Yes there is a fee and you need to make a reservation online, and pay to make the reservation..... I did read Nevada just relaxed Covid restrictions, not sure if this will affect Red Rocks, though you may want to check online if reservations are still required.

No not in that whole area but if you go south of Vegas they have indian drawings look up the best location for that, mostly out in the desert. This trip is short and just rock formations.

I've booked from canyontours com and was very happy with their service. Book VIP (not much difference), it leaves earlier so you get the best view before it gets crowded.

There is a Hoover Dam & Grand Canyon tour together. I don’t know about the Red Rock Canyon.

Yes, I purchased a new one at the Red Rock Canyon gate.

Yes!! Go and enjoy! You can stop at as many of the pull offs as you want. It is such a short drive from the city.

You don't need a guide to see the stars at night, just find a dark spot outside and look up...

Red Rock would be beautiful at sunset and early evening, but you will need to check their closing times. From other answers, they are open until 8 p.m., but will soon only be open until 7 p.m. You might want to check with a Las Vegas tour company to see if they do special tours. It is really very close to the "strip" and Las Vegas.

The Scenic Drive is open every day of the year with hours changing slightly according to the season. Nov - Feb - 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM March - 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM Apr - Sep - 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM Oct - 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM For hiking, I’d say it’s safe to follow those schedules or even finish an hour earlier just to be on the safe side.

You can also hike higher elevations on Mt Charleston. Many great hikes and less than an hours drive from Las Vegas. The peak is around 12,000 ft in elevation.