️Red Rock Canyon Morning Hikes

Hiking at sunrise, desert glowing pink/orange, wide open views.

Why Go in the Morning

Vegas days get hot in the summer, too hot for most trails after 10 am. But in the morning, Red Rock Canyon is cool, quiet, and glowing with sunrise colors. The desert feels calm, the light is incredible for photos, and you’ll beat both the heat and the crowds.

Best Morning Hikes

Here are a few of our favorite early morning trails:

Calico Tanks Trail (2.5 miles) > Short, moderate, with incredible views of the Strip at the end.

Ice Box Canyon (2.2 miles) > A shaded canyon hike that stays cool longer. - Turtlehead Peak (5 miles) > Steep and challenging, but with unbeatable sunrise views.

Keystones Thrust (2.2 miles) > Quick, unique geology, and fewer people than Calico.

Tip: Start no later than 7 am in the summer, or you’ll feel the heat fast.

What to Bring

- Water (always, even in the morning and turn around when your water is halfway finished)

- Good shoes (trails can be rocky)

- Hat + sunscreen (we love thin long sleeve shirts too)

- Downloaded map (cell service can be spotty)

Why We Love It

We’ve hiked Red Rock hundreds of times because of its proximity but mornings still feel special. There’s something about starting the day in silence, watching the desert light up, and then being back in the city in time for coffee.

If you love mornings at Red Rock, you’ll love living close to it even more. Neighborhoods like Summerlin and The Lakes give you easy access to trails, while still being just 20 minutes from the strip.