Hiking Trails in Las Vegas: Discover 21 Best Routes

Hiking Trails in Las Vegas, famed for its glitz and glamour, also has some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the country. You’re in luck if you want to get away from the rush and bustle of the city and experience the great outdoors. The surrounding environs of Las Vegas provide a diverse range of hiking paths suitable for hikers of all levels, from beginners to experienced trekkers.

In this post, we’ll look at the best hiking trails in Las Vegas that will leave you speechless at the beauty of nature.

Hiking Trails in Las Vegas

1. Spring Mountains National Recreation Area is located northwest of Las Vegas

Spring Mountains National Recreation Area is a great spot to hike close to the city yet remote enough to feel like you’re in another universe. The area has various easy-to-difficult hiking paths and 316,000 acres of magnificent landscape.

Mt. Charleston and Mary Jane Falls hikes are popular. This 3.5-mile journey through the Spring Mountains wilderness offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Most hikers can handle the moderate trail.

2. The Hike to Mt. Charleston and Mary Jane Falls

Outdoor enthusiasts visiting hiking trails in Las Vegas should hike Mt. Charleston and Mary Jane Falls in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. The walk is recognized for its breathtaking mountain views, gorgeous wildflowers, and cascading waterfall.

The 3.5-mile, 1,100-foot-elevation-gain track is moderate. Hikers may experience switchbacks, rough terrain, and steep sections, but the scenery and refreshing cascade are worth it.

The walk ends at Mary Jane Falls, a stunning waterfall on a steep hillside surrounded by thick greenery. The waterfall is particularly picturesque in spring and early summer when snowfall from nearby peaks feeds it.

3. Ice Box Canyon Trail (has the Closest Waterfall Near Hiking Trails in Las Vegas)

Ice Box Canyon Trail is a unique hiking trail. This hike in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is recognized for its eponymous canyon, which keeps it cold year-round, providing a pleasant break from the blistering sun.

The 2.6-mile trail climbs 700 feet through a small canyon with towering rock formations. Hiking trails in Las Vegas ‘ closest waterfall, Ice Box Canyon, is the trail’s highlight. Hikers can cool down in the waterfall’s pool after it crashes down a rocky hill.

Ice Box Canyon Trail is moderate, with steep and rocky areas. In summer, hikers should wear proper shoes and pack lots of water.

4. The Elephant Rock and Fire Wave paths (Valley of Fire State Park)

Fire Wave and Elephant Rock Trails in Valley of Fire State Park are popular Hiking Trails in Las Vegas. The Elephant Rock Trail’s elephant-shaped rock structure and the Fire Wave Trail’s bright sandstone formations resemble fiery ocean waves.

The 1.5-mile Fire Wave Trail is quite challenging. Sandy, steep, and rocky terrain await hikers. The Fire Wave is the centerpiece of the trek through red sandstone formations.

Elephant Rock Trail is a 0.3-mile easy trek. Elephant Rock, like an elephant drinking from a watering hole, is the trail’s centerpiece. This trail is great for families and speedy hikers.

5. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is located north of Las Vegas

Locals and visitors love Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area for its natural beauty and proximity to Las Vegas. Hikers of all levels will enjoy the area’s easy-to-difficult Hiking Trails in Las Vegas.

The 7.5-mile, easy-rated Historic Railroad Trail is a local favorite. Hikers see Lake Mead and the surrounding mountains through a vintage railroad tunnel.

The 2.5-mile, moderate-difficult Calico Tanks Trail is another famous Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area path. Hikers see the hiking trails in the Las Vegas skyline from the rocky trail.

The tough North Peak Trail is 9.2 kilometers long. The walk to North Peak offers amazing views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

In the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, you’ll see hiking trails in Las Vegas’s natural splendor from any trail.

6. Historic Railroad Route

History and outdoor enthusiasts should hike the Historic Railroad Trail. The 7.5-mile Lake Mead National Recreation Area path is roundtrip. The route follows the historic railroad that transported equipment and materials during the Hoover Dam construction.

