in my opinion. I would spend the better part of the day visiting the park. Bring food and drinks with you. Nothing else around. Enjoy!!!

Ross

Cher

We are actually going to the Hoover Dam on another day via a motorcoach tour. We're only renting the car for one day.

So I still don't know - one message recommends Red Rock; another is very strong for Valley of Fire. Don't know what to do ...

Someone mentioned to me that Red Rock was only 20 minutes ride and then Valley of Fire would be an hour from there. Would it be crazy to go to both in one day? If so and only go to one, which one?

Scarlett

Yes, Red Rock is about 30 minutes from downtown .. an easy drive too.
But once you are there, you will want to drive slowly, get out and wander etc.

It all depends on what you want out of the day, driving mostly, from one place to the other or spending a nice amount of time enjoying the place.

Valley of Fire is quite beautiful , just a little farther away.

Cher

Was just viewing pictures of both places online -- I think we are going to head to Valley of Fire and see how the day goes from there. Maybe it was just the pictures, but the scenery seemed more dramatic than Red Rock Canyon.

kenrf

Cher,

My wife and I just returned from Las Vegas. We visited both Red Rock and Valley of Fire. Both are terrific for hiking. I think both is too much for one day. If I had to choose one, I would opt for Red Rock. It is only 30 minutes for downtown Vegas, and the scenery is truly breathtaking.

beth_fitz

Red Rock and Valley of Fire are not near each other so you'd be driving quite a bit.

We went to Red Rock in Feb and it was really pretty. Didn't get a chance to explore Valley of Fire.

We did however enjoy the Hoover Dam and took the longer tour of the Dam which was very interesting.

They are building a bridge over the river to allow trucks to bypass the dam...it was pretty awe inspiring. I'd be interesting is seeing what it is like driving over it.

traveller1959

I have seen both several times.

IMO, Valley of Fire has the more spectacular rock formations and should not be missed, especially when you are a photographer.

Red Rock Canyon is different, more dramatic.

I would suggest you drive in the morning to Valley of Fire (because it is farther away), have a picnic there, and drive then to Red Rock Canyon. Before entering Red Rock Canyon, you might pay a visit to Spring Mountain Ranch to see something different than rocks (it is very close by).

In any case, you should be in Red Rock Canyon at dusk - it brings out the colors brilliantly.

I agree with others to skip Hoover Dam - the area is sort of barren.

traveller1959

Maybe you should cancel the Hoover Dam tour and book a scenic flight to Grand Canyon West Rim instead. The least expensive flight is already spectacular.