Hiking trails near Las Vegas can be a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors without spending a lot of money. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’re sure to find the perfect trail for you. However, some of the most scenic routes don’t have any official trail markings, so you’ll need to be a good route-finder. Luckily, there are local hiking clubs that organize hikes in the area and will help you find them.
Even if you venture out all alone, you can find a number of hiking trails near Las Vegas. One of the most popular is the Valley of Fire State Park. This is a great place to go for a long hike, and there are some spectacular views of the city. The trail can be crowded, so if you’d prefer a secluded hike, Charlie’s Spring in Henderson is a great choice.
Are you planning to go on a trip to Vegas this vacation? If so, we have listed the 14 best and most remarkable Hiking Trails near Las Vegas that you should definitely visit.
Top-Rated & Highly Recommended Hiking Trails near Las Vegas
Listed below are some of the best hiking trails in Las Vegas. These routes are perfect for people who love the outdoors and are sure to leave you refreshed and renewed.
Calico Tank Trail- Red Rock Canyon
- Level of difficulty – Moderate
- Distance – 2.2-mile out-and-back trail near Las Vegas
- Time taken – takes an average of 1 h 3 min
If you’re looking for the most spectacular views and scrambling sections, hike the Calico Tank Trail Red Rock Canyon. This popular hiking trail is a great choice for beginners. If you’re a true outdoorsman, you’ll love the hike.
This popular trail combines scenic views and a hike through a hidden water pocket. The hike is moderate in difficulty and suitable for families and those who want to experience Red Rock Canyon in a short amount of time.
You’ll need to bring plenty of water, but the reward is worth it. You’ll find yourself in awe of the red and yellow rock formations, the picturesque mountains, and the tranquility of a nearby water tank, as well as the beauty of the area.
Fire Wave Hike- Valley of Fire State Park
- Level of difficulty – Easy
- Distance – 1.25 miles in and out of the wilderness
- Time taken – Takes an average of 1 hr
If you are looking for a hike with breathtaking scenery, head to the Valley of the Californians and hike the Fire Wave. You’ll be amazed at the vibrant Slickrock formations and pastel canyon. Known as “the Fire Wave,” this formation is a rare sight in this part of California.
Be careful not to climb on the rock islands and remain respectful of the area. The area is also closed after sunset, so if you want to view the park’s natural wonders, you’ll have to plan your trip during these hours.
The trailhead for the Fire Wave is located in the White Domes area of the Valley of the Californians. Using the road above the visitor center, you’ll find the trailhead near Parking #3. It’s a short 1.25-mile roundtrip hike, which we recommend for families and beginners.
While the hike itself is relatively easy, you should be sure to bring plenty of water and wear sun-protective clothing.
Arizona Hot Springs Trail
- Level of difficulty – Difficult
- Distance – 5.9 miles near Willow Beach
- Time taken – Takes an average of 2 hr 59 mins
The Arizona Hot Springs Trail is located just south of the Hoover Dam along Highway 93. It begins at a large parking area on the east side of the road, recently redeveloped as part of the Hoover Dam Bypass project.
The trailhead sits above a disused highway bridge over the upper end of White Rock Canyon. Before US 93 was realigned in the 1960s, this bridge was the original course.
The wash is dominated by catclaw acacia, brittlebush, Mormon tea, and cheese bush. Other plants include white Bursage and beavertail prickly pear cactus. The trail descends gradually to the canyon’s entrance.
Once the trail is finished, hikers are greeted by a 20-foot waterfall. Hikers can continue the journey by climbing the 18-rung metal ladder to reach the hot springs.
Golden Canyon – Gower Gulch & Badlands
- Level of difficulty – Easy to Moderate
- Distance – 2 miles round the trip
- Time taken – Takes an average of 1 hr
The Golden Canyon – Gower Gulch and Badlands hiking trails in Las Vegas are among the most popular in Nevada. The area was once home to a mining operation. You’ll see abundant mineral deposits and mine shafts in the Canyon walls. This hike is ideal for those who enjoy the outdoors and want to learn about the history of Las Vegas.
After you’ve completed the hike, you can relax on a bench overlooking the desert. Hikers can choose to begin their hike in Golden Canyon or head to the Badlands Loop Trail. Both trails are rated a little bit strenuous. After a short distance of hiking, the trail begins to narrow.
You’ll come across an ancient lakebed as you climb. The trail continues eastward after passing the Fork in the Trail and then ascends again. This stretch of the trail offers spectacular views of the Manly Beacon.
