Las Vegas: Red Rock Canyon Slingshot Tour & Blue Diamond Stop

Summary

Ride past Red Rock’s colors by slingshot with a Blue Diamond pause

You’ll take off from Las Vegas in an easy-to-drive slingshot, following Highway 159 past Red Rock Canyon’s wild colors with a local guide leading the way. There’s time to wander Blue Diamond for photos and stories before heading back under that huge desert sky. It’s simple fun — wind in your face, dust on your shoes, and maybe even a wave from someone who calls this place home.

What’s the experience like?

It started with a laugh — the kind that comes when you’re not sure if you look cool or ridiculous sitting in an automatic slingshot outside Las Vegas. Our guide, Eric, handed me the keys and grinned, “Don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks.” I believed him, mostly. The engine had this low purr, and the seat felt like it belonged in some comic book car. We set off down Highway 159, wind already tangling my hair (should’ve brought a hat), and that dry Nevada air just everywhere. You don’t realize how big the sky is until you’re out there — no buildings, just those wild red rocks on both sides.

The road curves along the edge of Red Rock Canyon — not inside the conservation area, but honestly, the views are still something else. At one point Eric slowed down so we could hear the gravel crunch under the tires and pointed at some wild burros off to the side. I tried to snap a photo but fumbled my phone; ended up with a blurry shot and dust on my jeans. We stopped in Blue Diamond for photos and water (which tasted way better than expected after all that sun). There was this old guy outside the general store who waved at us — he said something about “slingshots always bringing city folks out here.” I liked that.

I didn’t expect to feel so much like a kid again — maybe it was just being out in the open or maybe it was how simple everything felt for those couple hours. The ride back into Las Vegas was quieter; everyone seemed to be thinking their own thoughts. I kept glancing at those colors in the rocks — pinks and oranges and shadows that moved as clouds drifted by. Even now, I still think about that stretch of highway sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Scenic drive and Blue Diamond visit

• Drive alongside Red Rock Mountains
• Stop for photos in Blue Diamond

Top questions

Do I need a motorcycle license for this slingshot tour?

No, you only need a regular driver’s license to drive the automatic slingshot.

Does this tour go inside Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area?

No, you drive alongside Red Rock Canyon on Highway 159 but do not enter the conservation area itself.

Is insurance included for driving the slingshot?

Yes, insurance is included as part of your tour package.

How old do I have to be to drive?

The minimum age to drive is 21 years old.

Is bottled water provided during the tour?

Yes, bottled water is included for all participants.

What should I wear for this tour?

Long pants and sleeves are recommended but not required; dress appropriately for weather conditions.

Where does the photo stop happen?

You’ll stop for photos at the historic town of Blue Diamond along Highway 159.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options available near where the tour starts.

What’s included

Your day includes an automatic slingshot (no motorcycle license needed), bottled water for when you stop at Blue Diamond, full insurance coverage with no deposit required, gas included throughout your ride along Highway 159 near Red Rock Canyon, plus guidance from locals who know these roads well—just bring your driver’s license and sign a quick waiver before heading out under that big Nevada sky.