The easy walk is excellent for all hikers, especially families. Lake Mead and the mountains are seen from the largely flat trail. Hikers can also explore five railroad tunnels.

Hikers will also encounter interpretive signage on the Hoover Dam’s construction and local history. Hikers can tour the Hoover Dam or visit the visitor center at its end.

The Historic Railroad Trail is a unique hike that combines breathtaking vistas of hiking trails in Las Vegas’ natural beauty with an interesting history lesson. It’s a terrific way to spend a day outside and learn about the railroad’s part in building one of America’s most famous landmarks.

7. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Ice Box Canyon

Ice Box Canyon is one of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area’s most beautiful hikes. The 2.6-mile trail is moderately challenging. Rocks, steep parts, and creek crossings await hikers.

The trail’s centerpiece is the ice box, a tiny canyon with tall cliffs that provide shade. In summer, the canyon is a wonderful respite.

Hikers will see multiple waterfalls and ponds, making it a great spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers. The hike offers beautiful mountain and valley vistas.

The walk is difficult and exposed to the sun, so hikers should bring drinks, good shoes, and sunscreen. Hike Ice Box Canyon to see Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area’s natural splendor.

8. Fire Wave Trail

Hikers and photographers love the Fire Wave Trail in Valley of Fire State Park. The 1.5-mile trail is easy.

Hikers pass through colorful sandstone formations with wonderful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The Fire Wave, a sandstone feature that resembles a fire wave, is the trail’s centerpiece.

Hikers may see the Fire Wave’s bright colors and unusual texture up close. The trail is perfect for sunset photography because the sandstone structures glow in the sun.

The Fire Wave Trail at Valley of Fire State Park is a picturesque and easy hike. It’s ideal for families or anyone seeking a short hike with spectacular views.

9. Lake Mead Railway Trail

The Lake Mead Railway Trail is a unique hiking trail that follows a railroad that transported materials for the Hoover Dam’s construction. The simple trail is 7.5 miles one-way.

Hikers may see Lake Mead, the surrounding mountains, and the area’s history from the trail. Hikers can visit several ancient railroad tunnels and enjoy the arid scenery.

Hikers seeking a longer, gentler journey with unique activities and magnificent vistas should visit the Lake Mead Railway Trail. Mountain bikers and horseback riders can use the trail, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

10. Petroglyph Trail

Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, south of Las Vegas, houses the Petroglyph Trail. The moderately challenging 2.2-mile path is roundtrip.

Hikers pass across a rocky desert environment to a collection of native petroglyphs or rock drawings. The over-3000-year-old petroglyphs represent animals, people, and symbols.

Hikers interested in history and archaeology will enjoy the Petroglyph Trail, a modest climb with spectacular desert views. Nature lovers can also enjoy bighorn sheep, desert tortoises, and rattlesnakes on the walk.

11. Calico Tanks

West of Las Vegas in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is the Calico Tanks Trail. The moderately challenging 2.5-mile trek is roundtrip.

Hikers climb down a canyon past towering sandstone cliffs and red rock formations to a succession of natural ponds, or “calico tanks,” with spectacular desert views.

The Calico Tanks Trail is a fantastic moderate trek that combines desert and natural beauty. The trail attracts nature lovers with its desert bighorn sheep, reptiles, and snakes.

12. Shaded Canyon Trail

Shaded Canyon Trail lies northwest of Las Vegas in Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. The moderately challenging 3.6-mile path is roundtrip.

Hikers pass towering pine forests, bubbling streams, and a beautiful canyon waterfall on the walk. Hikers can see deer, elk, and birds while hiking.

The Shaded Canyon Trail is a fantastic moderate hike for desert heat escapes and spectacular views of the Spring Mountains. Mountain bikers and horseback riders can use the trail, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

13. City View Trail

City View Trail at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area west of Las Vegas is a short, easy hike. The 2.4-mile roundtrip trail is easy.

