Sunsets at Red Rock Canyon - where to photograph the sunset

Sunset view from Scenic Overlook

Most visitors will leave Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area in the late afternoon after a day of hiking, climbing, or sightseeing. And they will miss one of the biggest attractions at Red Rock… the sunsets.

The upper elevations along the scenic loop offer splendid places to view (and photograph) sunsets at Red Rock Canyon. Some of our favorite places to photograph the sunset include:

1.) Along the White Rock Trail / Keystone Thrust Trail — this trail starts at about 4,600′ elevation and quickly takes you up above 5,000′. From here, off to the east you are looking down onto Sandstone Quarry and Calico beyond. Poking in between the mountains in the distance you can actually see parts of the Vegas Strip.

2.) Sandstone Quarry — from the rock outcrops closest to the parking lot, you can get a great view of the valley below the scenic loop. If you venture further down the trail, climbing to higher elevations on the rocks offers sweeping views of the valley and the high cliff walls at the western end of the National Conservation Area.

3.) The scenic overlook about half-way down the scenic loop — this scenic overlook is perched on a high plateau with wide views of the valley floor below, Calico ahead, and towering limestone cliffs and mountains to your left. From your right stretching all the way behind you is the tall western wall with great views of all of the narrow slot canyons.

Keep an eye on the sky and clouds as sunset approaches. The cloud formations can be dramatic and may highlight the vast color spectrum as the sun dips below the horizon. Bring your nice SLR and if you remember, your tripod.

Enjoy the views!