Red Rock: a few thousand routes, generally warm weather, every kind climbing from short sport routes to big 20-pitch outings, nearby Las Vegas for off-rock activities. Who could ask for more?

The sandstone in Red Rocks is fragile and is very easily damaged when it is wet. Holds rip off and climbs have been and will continue to be permanently damaged due to climbers not respecting this phenomenon. After a heavy storm the rock will remain wet, sometimes for several days. PLEASE DO NOT CLIMB IN RED ROCKS during or after rain. A good rule of thumb is that if the ground near your climb is at all damp (and not powdery dry sand), then do not climb. There are many alternatives (limestone, granite, basalt, and plastic) nearby.

If you're wondering when it last rained, wetrockpolice.com/redrock displays information collected by a rain gauge located at the Red Rock visitor center. Please note that the site only aims to help climbers make informed decisions; wetrockpolice.com should not be treated as the source of truth for whether climbing can or cannot be safely done!

Human waste is one of the major issues plaguing Red Rocks. The Las Vegas Climbers Liaison Council identified this problem years ago and has worked to provide "wag bags" free of charge in several locations (Black Velvet, First Pullout, Kraft Mtn/Bouldering, The Gallery, and The Black Corridor). These bags are designed so that you can pack your waste out - consider bringing one to be part of your kit (just like your rope and shoes and lunch) no matter where you go. Once used, please dispose of them properly (do not throw them in the toilets at the parking areas). This project was funded primarily by the American Alpine Club.

IMPORTANT: NEW LATE EXIT SYSTEM STARTING JAN 2020.

It is easy to be late returning to your car, and the tickets are expensive. All climbers should take advantage of this excellent resource. Any number of unexpected things can cause you to run late on a climb. Don't let your trip get ruined with an expensive, but avoidable, parking ticket.

Note that the scenic loop drive access is limited by the BLM and requires a fee upon entry. Schedule and fee information is detailed on the BLM website.

There are limits to the number of commercial use, competitive or organized group permits available as established with the Resource Management Plan and other Environmental Analysis documents. Rock Climbing Guest Permits are for one calendar year and are offered through a lottery. Applications accepted beginning June 1 and must be received by September 1 for the following year. For more information, visit the Special Recreation Permits section of the Red Rock website.

Visitors may reserve single campground sites at Red Rock Canyon Campground online or by phone for visits starting in 2019.
As of January 2019, Red Rock Canyon Campsite reservations are made at recreation.gov, or by calling the national reservation hotline 1-877-444-677. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance but not less than 48 hours of the desired arrival date. Camping rates have not changed and are $25 per night for the standard and RV sites, $12 for the walk-to sites, and $80 for the group sites.

As of January 2019, 66 of the 80 single campsites and seven large group campsites are be available on the system for reservation. The remaining 14 single campsites are offered on a first-come first-served basis.

Recreation.gov is managed by National Recreation Reservation Service. The NRRS is a partnership between Federal Land Management Agencies to provide quality reservation services for facilities and activities on public lands. Additional information about recreation opportunities at BLM’s Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area can be found here.