Las Vegas: Red Rock Canyon Trike & Slingshot Self-Drive Tour

Summary

Red Rock by trike, Vegas sign photos and desert colors

You’ll ride your own Slingshot or trike out of Las Vegas with a local guide leading the way, stopping for photos at the famous Welcome sign and Blue Diamond town. Feel Nevada’s desert air on your face as you cruise scenic Highway 159—no motorcycle license needed—and return with more than just pictures in your phone.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the morning sun bounced off the chrome of our Slingshot, right there at the edge of Las Vegas. Our guide, Mike — he looked like he’d lived in Nevada forever — handed me a helmet and grinned. “Don’t worry,” he said, “it’s easier than it looks.” I was nervous (never driven anything with three wheels before), but honestly, once we got rolling down Highway 159, it felt sort of freeing. The Strip faded behind us and suddenly it was just red rocks, big sky, and that dry sage smell you only get out West.

We pulled over at the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign for a quick photo. There were other folks lining up — a couple in Elvis sunglasses, some kids waving at passing cars. The air tasted dusty but sweet, like someone had left cinnamon gum in their pocket. Mike snapped our picture (he actually crouched down to get the angle right), then we hit the road again. The engine hummed under my seat; I kept glancing sideways at those wild layers of color in the mountains. It’s not exactly quiet out there — trucks rumble past sometimes — but there’s this odd peacefulness too.

Our next stop was Blue Diamond. It’s a tiny town that feels like it belongs in an old Western movie. We parked near a wooden fence where two horses were chewing grass and ignoring us completely. A woman waved from her porch; I tried to say hello but she just smiled and nodded (maybe she gets tourists every day). We didn’t go into Red Rock Canyon itself — Mike explained that permits are tricky — but honestly, you see so much from the byway that I didn’t mind. There was bottled water waiting in the back of the Slingshot when we got back on; somehow it tasted colder than usual.

I still think about that stretch of road outside Vegas — how fast everything changes from neon to wild desert silence. If you’ve never tried a Slingshot or trike tour near Las Vegas before… well, I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Drive scenic Las Vegas and Red Rock

• Stop at Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign
• Drive along Red Rock Scenic Byway
• Photo stop in historic Blue Diamond

Top questions

Do I need a motorcycle license for this Las Vegas trike tour?

No motorcycle license is required; all vehicles are automatic and easy to drive with a standard driver's license.

Does this tour enter Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area?

No, the route follows Highway 159 and offers views of Red Rock Canyon but does not enter the conservation area itself.

What is included in the guided Slingshot tour?

The tour includes use of an automatic trike or Slingshot vehicle, bottled water, and guidance from a local driver/guide.

Where does this self-drive tour start?

The tour starts near central Las Vegas with an early stop at the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign for photos.

Is there an age limit for riders or drivers?

The minimum age to drive is 21 years old; passengers must be at least 8 years old with parent or guardian.

What should I wear for this Red Rock Canyon trike tour?

Long pants and sleeves are recommended due to weather conditions but not mandatory; dress appropriately for desert weather.

Is hotel pickup included in this Las Vegas trike adventure?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at a designated location near the Strip.

What’s included

Your day includes use of an automatic trike or Slingshot vehicle (no motorcycle license needed), guidance from a local driver/guide who shares stories along the way, bottled water waiting for you after each stop, plus time for souvenir photos at both the iconic Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign and historic Blue Diamond before heading back toward city lights.