Red Rock Canyon Running Route

The 13-mile Scenic Drive through Red Rock Canyon is a bucket-list long run: red sandstone cliffs, Joshua trees and a long climb in the first half.

The route

• Distance: about 13 miles for the full loop.
• Terrain: paved one-way road with a big climb, then downhill.
• Extend it: this is already a half-marathon-sized adventure.

Tips

• Book a timed entry in season and check hours.
• Run facing traffic where possible and wear bright colors.
• Bring plenty of water — there is no shade.

How to unlock the Red Rock Canyon medal

1. Run the route above — any pace counts, walk breaks included.
2. Connect Strava once, or upload the GPX file from your watch (Garmin, Coros, Apple Watch…).
3. We verify your run by GPS and the Red Rock Canyon medal unlocks in your Park Mile Passport automatically — with your distance, time and pace. It's free.

Running with a crew? Join the Park Mile club on Strava and share your park runs.