Gold Strike Canyon Hot Springs Trail – Lake Mead
- Level of difficulty – Difficult
- Distance – 2 miles round trip
- Time taken – Takes an average of 2 hr
For those who love a challenge, try Goldstrike Canyon. It’s a challenging hike with a variety of hot springs that you can enjoy in the midst of a beautiful desert landscape. The trail is not accessible during the summer months. If you plan to go during these months, consider other options. You can also visit Lake Mead during the winter and enjoy a relaxing dip in its waters.
The Goldstrike Canyon trail is not for the faint-hearted. It’s a moderate-to-strength two-mile hike that includes a 600-foot elevation change. The trail has several rockfall obstacles to negotiate, which makes it a fun adventure.
White Domes Valley of Fire State Park
- Level of difficulty – Easy
- Distance – 1.2 miles loop trip
- Time taken – Takes an average of 1 hr
The White Domes Valley of Fire State Park hiking trail is a short, 1.2-mile loop through a beautiful state park area. The trail is relatively flat with a minimal elevation gain so that you can walk it in about an hour. Hikers can also take a scenic bus tour, which departs from the visitor center. Other than this, you can also take a bike ride.
The first half of the hike begins with a sandy section. Towards the end of the trail, you will be greeted by the famous Fire Wave. Although the footing is uneven in the beginning, it gets progressively easier as you move forward.
Hikers should be aware of the yellow flashing posts on the trail, which indicate the turn-off to the trail. The hike back to the parking area is a gradual climb, but there is ample shade.
Clark County Wetlands Park Nature Preserve
- Level of difficulty – Easy
- Distance – 2.1 miles loop trip
- Time taken – Takes an average of 1 hr
One of the best ways to enjoy nature in Las Vegas is to hike the scenic trails at Clark County Wetlands Park. This expansive, 2,900-acre park includes many quiet neighborhoods, ponds, and native wildlife. A series of hiking trails are open from dawn to dusk and will allow you to see a variety of plants, birds, and animals. There are also biking trails available.
If you’re looking for a free place to hike in Las Vegas, make sure to check out Clark County Wetlands Park. The park is open to the public year-round and is pet-free.
There is even a nature center for kids. This preserve is located only 23 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip and is a great way to get some exercise while staying active.
Mount Charleston Hiking Trails
- Level of difficulty – Easy
- Distance – 8.5 miles loop trip
- Time taken – Takes an average of 8 hrs
The temperatures at the trailhead are cooler than the temperature on the summit, and you might find yourself as cold as 10 degrees colder than your destination! Also, it’s possible that snow cover will make the summit more comfortable.
The Mt. Charleston hiking trails in Las Vegas are located on the mountain’s South Loop Trail. It is an 8.5-mile climb, with half of it above 10,000 feet. You can easily reach this trail from downtown Las Vegas in under an hour. It offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding area.
Ice Box Canyon Trail- Red Rock Canyon
- Level of difficulty – Moderate to Difficult
- Distance – 2.2 miles out-and-back trail
- Time taken – Takes an average of 1 hrs 22 mins
The Ice Box Canyon Trail leads you into the deep canyon carved out of the Red Rocks cliffs. This trail, rated moderate to strenuous, is slow going and rarely gets full sunlight. Because of its cool, rocky conditions, the Ice Box Canyon Trail is named as such.
Along the way, you will pass through the Mojave Desert Scrub and Pinyon-Juniper Woodland communities. After your hike, you will enter the Rainbow Mountain Wilderness Area. You can access the Ice Box Canyon Trail right off Scenic Drive.
You will need to park your vehicle at the trailhead. The trailhead is located approximately 8 miles from the pay booth. There is a small parking lot, but you must start early to park your vehicle.
Lake Mead Railway Trail
- Level of difficulty – Easy
- Distance – 3.7 miles trail
- Time taken – Takes an average of 2 hrs
The Lake Mead Railway Trail is an easy hike with spectacular views of Lake Mead and five tunnels. It can be reached from the Alan Bible Visitor Center, just off Highway 93. The trail has recently undergone improvements that make it wheelchair accessible.
The trail was originally a construction railroad, but there are no active railroads today. If you are interested in hiking, the trail is a perfect choice. There are many places to stop along the way, including the Lake Mead Railway Museum, where you can see the original locomotives that built the Hoover Dam.
There are two false summits on this hike, making it challenging and enjoyable for all levels. The trail also has loose gravel, so wear appropriate footwear. The view from the top is absolutely breathtaking.
Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as there are several steps. There are two elevators in the area to help hikers get up and down. There is also a snack shop on the way up, something exciting for your hunger pangs.
Petroglyph Trail
- Level of difficulty – Difficult
- Distance – 2.4 miles trail
- Time taken – Takes an average of 2 hrs
A Moderate 2.4-mile roundtrip hike through the Red Rock Canyon reveals a treasure trove of rock petroglyphs and sandstone formations. The hike is challenging but rewarding, with stone steps and narrow passages to navigate.
The trail also features scenic canyon views. The Petroglyph Trail is an ideal day-hiking destination, so plan ahead to avoid peak times. Once you’ve finished the hike, explore the rest of the trail or return to the parking lot.
One of the most fascinating sights on the Petroglyph Trail is Calvin’s Rock, a huge boulder carved into the side of a sandstone cliff. Named for former Chairman of the Moapa Band of Paiutes and environmental activist Calvin Meyers, the rock is surrounded by petroglyph clusters. The petroglyphs are thought to date back several thousand years, and some are believed to be hundreds of years old.
Echo Overlook Trail- Spring Mountains
- Level of difficulty – Difficult
- Distance – 4.6 miles to trail
- Time taken – Takes an average of 2 hrs 48 mins
The Echo Overlook Trail is a popular hiking destination in the Spring Mountains. It features scenic views of the Las Vegas Valley and offers a varied wildlife experience.
It begins with a 1.2-mile road that climbs up to the trailhead. The trail then continues through a sparse forest, passing through the canyon and an avalanche chute. The trail is well-marked and offers several benches where you can take a rest.
The 4.6-mile (7 km) trail offers a great view of the surrounding area and is ideal for hiking, horseback riding, or botany. Along the way, you’ll see the valley floor, giant boulders, and the shadow of soaring canyon walls. If you’re looking for a scenic hike, don’t forget to bring a camera. You’ll be glad you did!
Rainbow Vista and Fire Canyon Overlook Hike
- Level of difficulty – Easy
- Distance – 1.2 miles to trail
- Time taken – Takes an average of 25 mins
If you’re looking for a short hike in the area, consider the Rainbow Vista and Fire Canyon Overlook Hikes. These trails both go to beautiful viewpoints, so you can enjoy the view from either location.
The Rainbow Vista Trail is relatively flat and a short distance from the parking lot. The Fire Canyon Overlook Hike is a bit longer, but it’s well worth the time. You’ll get 360-degree views of the area and the sandstone hills.
You can access Rainbow Vista via a short trail that begins at a parking lot in Valley of Fire State Park. The trail is generally well-marked and winds downhill to a 1.2-mile overlook of Fire Canyon.
The trail is short and easy to follow, but you should bring snacks, water, and other necessities. The desert gets hot in the summer, so be sure to plan ahead to avoid the heat.
Little Falls Trail- Spring Mountains
- Level of difficulty – Easy
- Distance – 1.2 miles to trail
- Time taken – Takes an average of 25 – 45 mins
If you are interested in hiking in the beautiful springs of Las Vegas, then Little Falls Trail is an excellent option. This trail winds through a forest of fir and pine trees and crosses an avalanche chute.
The trail then climbs to a cleft in the cliffs. Near the cliffs, you will encounter a few trees that are still able to survive avalanches. At the end of the trail, you will reach the Little Falls waterfall itself, which pours down impassable steps in the spring months.
The mountain includes an expansive bristlecone pine forest and a herd of rocky mountain elk that roam the area. You can enjoy hiking, picnicking, and other activities in this protected recreation area, which is only 45 minutes outside of Las Vegas.
Conclusion
Most importantly, hiking is a great way to see the sights and get some exercise while you’re on vacation. Other than the places mentioned above, you can also opt for a few alternatives. Try Mary Jane Falls Trail, which is another great hiking trail near Las Vegas. This 4.1-mile trail has a waterfall and is suitable for the whole family. It’s surrounded by beautiful landscapes and is relatively easy to follow.
Cathedral Rock is another great place to hike near Las Vegas. The south route begins with a steep climb before opening up to a lush meadow. From there, you can continue to the top of Charleston Peak, which is six miles away.
So, if you’re looking to burn some calories and get your heart rate up, then get on the trails of Las Vegas. It has some beautiful hiking trails that are worth checking out.
Or, if you want a great way to relax, then the trails of Las Vegas grant you an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Moreover, you also get to bond with nature. So, what are you waiting for? Add these 14 places to your travel bucket list and wave off!