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Highway 159: Red Rock to Blue Diamond, Red Rock Canyon, Nevada
Photo: Sixflashphoto · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped

Drives Nevada Las Vegas and Southern Nevada

Highway 159: Red Rock to Blue Diamond

Red Rock Canyon, Nevada · Red Rock Canyon Road → Blue Diamond Road

Leisurely14 mi20 min800 ft climbHigh point ≈ 3,900 ftOne way
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The drive

Highway 159 runs from the western edge of Las Vegas, where Charleston Boulevard turns into the Red Rock Canyon road, south along the base of the Red Rock Canyon escarpment to Blue Diamond. About 8.8 miles of it inside the conservation area were designated a Nevada Scenic Byway in 1995.

The cliffs are red sandstone, and the road follows their foot past the Scenic Drive entrance and the turnoff for Calico Basin. It ends in Blue Diamond, a small gypsum-mining village, at the junction with Highway 160 (Blue Diamond Road).

This is a short, easy drive of 14 miles, with gentle curves. The scenery is the reason to take it, and it is busy on weekends.

Along the way

  1. Red Rock Canyon Road (Charleston Boulevard)
  2. Blue Diamond
  3. Blue Diamond Road (Highway 160 junction)
Elevation
800 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 3,900 ft
Red Rock Canyon RoadBlue Diamond Road
Curves
Mostly gentle curves
Red Rock Canyon RoadBlue Diamond Road
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Highway 159 is a public state highway; the 13-mile one-way Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive branches off it and has its own hours and fees, and the conservation area lists reservations for October 1 to May 31.
  • Weekends bring heavy traffic.
  • The Scenic Drive is open every day of the year, with hours that change by season.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Nevada 511 (NDOT).

Questions about this drive

How long does Highway 159 from Red Rock Canyon to Blue Diamond take?

Highway 159 from Red Rock Canyon Road to Blue Diamond is 14 miles and takes about 20 minutes.

Do you need a reservation to drive Highway 159 at Red Rock Canyon?

Highway 159 is a public state highway. Red Rock Canyon's Scenic Drive is separate and has its own entrance rules, with reservations listed for October 1 to May 31.

Is Highway 159 a scenic byway?

Yes. About 8.8 miles of Highway 159 in Red Rock Canyon were designated a Nevada Scenic Byway on June 30, 1995.

Is Highway 159 twisty?

No. Highway 159 is a leisurely drive with mostly gentle curves; the draw is the red sandstone cliffs.

What you get in the app

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More drives near here

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Highway 159: Red Rock to Blue Diamond, from Red Rock Canyon Road to Blue Diamond Road