Riding the Scenic Loop in Red Rock Canyon
Exploring nature’s masterpiece on a motorbike adventure in Red Rock Canyon
If you want to trade in the bustling casinos, glamour, lights and opulence of the Las Vegas strip for a natural wonderland – We would recommend the Red Rock Canyon!
Nestled just 30 minutes outside of Las Vegas, the Red Rock Canyon beckons motorcycle enthusiasts with its awe-inspiring beauty and exhilarating roads. And the Scenic Loop is named that for a reason. As Nevada’s first National Conservation Area, it is popular with hikers, bikers and drivers all enjoying its 13-mile one-way loop road.
Kaleidoscope of colors
Setting off on your motorbike, the anticipation builds as you approach the entrance of Red Rock Canyon. You’re instantly greeted by a kaleidoscope of colors when you enter. The sandstone cliffs, adorned in shades of red, orange, and tan, rise up on either side.
As you ride down the winding roads, each turn reveals something new, with towering rocks seeming to defy gravity as they keep reaching upwards toward the sky. The well-paved road is a joy to ride and offers plenty of opportunities to lean into the curves and test your riding skills. The road dips to navigate through the desert dry washes. It curves around hairpin turns, and then ascends to an incredible viewpoint at an elevation of 4,760 feet, offering panoramic sights of the Mojave Desert.
A biker’s opinion
Ricky, an avid motorcyclist from Las Vegas, says he brings everyone there to check out the sights, “Whenever I have friends in town on a schedule, this is the short and sweet ride I take them on. We usually meet at Red Rock Casino and ride into the park on Charleston Blvd. It’s probably one of the most fantastic little trips in the USA.
“The road is one-way and twists and loops all around the park. You get a cool ride with breathtaking views. It’s also much cooler in the canyon compared to downtown Vegas.”
As you navigate the twists and turns, the rhythm of the ride against the backdrop of the Red Rock Canyon makes it all feel like a dream. Especially at dawn when the loop is even better. As the soft yellow of the rising sun bathes the hills in a golden glow. This is the best time to take all those photos. As the stunning vistas and beautiful landscapes are around every turns. Or park up the bike and hike the iconic Keystone Thrust. A geological marvel formed millions of years ago which provides extraordinary surroundings for your ride.
Wildlife experiences
And watch out for the desert bighorn sheep, coyotes, and an array of bird species that may all make an appearance at some point, adding a touch of wildness to your ride!
But possibly the real beauty of the loop is the peace and quiet. The hustle and bustle of city life fade away, replaced by the soothing sounds of nature. The loop stretches before you, so it’s just you, your bike, and the open road.
The Red Rock Canyon is referred to as ‘the best-kept secret in Las Vegas’. And they are trying to keep it as protected as possible. It costs $10 for motorcyclists to enter, and timed reservations are required for certain times of the year. Check out www.redrockcanyonlv.org for more information. A portion of the proceeds from passes purchased at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area stays in the area. And help fund the Visitor Center and many public programs.