Red Rock Canyon or Hoover Dam: a recommended day trip from ARIA
Both Red Rock Canyon and Hoover Dam are excellent day-trip options from ARIA Resort & Casino. Red Rock Canyon is a shorter drive and suits a half-day outdoors visit; Hoover Dam is farther and fits a half- to full-day outing focused on engineering and Lake Mead access.
In this guide
Overview: which to pick?
Red Rock Canyon (Scenic Drive and trailheads) is best if you want a short nature escape with overlooks and short hikes. It’s commonly done as a half-day trip from the Strip.
Hoover Dam is an easy choice for visitors interested in large-scale engineering, dam views, and nearby Lake Mead activities; plan more time if you want a visitor-center tour or to explore the Historic Railroad Trail.
- Red Rock Canyon: roughly 30–34 minute drive from the Strip; 13-mile Scenic Drive that can take 30 minutes to drive straight through.
- Hoover Dam: about a 45-minute drive from the Strip; visitor center generally opens at 9:00 AM.
| Destination | Typical Drive Time from ARIA | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Red Rock Canyon | About 30–34 minutes | Short hikes, scenic overlooks, photography |
| Hoover Dam | About 45 minutes | Visitor center, dam views, Lake Mead access |
Getting there and timing
Both sites are most convenient by car or rideshare from ARIA; the resort does not operate an airport shuttle, and designated rideshare pick-up/drop-off points serve guests. Allow extra time for Strip traffic when traveling in morning or evening peak hours.
If you want to avoid crowds at Hoover Dam, plan to arrive before 10:00 AM or after mid-afternoon; the Hoover Dam visitor center typically opens at 9:00 AM. Red Rock’s Scenic Drive can be driven quickly, but stopping at overlooks or hiking will add time.
- Use rideshare or a rental car; ARIA offers on-site self-parking and valet for guests (fees noted on property materials).
- Factor in at least 3–4 hours for Hoover Dam if visiting the visitor center and nearby trails; factor 2–4 hours for Red Rock depending on walking/hiking plans.
- Check seasonal conditions and opening hours before you go (visitor-center hours and seasonal pool/park schedules can change).
| Start | Suggested Departure from ARIA | Recommended Return |
|---|---|---|
| Red Rock Canyon (half-day) | Leave mid-morning (9:00–10:00 AM) | Back by early afternoon |
| Hoover Dam (half to full day) | Leave early (8:00–9:00 AM) | Back mid- to late afternoon |
What to do at Red Rock Canyon
Drive the 13-mile Scenic Drive for overlooks and short walks; many visitors stop at a handful of scenic pullouts rather than doing the entire loop without stops. Popular short hikes and viewpoints provide good photo opportunities without requiring a long trek.
Bring water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes if you plan to hike. Trail difficulty ranges from easy viewpoint walks to more demanding rock scrambling on named trails.
- Quick stops: scenic overlooks and short loop trails (time-per-stop: 15–45 minutes).
- Hiking options: short paved viewpoints to longer unpaved trails — choose according to fitness and heat.
- Planability: the Scenic Drive can be done in 30 minutes driving without stops; add time for overlooks and hikes.
| Activity | Time Needed |
|---|---|
| Drive Scenic Loop (no stops) | About 30 minutes |
| Short viewpoint + photo stops | 1–2 hours |
| Hiking multiple trails | Half day or more |
What to do at Hoover Dam and nearby Lake Mead
Hoover Dam is centered on viewing the dam itself and the Colorado River/Lake Mead interface. The visitor center offers exhibits and information; check its opening time before planning.
Nearby Lake Mead National Recreation Area supports hiking and cycling options, including the Historic Railroad Trail that leads to tunnels and dam viewpoints. If you plan to walk the Railroad Trail or other longer routes, allow extra time for transit and parking.
- Visitor-center exhibits (opens around 9:00 AM) — arrive early to avoid peak crowds.
- Short walks near parking and viewpoints provide dam and river/lake perspectives.
- Historic Railroad Trail: an option for a low-gradient walk with tunnel views toward the dam — allow 1–2 hours depending on how far you go.
| Activity | Typical Time |
|---|---|
| Visitor center + viewpoints | 1–2 hours |
| Historic Railroad Trail walk | 1–3 hours |
| Combine with Lake Mead stops | Half day or more |
Practical tips from ARIA before you go
Plan departures around ARIA’s location on the Las Vegas Strip and local traffic. ARIA’s check-in starts at 3:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM; if you have a morning excursion planned on your arrival or departure day, ask the front desk about luggage hold options.
Bring identification for rideshare or car rental pick-up, and remember that ARIA’s daily resort fee includes in-room Wi‑Fi and other services; confirm any parking or day-use policies for non-guests directly with the resort.
- If you plan a morning trip before check-in, request luggage storage at the reception desk.
- If you’re returning mid-afternoon and have pool plans, ARIA hotel guests have access to the three outdoor pools (hours may vary seasonally).
- Room options to consider if you’ll relax after the trip: Deluxe Strip View Room, Corner Suite, Sky Suites One Bedroom Penthouse - Strip View (book early if you need suite access).
| Resort Detail | Note |
|---|---|
| Check-in / Check-out | Check-in starts at 3:00 PM; check-out is 11:00 AM |
| Pools | Hotel guests have complimentary access to three outdoor pools; adults-only LIQUID Pool Lounge operates seasonally |
| Transport tip | Use designated rideshare pickup/drop-off at ARIA for convenience |
Suggested itineraries from ARIA
Half-day Red Rock: depart mid-morning, drive the Scenic Loop with two or three overlooks, take one short hike, and return to ARIA in time for an afternoon by the pool or an early dinner. This fits well if you prefer a nature break without a full-day commitment.
Half- to full-day Hoover Dam: depart early, visit the Hoover Dam visitor center and viewpoints, walk part of the Historic Railroad Trail if desired, and return to ARIA for dinner at an on-site restaurant such as Javier's or Jean Georges Steakhouse.
- Combine Red Rock with an evening on the Strip for a shorter outing.
- Combine Hoover Dam with a Lake Mead stop or a guided tour if you want more background information and transport arranged.
- Allow flexibility — both destinations can be affected by weather and seasonal operating hours.
| Plan Type | Departure Time | Return Time |
|---|---|---|
| Red Rock Quick Trip | 9:00–10:00 AM | Early afternoon |
| Hoover Dam Full Visit | 8:00–9:00 AM | Mid- to late afternoon |
| Combined guided tour | Early morning | Evening (varies by operator) |
