Hiking Near Las Vegas

There’s no doubt Las Vegas is one of the flashiest, action-packed places on Earth, but we guarantee you’ll find just as much action by putting boots on the ground and hitting the hiking trails that surround the city. Don’t believe it? Head to the nearby Spring Mountains or Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, where hundreds of thousands of wide-open acres welcome those who seek a more natural variety of Silver State adventure. There’s even a full-blown itinerary for intrepid wanderers like you: the Neon to Nature road trip.

Plan Ahead When Hiking Around Vegas

Visitors to southern Nevada can confirm: it gets hot down here. Which is great news for off-season travelers looking for a little solitude on the hiking trails. Winter and the shoulder seasons are best for hiking around Las Vegas, as are the cooler portions of the day in summer (particularly early mornings before the sun starts baking the desert floor). You should bring extra water and sunscreen, and take the usual precautions as you explore terrain that’s new to you. Always let someone know where you’re headed and when you’ll be back, too. And, because Nevada is home to many critters (not all nice), stay aware of your surroundings as you explore our desert trails.  

So, what beckons just outside the city? Here are some of the most popular trails in the Las Vegas area.

White Domes – Valley of Fire State Park

Just like it sounds, this slot canyon trail features lighter shades of white, brown, and red, making for a pleasing morning or afternoon of exploration on a 1.1 mile loop.

Calico Tanks Trail – Red Rock Canyon

Challenge is the keyword for this 2.2 mile hike in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. The natural steps found here can be difficult to navigate, but with a little patience and ingenuity (crawling on all fours, anyone?), it’s quite doable and part of why it’s so popular.

Lake Mead Railroad Trail

Visiting Lake Mead? This area brims with history, including former railroad tracks used to bring construction supplies to Hoover Dam that are now well-maintained (and must-experience) trails. Wheelchair accessible and bike friendly, everyone in your group can enjoy this recreation area just outside Las Vegas.

Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail

This hike isn’t for everyone – it requires rock scrambling and rope climbing – but the views descending into Gold Strike Canyon and along the Colorado River are stunning (as are the soaks). The nearby Arizona Hot Springs Trail is similarly strenuous but rewarding. Both trails close May through September due to the high heat.