Hiking In Las Vegas

Las Vegas is famous for a lot of things, but hiking isn’t generally one of them. In fact, as well as all the lights, the hotels and the casinos, Las Vegas is actually surrounded by some very beautiful scenery, with some great hikes in the desert. There’s nowhere else where you can go from a hike by a canyon river in the day, to getting onto the get list at Marquee at night. For a hiking trip with a difference, why not give Las Vegas a chance.

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For an amazing adventure, explore some of the conservation areas, and national and state parks near Las Vegas and see some stunning scenery, and be back in Sin City by nightfall. There are lots of hikes within a day’s trip of the city, with some vary varied routes and scenery to enjoy, from forests to deserts. There are also lots of options for hikers of all abilities, from short, easy routes to something more challenging if you want to be on the trail all day.

Lost Creek Falls

This hike, located in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, has some great sights like amazing rock formations, canyons and if the season is right, a rare desert waterfall. From May to November, you can find the waterfall, and in the off season, you can admire the strange formations left behind by the water. This hike is relatively easy and takes about an hour to complete.

Crystal Springs Boardwalk

This hike is one of the most beautiful around Vegas, with pools of cerulean water in the desert. Head to the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge to enjoy these unique poola from an elevated boardwalk. See pools of fossil water and the cabin of wild west outlaw, Longstreet. This easy hike takes an hour.

Mouse’s Tank

This hike can be found in the Valley Of Fire. Here the sights include amazing geologic formations and slot canyons, with the trail eventually leading to a hidden water source of a Native American outlaw. Keep your eyes peeled as you walk, as you may find petroglyphs along the way. This is another easy hour long hike.

White Domes Loop

This trail is also in the Valley of Fire, which you might recognise from many movies and television shows. This trail has a lot of unique and interesting geological features, including Aztec Sandstone. Around the White Domes, you may spot the scenery from The Professionals. This hike takes an hour, and is a great route for nature photographers.

South Loop Trail

For more of a challenge, take on the South Loop Trail, which is a long hike of between five and eight hours. The trail will take to the very top of Mount Charleston, which at 3,600 metres tall is the highest peak in the area.

This trail is hard work, so only try this if you’re an experienced hiker. The route takes you through a bristlecone forest, before leading you along the ridgeline to the summit, with incredible views over Nevada.