Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is one of my favorite spots. In fact, surrounding the area are some of the best red rock photo locations.

As a van-lifer and elopement photographer living in Vegas, I spend the majority of my time here. Not only do I photograph couples in the area, but I also hike there daily! The best part about this conservation area is that it is only a quick 15-minute drive from downtown.

Having explored this place top to bottom, I have a few secrets that might just make your elopement the best that it can be!

HERE ARE THE SECRETS OF THESE RED ROCK PHOTO LOCATIONS

The thing that not a lot of people know is that you don’t actually have to go into the canyon to experience all of Red Rock’s greatness! You heard me right! YOU DON’T HAVE TO GO INTO RED ROCK CANYON NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA FOR YOUR ELOPEMENT.

There are TONS of amazing locations around Red Rock that I would highly consider before entering the canyon. I have narrowed down a few great spots for your upcoming session or Elopement!

TOP REASON WHY I LOVE THESE LOCATIONS:

01. Each location is easily accessible and a short walk from the parking area
02. Smaller crowds
03. No entrance or parking fees (FREE)
04. Dogs allowed
05. INCREDIBLE ROCK LOCATIONS

ONE | CALICO BASIN – Red Rock Photo Locations

RED SPRINGS

A quick walk from the parking lot.

The trailheads leading from this parking area actually connect to the first pull-out area in Red Rock Canyon which is a popular spot for rock climbers and park visitors. The path leads visitors along the base of beautiful calico hills.

Rock walls of deep reds and orange and then others with white and dark purple swirls.

A great spot for scrambling on some unique rock features. BONUS POINTS if you are a climber looking for an adventurous elopement area where you want to add a little climbing into the mix.

TWO | CALICO BASIN

KRAFT MOUNTAIN

Again, this is a quick walk from the parking lot.

Kraft Mountain is located just down the road from the Red Springs parking area. It is tucked further back. You can still access the Red Rock Canyon by trail here but it is a farther walk. My favorite part of this location is the open meadow leading up to the Red Sandstone.

There is TONS of bouldering here as well!

THREE | OAK CREEK TRAILHEAD

If you’ve ever seen photos of Red Rock Canyon, this is where they have probably come from.

Massive 3,000-foot rock formations live here and make for the most EPIC backdrops for your photos. Also outside the park, this area has three pull-off spots where you can experience its true magic. THE FIRST, MIDDLE, AND SOUTH OAK CREEK TRAILHEADS.

Did you know there are Joshua trees here as well?

Almost as amazing as the ones in Joshua tree National Park, you get the best of both worlds. My personal favorite pull-off is South Oak Creek. The Joshua trees are bigger and there are a couple of spots with desert shrubbery that I love photographing in for more variety. 

WHY I AVOID PHOTOGRAPHING IN THE RED ROCK CANYON CONSERVATION AREA AS A LAS VEGAS ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER

If you have the time and can access a permit for your grand elopement or photo session, I would definitely go for it! However, it is good to know there are still tons of amazing options.

The other great thing about these areas is that they aren’t quite as busy.

If you go into the canyon on the loop road I guarantee the parking areas will be packed. Most tourists don’t know about these other areas because they come to see the park. So, take advantage of these just as beautiful areas!

OTHER REASONS:

01. It costs $15.00/car to get into the area
02. You have to make a timed reservation
03. The road that travels throughout the park is one way only. It actually takes about 10 – 15 minutes to drive the entire canyon. So, this can be a major issue if you are on a time crunch
04. You need a permit to photograph in the park (which is sometimes hard to get)

The desert really is a special place for an elopement or photo session.

If these areas are at the top of the list when it comes to finding a location for your big day, it’s important to find a photographer who knows these areas backward and forwards.

If you are ready to book your next session or elopement, I got you covered! I’ve provide everything you need to know.