hikes from las vegas
Las Vegas is not only known for its flashy nightlife, but also for its proximity to some of the best hiking trails in the southwestern United States. Las Vegas offers hikers access to some of the most beautiful and diverse natural landscapes in the region, including mountains, canyons, and deserts.
The hiking options in the area are abundant and include popular destinations such as Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Mt. Charleston, Valley of Fire State Park, and Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Each of these locations offers a unique hiking experience with stunning scenery and diverse terrain. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, Las Vegas has something for everyone.
In this blog, we will explore some of the best hikes in Las Vegas and provide tips for making the most out of your hiking experience.
What are the best hikes from Las Vegas?
Las Vegas is not just about casinos and nightlife; it also offers an abundance of hiking options for those who love the outdoors. In this blog post, we will highlight some of the best hikes to explore from Las Vegas, including their locations and notable features.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is located just 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip. It covers 195,819 acres of land and is home to some of the most stunning geological formations in the region, including towering red sandstone cliffs, sandstone canyons, and unique rock formations.
Hiking options in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area include:
- Calico Tanks Trail – This moderate 2.5-mile hike offers stunning views of the Las Vegas Valley and Red Rock Canyon. The trail leads to a natural water pocket known as the Calico Tanks, which provides a peaceful oasis in the desert.
- Ice Box Canyon Trail – This moderate 2.6-mile hike takes you through a narrow canyon with towering walls of sandstone. The trail leads to a seasonal waterfall and a small pool, which is a great spot to take a break and cool off.
- Turtlehead Peak Trail – This strenuous 5.2-mile hike takes you to the summit of Turtlehead Peak, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. The trail is steep and rocky, so be prepared for a challenging hike.
Tips for hiking in Red Rock Canyon:
- Bring plenty of water, especially during the summer months when temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good traction, as the trails can be rocky and uneven.
- Keep an eye out for desert wildlife, such as rattlesnakes and lizards, and give them plenty of space.
- Check the weather forecast before heading out, as flash floods and thunderstorms can occur in the area.
- Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays.
Mt. Charleston
Mt. Charleston, also known as the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, is located just 35 miles northwest of Las Vegas. It is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and skiing, and is home to the highest peak in southern Nevada, Charleston Peak, which reaches an elevation of 11,916 feet.
Hiking options in Mt. Charleston include:
- Cathedral Rock Trail – This moderate 2.7-mile hike leads to a stunning rock formation known as Cathedral Rock, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. The trail is rocky and steep in some areas, so proper hiking shoes are recommended.
- Mary Jane Falls Trail – This moderate 2.5-mile hike takes you through a scenic canyon and leads to a 50-foot waterfall. The trail is well-maintained and has several switchbacks to make the climb easier.
- Charleston Peak Trail – This strenuous 16-mile hike takes you to the summit of Charleston Peak, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The trail is steep and rocky in some areas, and hikers should be prepared for a long and challenging hike.
Tips for hiking in Mt. Charleston:
- Bring warm clothing, even in the summer months, as temperatures can be significantly cooler at higher elevations.
- Check the weather forecast before heading out, as thunderstorms and snowstorms can occur in the area.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are limited facilities on the trails.
- Watch for signs of altitude sickness, especially if you are not used to hiking at higher elevations.
- Respect the wildlife and keep a safe distance from any animals you encounter.
Valley of Fire State Park
Valley of Fire State Park is located about 55 miles northeast of Las Vegas and is known for its unique sandstone formations and vibrant red rock colors. The park covers 46,000 acres of land and is home to a variety of wildlife, including desert bighorn sheep and coyotes.
Hiking options in Valley of Fire State Park include:
- Fire Wave Trail – This moderate 1.5-mile hike takes you to a stunning sandstone formation known as the Fire Wave, which features a unique striped pattern of red, pink, and white. The trail is relatively easy and is suitable for hikers of all levels.
- White Domes Trail – This moderate 1.1-mile hike takes you through a scenic canyon and features several unique sandstone formations, including a slot canyon and a natural arch. The trail is well-marked and is suitable for hikers of all levels.
- Mouse’s Tank Trail – This easy 0.8-mile hike takes you to a natural water pocket known as Mouse’s Tank, which was used by Native Americans for thousands of years. The trail is relatively flat and is suitable for hikers of all levels.
Tips for hiking in Valley of Fire:
- Bring plenty of water, as there are limited facilities on the trails.
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good traction, as the trails can be rocky and uneven.
- Watch for signs of heat exhaustion, especially during the summer months when temperatures can be very high.
- Respect the wildlife and keep a safe distance from any animals you encounter.
- Don’t climb on or damage any of the park’s unique sandstone formations.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Lake Mead National Recreation Area is located about 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas and is known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and opportunities for outdoor recreation. The area covers over 1.5 million acres and includes the largest reservoir in the United States, Lake Mead.
Hiking options in Lake Mead National Recreation Area include:
- Goldstrike Canyon Trail – This strenuous 4.5-mile hike takes you through a scenic canyon and leads to several hot springs and waterfalls. The trail is rocky and requires some scrambling over boulders, so it’s recommended for experienced hikers.
- Liberty Bell Arch Trail – This moderate 2.5-mile hike takes you to a natural arch known as the Liberty Bell, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The trail is well-marked and is suitable for hikers of all levels.
- River Mountains Loop Trail – This easy 35-mile trail is a popular destination for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. The trail offers panoramic views of Lake Mead and the surrounding mountains and is suitable for hikers of all levels.
Tips for hiking in Lake Mead:
- Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are limited facilities on the trails.
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good traction, as the trails can be rocky and uneven.
- Watch for signs of heat exhaustion, especially during the summer months when temperatures can be very high.
- Respect the wildlife and keep a safe distance from any animals you encounter.
- Check for trail closures and updates before heading out, as some trails may be closed due to weather or maintenance.
Conclusion
Las Vegas offers a variety of incredible hiking options that are easily accessible from the city. From the stunning sandstone formations of Red Rock Canyon to the alpine peaks of Mt. Charleston, there is something for every type of hiker.
If you’re planning to go hiking in Las Vegas, here are a few final thoughts and recommendations:
- Always bring plenty of water and snacks, especially during the summer months.
- Wear proper hiking shoes or boots with good traction and bring appropriate clothing for the weather and terrain.
- Check for trail closures and weather updates before heading out.
- Respect the wildlife and natural environment by leaving no trace and following all park rules and regulations.
- Lastly, enjoy the incredible natural beauty of Las Vegas and take the time to explore some of the incredible hiking trails in the area.