Hikers pass towering red rock formations and breathtaking vistas of the hiking trails in the Las Vegas cityscape on the desert trail. Hikers can visit historic sites and learn about the area’s geology and natural history.

For a short, easy climb with amazing views of the Las Vegas cityscape and desert, the City View Trail is ideal. Birdwatchers can see raptors and songbirds on the walk.

14. Clark County Wetlands Park 

Southeast of Las Vegas, Clark County Wetlands Park offers unusual hiking. The 2,900-acre park has hiking routes through wetlands, ponds, and meadows.

Migratory birds, reptiles, and amphibians inhabit the park. Interpretive exhibits teach hikers about the area’s history and environment.

The park’s Wetlands Trail, a 1.75-mile roundtrip easy hike, is a favorite. The walk passes across several habitats and offers breathtaking vistas.

Hikers seeking a unique hiking experience that mixes natural beauty with ecology and history can visit Clark County, Wetlands Park.

15. Owl Canyon trail

The Owl Canyon Trail in Lake Mead National Recreation Area southeast of Las Vegas is a moderate hike. The moderately challenging 2.2-mile path is roundtrip.

Hikers traverse a canyon with towering rock formations and breathtaking vistas. Hikers can visit historic sites and learn about the area’s geology and natural history.

Hikers seeking a modest climb with magnificent Lake Mead views should try the Owl Canyon Trail. Birdwatchers can see eagles and hawks on the trail.

16. Mount Charleston Hiking Trails

Mount Charleston northwest of Las Vegas is a famous hiking spot. Hiking pathways through forests, meadows, and alpine tundra range in difficulty.

Cathedral Rock Trail, a gentle 2.5-mile roundtrip hike, is a local favorite. The walk passes huge rock formations, a picturesque canyon, and breathtaking views.

Mary Jane Falls Trail, a moderately challenging 3-mile roundtrip trail, is also popular. The trail passes waterfalls, ponderosa pine forests, and spectacular views.

Hikers looking for casual strolls to strenuous summit hikes would love Mount Charleston. Camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities are common here.

17. Utah’s St. George

Hikers seeking variety visit St. George, Utah, near hiking trails in Las Vegas. Hiking routes run through picturesque canyons, towering rock formations, and stunning desert landscapes two hours northeast of Las Vegas.

Zion National Park, with its easy strolls and strenuous summit hikes, is a favorite hiking destination. The park is an hour and a half from St. George and offers wonderful views of the surrounding area.

Snow Canyon State Park has many hiking paths that snake through red rock formations, dunes, and lava flows. Hikers seeking a unique experience should visit the park outside St. George.

St. George, Utah, is a popular hiking destination for hiking trails in the Las Vegas -area hikers.

18. Valley of Fire State Park’s White Domes

Valley of Fire State Park, an hour northeast of Las Vegas, has hiking routes through a beautiful environment of red rock formations, sandstone cliffs, and distinctive rock formations. The White Domes Trail, a moderately tough 1.1-mile roundtrip hike, is a park favorite.

The White Domes Trail winds through a canyon, through towering rock formations, and offers breathtaking vistas. The hike has a picturesque slot canyon.

Hikers seeking a unique hiking trail in Las Vegas experience should visit Valley of Fire State Park. Camp, picnic, and rock climb in the park.

19. Lone Mountain Loop Trail

The northwest Las Vegas hiking trail Lone Mountain Loop Trail is popular. The moderately challenging 2.3-mile trek is roundtrip. The Lone Mountain Road trailhead offers spectacular city views.

Hikers may see the hiking trails in the Las Vegas Strip, Red Rock Canyon, and nearby mountains from the peak of Lone Mountain. Hikers of all ability levels can use the well-marked, sloping trail to the summit.

Hikers seeking hard but rewarding hiking trails in Las Vegas visit the Lone Mountain Loop Trail. Dog-friendly hikers can bring their pets on the trek.

