Day Trip

I spend a week in Las Vegas This year went to Red Rock Canyon 

what a nice break. Less then half hour drive.Need Reservation during

Spring and fall Not summer months I guess the heat. Yet just driving

the loop (about 4 miles) Is nice I wouldn't want to hike.There is a $20

per car fee. Yet if you have a American The Beautiful card no fee.

this card for seniors is $10 lifetime for seniors.It is sold by National Park Services. So if you need a break and would like to see beautiful 

rock formations and views Please give it a try

I remember going to Red Rock for the first time in late November.  It was 72 in the valley, and 52 at the highest point the loop goes.  It was amazing how different the weather is that high.  And as you said, it's truly a beautiful place. 

The America the Beautiful card is no longer $10--it's $80. The only good news is that you can pay for it in four yearly installments, at which point it will become a lifetime pass.

The Red Rock drive is definitely worth it. If you're there in winter and can get there just after a snowstorm, the mountains look gorgeous.

Here is the website for the card -  https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/national-parks-and-federal-recreational-lands-pass.htm

I would HIGHLY suggest even a MORE scenic day trip getaway from Vegas.....Valley of Fire State Park. It's about an hour north off I-15 and it's also convemiemtly a loop taking you through the park and then south along Lake Mead back to Vegas. Including the nice visitor center and a little walk or two (not required) it's about 4-5 hours total. DO NOT attempt any hikes of any distance when temps are over about 90 degrees!

It's a nice trip, but the return loop via Lake Mead doesn't take you directly back to Vegas--you emerge some distance southeast of Henderson (though you can take a pretty steep and narrow cutoff road over the Sunrise Mountain Pass, which puts you on the east side of North Las Vegas). I don't like that road much--it's not particularly scenic, and it's slow. There are also occasional road closures, which you might not discover until it's too late and you have to backtrack 30 miles.

So I recommend just returning the way you came.

Sorry for misinformation. Goes to show how long I've been a senior.I used it for a senior

get away to Yosemite for several years.Also thanks for information about day trip suggestion

I am already set up for next year. My son got comp for Flamingo.