15 Best Hikes Near Las Vegas (By a Local)

by Mary Howard
- June 15, 2024

I’m a Vegas local and in this guide, I discuss the best hikes near Las Vegas for all skill levels.

From Red Rock Canyon and Mount Charleston to trails near Lake Mead, you’re sure to be stunned by the incredible scenery. Read on to discover popular Las Vegas hikes plus a few hidden gems featuring caves and hot springs!

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15 Best Hikes Near Las Vegas

Ice Box Canyon

Beat the desert heat and see the sparkling waterfalls inside Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

Inside Red Rock Canyon, you will find the Ice Box Canyon Trailhead. This hike has a lot of shade and cool breezes, giving it the name Ice Box. The best time to take this hike is from December to April because that is when you will see the gorgeous seasonal waterfalls.

It demands more physical exertion due to the loose rocks and boulders that must be navigated but is one of my favorite shorter hikes close to Las Vegas. You may even get to hike alongside wild burros since they are very prevalent in this area.

📚 Related Reading: Check out my article on what to do in Las Vegas for additional ideas about activities near Red Rock Canyon.

Mary Jane Falls

Explore underground caverns as you adventure in the Spring Mountains.

Mary Jane Falls takes travelers on a hike through the Spring Mountains, and at the end, you will come upon a waterfall and different caves. This moderately challenging trail leads you through cooler forested areas full of ponderosa pines. You may also catch a glimpse of Big Falls along this hike, which is a more difficult path leading to another waterfall.

👉 Pro Tip: Visits to this scenic trail peak early, so start your day before crowds form. Note too that the season runs April through December only.

Petroglyph Trail

Get a glimpse of history on the Petroglyph Trail at Sloan Canyon.

With over 300 ancient carvings on this trail, you are sure to see this wonderful art on your desert hike. The main attraction to this trail is the carvings, but keep your eye out for a variety of wildlife, including Nevada’s state animal, bighorn sheep.

A small amount of rocky climbing is essential during this trail, which is why it has a moderate rating. While hiking this trail, it is important to note that the petroglyphs may not be directly along the path or super noticeable, so look closely.

Fire Wave

One of the prime spots to get photographs in the Valley of Fire State Park .

Valley of Fire State Park is where the Fire Wave Trailhead can be accessed, and it is one of the most popular hiking routes in the park. This trail lies directly under the desert sun, resulting in seasonal closures from June through September. Regardless, an early start is recommended and ample water should be brought.

This out-and-back hike is ideal for novice hikers since markers guide the way and few challenging climbs. Upon reaching Fire Wave`s end, beautiful orange and red rock formations come together resembling natural ocean breakers, lending the trail its name. Stunning scenery lines the route, so remember your camera.

📚 Related Reading: Arrive to the trailhead equipped with our useful Hiking Essentials Packing Checklist!

Historic Railroad Trail

Travel through old train tunnels from times past while absorbing stunning perspectives of Lake Mead.

If you’re apprehensive about the drive, consider an escorted tour with Telluride Outside or hike up the roadway. Beginning from the highway, it’s 10 miles out and back. Once there, visitors can view the exteriors of what remains of the abandoned mining community. Nearby, Alta Lakes provides many outdoor recreational opportunities.

The Historic Railroad Trail at Lake Mead takes visitors along an old, abandoned railroad track dating back to the 1930s. Along this well-known trail, different tunnels can be encountered, each with different associated stories. There are also multiple signs along the trail to inform about the history of different parts of the railroad, so much is actually learned.

This trail primarily consists of a path meant for walking, which means it is suitable for all skill levels and allows you to bring your canine companions. Another appealing aspect of exploring this historically significant trail is the opportunity to admire the beautiful desert landscape and Lake Mead in the distance below.

At the very end of the trail, you will have the choice to take an elevator down to the Hoover Dam Visitor Center and continue your adventure with a guided orientation.

Calico Tanks

Catch breathtaking views of the Las Vegas Valley at the top of Calico Tanks in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

In addition to containing some of San Diego’s best hiking trails, Torrey Pines’ extra outdoor activities involve golfing at the Torrey Pines golf course and visiting the Gliderport to see paragliders soaring around the cliffs.

Calico Tanks hiking trail in Las Vegas is very popular. Visitors will see beautiful red rocks and climb rock staircases taking in the natural surroundings. In some areas, hikers must use hands and feet to maneuver over the rocks.

Toward the trail`s end, reddish rocks come into view resembling armored vehicles, giving the trail its name. It offers a lovely path for photos or escaping city life occasionally.

✈️ Visiting Vegas? Check out my guide to where to reside in Vegas!

Gold Strike Canyon Hot Springs

Immerse yourself in a wonderland of warm pools and cascading waters at Gold Strike Canyon Hot Springs near Lake Mead.

Gold Strike Canyon Hot Springs offers an entertaining hike in Las Vegas, but it also presents a higher level of challenge. Visitors will encounter a sequence of eight ropes to descend among different boulders, which contributes to the complexity. The terrain can also become quite slippery in places, so appropriate footwear is highly recommended.

While hiking the trail, travelers will come across stunning red rock formations and abundant wildlife, with bighorn sheep a regular sight. Once descending fully, multiple hot springs and spouts of heated water surround the area. Continuing along brings one to the Colorado River for a refreshing cool off after soaking in naturally warm waters.

