The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area’s 13-mile scenic drive also serves as a backcountry byway—a paved, one-way road that welcomes not only visitors in motorized vehicles, but also photographers, joggers, walkers, and, of course, cyclists.
The scenery includes barren desert landscapes, red- and buff-colored rock formations, and stunning sandstone and limestone cliffs that reach elevations up to 7,000 feet. There is also an abundance of wildlife, including wild horses, desert foxes, and bighorn sheep, just to name a few.
There are two options to pick from on this outdoor tour. First, choose from a Gary Fisher hybrid, a Tarmac, or Roubaix road bike, then select a guided or self-guided tour.
On the guided tour, a professional cyclist leads the way along the canyon’s paved, scenic loop—perfect for the athletic beginner with some off-road experience. Starting from the loop’s highest point, descend 2,500 feet through Red Rock Canyon and back to the tour center.
On the self-guided tour for intermediate and advanced riders, explore the canyon at leisure, traveling an additional 10 miles along the Red Rock Scenic Highway.