20. Arizona Hot Springs Trail

The Arizona Hot Springs Trail is a remarkable journey through a canyon to a series of hot springs just over an hour from Las Vegas. The rough terrain and several stream crossings make the 6.4-mile circuit trek difficult.

Hikers pass through a gorgeous slot canyon with amazing desert vistas. After a hard journey, people soak in the hot springs at the trail’s end.

Hikers should wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for tough terrain and stream crossings. The Arizona Hot Springs Trail, a short drive from hiking trails in Las Vegas, offers a unique and spectacular hiking experience for those ready for the task.

21. Black Mountain Trail

The Black Mountain Trail in Henderson, a short drive from the Las Vegas Strip, is a popular hiking track with spectacular desert vistas. The moderately challenging 2.6-mile path is roundtrip.

The Black Mountain Recreation Area trailhead climbs Black Mountain via switchbacks. Hikers have panoramic views of the Las Vegas Valley, Lake Mead, and the mountains at the summit.

Hikers seeking a hard but rewarding city hike might try the Black Mountain Trail. Dog-friendly hikers can bring their pets on the trek.

Here is a List of the Top Ten Hiking Trails in Las Vegas.

There are plenty of additional outstanding treks close to hiking trails in Las Vegas that offer breathtaking vistas and distinctive experiences in addition to the hiking paths previously mentioned. The top ten treks in the Las Vegas area are listed below:

1. Path to Cathedral Rock, Mount Charleston Wilderness

2. Lake Mead National Recreation Area’s Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail

3. Mountain Charleston Wilderness, South Loop Trail

4. Las Vegas’s Lone Mountain Loop Trail

5. Path to Griffith Peak, Mount Charleston Wilderness

6. Lake Mead National Recreation Area and Arizona Hot Springs Trail

7. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area’s Calico Tanks Trail

8. Mount Charleston Wilderness Route, Mary Jane Falls Trail

9. Trail of the White Domes, Valley of Fire State Park

10. Henderson’s Black Mountain Trail

These walks provide a variety of activities, including challenging hikes, waterfalls, hot springs, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and desert. Whichever trail you decide to take will reward you with an outstanding outdoor experience close to hiking trails in Las Vegas.

Can you Hike the Trails in Las Vegas?

In Las Vegas trekking is possible! Several hiking paths in the city offer spectacular views of the desert and mountains. Hiking Trails in Las Vegas for all abilities.

Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Valley of Fire State Park, and Lake Mead National Recreation Area are popular hiking destinations near Las Vegas. These routes offer short, easy walks and longer, more difficult hikes.

Desert hiking is risky, especially in summer when temperatures can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Bring water, sunscreen, and proper clothing and footwear. Stay on trails and be careful of snakes and steep drop-offs.

Hiking is a terrific way to see Las Vegas’ natural beauty and workout.

How Far is it from the Vegas Strip to Red Rock Canyon?

17 miles west of Las Vegas is Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. The park can be reached via rental vehicles, taxis, or shuttles.

Traffic-dependent, the Las Vegas Strip to Red Rock Canyon travel takes 30 minutes. The park’s main entrance, near State Road 159, charges admission.

For hikers, rock climbers, and desert scenery lovers, Red Rock Canyon is worth the drive from the Las Vegas Strip. The park has tourist centers, picnic spaces, and hiking paths.

Conclusion

Hiking Trails in Las Vegas is known for its glitz and glamour, but it is also surrounded by stunning natural scenery. There are many hiking trails in Las Vegas with stunning vistas and opportunities to connect with nature, from the Spring Mountains to Red Rock Canyon.

Hiking trails in Las Vegas are suitable for beginners and experienced hikers alike. Stay on approved trails, bring a drink, sunscreen, and suitable clothing, and be mindful of your surroundings.

Next time you visit hiking trails in Las Vegas, why not escape the casinos and nightclubs and explore the outdoors? Find something unexpected.