Amazing hiking trails near Las Vegas you can do in a weekend
Las Vegas is not just casinos and shows, you can also find amazing hiking trails nearby and you can do them in a weekend! Explore the stunning scenery of Red Rock Canyon, the refreshing waterfalls of Mount Charleston, or the colorful rock formations of Valley of Fire. Here are some of the best hikes near Las Vegas that you can enjoy on your next trip to Sin City.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
One of the most popular hiking destinations near Las Vegas is Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, which is only 25 minutes away from the Strip. This area features a 13-mile scenic drive, a visitor center, and over 20 hiking trails that showcase the beauty and diversity of the Mojave Desert. Here are some of the best hikes in Red Rock Canyon:
- Ice Box Canyon Trail: This moderate trail is 2.1 miles long and leads you to a seasonal waterfall and a shady canyon. You’ll have to scramble over some rocks and boulders along the way, but the reward is worth it. The trail is named Ice Box because it stays cool even in the summer, thanks to the high canyon walls and the vegetation. This is a great hike to escape the heat and enjoy some water features.
- Calico Tanks Trail: This moderate trail is 2.5 miles long and takes you to a natural water tank and a panoramic view of Las Vegas. You’ll hike through colorful sandstone formations, pass by some petroglyphs, and climb some steep sections. The water tank attracts wildlife such as bighorn sheep, birds, and lizards. The view from the top is spectacular, especially at sunset.
- White Rock Mountain Loop Trail: This challenging trail is 6.2 miles long and circles around White Rock Mountain, offering diverse scenery and terrain. You’ll hike through a forest of juniper and pinyon pine, see some wildflowers and cacti, and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and canyons. The trail has some steep climbs and descents, but also some flat sections where you can catch your breath.
Mount Charleston
Another great hiking destination near Las Vegas is Mount Charleston, which is part of the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. Mount Charleston is about 40 minutes away from the Strip and offers a cooler and greener environment than the desert. Mount Charleston has over 50 hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous. Here are some of the best hikes in Mount Charleston:
- Mary Jane Falls Trail: This moderate trail is 3.2 miles long and leads you to a waterfall and some caves. You’ll hike through a forest of ponderosa pines, aspens, and birches, and see some rock formations along the way. The waterfall is seasonal, but the caves are always there to explore. You might also see some wildlife such as deer, squirrels, and chipmunks.
- Cathedral Rock Trail: This moderate trail is 2.7 miles long and takes you to the top of Cathedral Rock, a prominent landmark in Mount Charleston. You’ll hike through a forest of bristlecone pines, spruces, and firs, and see some wildflowers in the summer. The trail has some switchbacks and steep sections, but the view from the top is amazing. You can see Kyle Canyon, Mummy Mountain, Charleston Peak, and more.
- Bristlecone Trail: This challenging trail is 6 miles long and loops around the upper reaches of Mount Charleston. You’ll hike through a forest of ancient bristlecone pines, some of which are over 3,000 years old. You’ll also see some limestone cliffs, meadows, and streams along the way. The trail has some elevation gain and loss, but also some flat sections where you can enjoy the scenery.
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Valley of Fire State Park
If you want to see some stunning rock formations in vibrant colors, you should head to Valley of Fire State Park, which is about an hour away from Las Vegas. Valley of Fire is Nevada’s oldest and largest state park, covering over 40,000 acres of sandstone hills, canyons, arches, and petroglyphs. Valley of Fire has over 10 hiking trails that range from easy to moderate. Here are some of the best hikes in Valley of Fire:
- Fire Wave Trail: This easy trail is 1.5 miles long and takes you to one of the most iconic features in Valley of Fire: the Fire Wave. The Fire Wave is a sandstone formation that looks like a wave with stripes of red, orange, pink, and white. The trail is mostly flat and sandy, but it can get very hot in the summer, so bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
- Petroglyph Trail: This easy trail is 0.75 miles long and takes you to one of the largest concentrations of petroglyphs in Valley of Fire. Petroglyphs are ancient rock carvings made by Native Americans, and some of them are over 2,000 years old. The trail is paved and wheelchair accessible and has interpretive signs along the way. You can see petroglyphs of animals, people, symbols, and more.
- White Domes Trail: This moderate trail is 1.25 miles long and loops around the White Domes area, which has some of the most diverse and colorful scenery in Valley of Fire. You’ll hike through sandstone domes, slot canyons, arches, and washes, and see some remnants of an old movie set. The trail has some ups and downs, but nothing too difficult.
Whether you want to see waterfalls, wildlife, or rock formations, you’ll find something to suit your taste and skill level. Hiking near Las Vegas is a great way to experience the natural beauty and diversity of Nevada, and to have some fun and adventure along the way.
Where to Stay
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Whether you choose to visit for the amazing hiking trails, glitz and glamour or rest and relaxation…a romantic weekend for two or a family vacation with the kids – Las Vegas provides something for everyone. And no place puts you in the heart of the action like Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino.