👉 Pro Tip: This trail is unavailable from May to September.

Frenchman Mountain

Experience the most beautiful sunrise view in all of Las Vegas from Frenchman Mountain .

Frenchman Mountain is one of the finest hiking routes that takes you to magnificent views of the city. Some of the best times to take this hike are directly before sunset or sunrise because the scenery you will see is amazing. Since the hike is so steep, many people suggest using hiking poles and good hiking boots to help preserve your balance.

Lone Mountain Loop Trail

Spend time exploring nature away from the busy Strip on a hike at Lone Mountain in Las Vegas.

In Northern Las Vegas, you will find a mountain next to the freeway and amidst a large residential district. This mountain is popular locally as a convenient yet scenic trail for outdoor pursuits.

The main trail of Lone Mountain is very easy and flat and takes you all the way around the mountain. However, you can choose to do some climbing on the other paths, which lead to unbeatable views of the Las Vegas Strip.

Bristlecone Trail

Find relief from the heat in the shaded forest areas of Bristlecone Trail in the Spring Mountains.

Though many Las Vegas hikes offer beautiful scenery, greenery is sparse with few trees or shaded areas. One exception found among hiking adventures in Las Vegas is Bristlecone Trail.

Bristlecone Trail provides shaded forest areas, with enchanting views of the surrounding mountains. Wildlife that may also be spotted during the hike includes the endangered Mount Charleston Blue Butterfly.

👉 Favorite Equipment: Check out this hydration pack at REI, perfect for remaining hydrated on lengthy hikes similar to this one.

First Creek Canyon

Look out for hummingbirds and other captivating wildlife at First Creek in Red Rock Canyon.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area contains many magnificent hikes, with First Creek Canyon being one of them. This is a popular trail for bird-watching, running, or just exploring.

Spring is when seeing the waterfall or flowing creek water is likeliest. The trail begins flat and gets rockier further along yet remains navigable over the stones.

👉 Pro Tip: Be alert for snakes along this trail.

Cathedral Rock

Hike through this colorful region with spectacular wildlife in Mount Charleston .

Cathedral Rock Trail in Mount Charleston teems with some of the finest wildlife you will see on your Las Vegas hikes. An abundance of colorful wildflowers adds to the natural beauty and attracts a variety of butterflies.

The first half of the trail requires significant elevation gain, and wearing appropriate hiking footwear is important to ensure safety. You may also see a waterfall along this route, and the views of Kyle Canyon from the top are breathtaking.

Note that hiking on the Cathedral Rock trail is unavailable during the winter season.

👉 See Next:Best Parks Near Las Vegas

White Domes Trail

Venture through a beautiful slot canyon featured in multiple movies at the Valley of Fire.

The White Domes Trail at the Valley of Fire State Park is an easy hike that takes you through a scenic slot canyon. You are sure to see expansive desert landscapes featuring remarkable rock formations and wildlife. This hike is perfect for beginners as well as those who love taking photographs.

Black Mountain Trail

Challenging yourself with this difficult hike allows getting spectacular views in Sloan Canyon.

The challenging Black Mountain Trail at Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area is a very steep yet rewarding hike. There are numerous switchbacks during this hike until you get closer to the top.

While this trail does not commence with a lot of scenery, it gets increasingly more beautiful as you continue on. There is not a lot of shade on this hike, so it is important to stay hydrated and hike during milder temperatures.

📚 Related Read: Check out my day excursions near Las Vegas article to find additional things to do near Sloan Canyon.

Arizona Hot Springs

Immerse yourself in nature’s heated pool after a strenuous yet incredible hike near Lake Mead.

Along the Colorado River, you will find the Arizona Hot Springs Trail. This hiking path takes you through a bright slot canyon, and at the end, there are naturally heated springs to take a rewarding soak.

The canyon contains four pools with differing temperatures, allowing visitors to choose the one most comfortable for them.

Completing the hike will require adequate time and effort. Be sure to arrive early and bring a light source in case you need illumination in the dark. If you wish to extend your trip, you may also choose to camp near Arizona Hot Springs.

👉 Pro Tip:The path is closed from May to September due to extreme heat. Also, a recent flood damaged the ladder reaching these hot springs, currently rendering the attraction inaccessible. Check the park site for updates.

FAQs About Hiking Near Las Vegas

Is Red Rock Canyon worth seeing?

Red Rock Canyon merits seeing because of its multiple hikes for all ability levels. It also features breathtaking scenery with colorful mountains and stunning wildlife.

How far is the Vegas Strip from Red Rock Canyon?

The Vegas Strip is a 25-minute drive from Red Rock Canyon.

Does Vegas have good hiking?

Las Vegas has good hiking routes, like Ice Box Canyon,Fire Wave, and the Black Mountain Trail.

Can you hike the mountains in Las Vegas?

You can walk through the highlands in Las Vegas, with most having routes to make certain you take the safest paths.

🏕️ Read Next: 9 Best Campsites Near Vegas

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Whether you’re visiting or living in nearby Las Vegas neighborhoods, I hope I prompted you to check out the best hikes near Las Vegas. Stay safe on the trails and enjoy!

about me

Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

Join us on our journey!