11 Best Las Vegas Hiking Trails: Explore The Outdoors

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Introduction: Las Vegas Hiking Trails

Why are best Las Vegas hiking trails are so great? This post explores why you will enjoy hiking any of these trails.

Visit Las Vegas for a unique, fun experience. From the Strip’s bright lights, to the desert’s natural beauty, Las Vegas has something for everyone to enjoy.

Las Vegas has some of the country’s best hiking trails. From easy strolls to challenging climbs, these trails have something for everyone.

(Credit: CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

What’s Desirable About Las Vegas As A Hiking Destination?

With the mild climate and impressive desert scenery, it’s the perfect place to hike. Las Vegas has hikes for beginners to experts.

The city is also home to a variety of services, from luxury resorts to budget friendly hotels. You can find many nice places to stay there.

Las Vegas also has many activities for you to enjoy after you hike. The city has shopping, dining, and nightlife when you’re off the trails.

Why Is The Area Around Las Vegas So Great For Hiking?

Nearby Las Vegas, you will find some of the country’s most stunning natural scenery. Many hikers enoy going to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

The area has a wide variety of trails. Trails range from easy strolls to challenging climbs. It’s also home to many kinds of wildlife including:

  • Bighorn sheep
  • Coyotes
  • Desert tortoises

The Red Rock Canyon Area has a long, fascinating history. The Southern Paiute people first lived here. The Paiute were hunters and gatherers.

The Spanish exploreres came in the 1700s. In the early 1900s, more settlers came to begin mining and ranching.

Today, this is a popular place for hikers. You will find spectacular views of the desert landscape as you hike these trails.

For more information about Las Vegas hiking trails, see the AllTrails app. The free app has helpful information. The premium app has lots of useful hiking information including offline maps.

Also, consider an America The Beautiful Pass. The pass includes entry to all U.S.:

  • Parks
  • Monuments
  • Forests
  • … and more

The Best Las Vegas Hiking Trails

  1. Calico Hills to Calico Tanks Trail
  2. Calico Tanks Trail
  3. First Creek Canyon Trail
  4. Guardian Angel Pass
  5. Ice Box Canyon Trail
  6. Keystone Thrust Trail
  7. La Madre Springs Trail
  8. Pine Creek Canyon Trail
  9. Redcap Red Rock Canyon Trail
  10. White Rock Mountain Loop Trail
  11. Wilson’s Pimple Loop

Calico Hills to Calico Tanks Trail: Description

This trail is a great option if you want a moderate hike. Hike early, and avoid the heat.

This is a mostly flat trail. Some sections have really steep inclines though. The inclines make this trail a better choice for expert hikers. Along the way, you will be treated to stunning views of the desert landscape that include the Calico Hills and Calico Tanks.

11 Best Las Vegas Hiking Trails
(Credit: Wilson44691, CC0, via
Wikimedia Commons; Modified)

Things To Know

  • Difficulty: Hard
  • Trail type: Out & back
  • Distance: 6.1 miles
  • Elevation gain: 1,013 feet
  • Dogs: On leash

Calico Tanks Trail: Description

If you want a short, challenging hike, this is a great trail. Beat the heat, hike early!

The trail is generally steep. Some sections of the trail have a lot of rocks. Along the way, you will see outstanding desert landscape views that include the Calico Tanks.

Things To Know

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trail type: Out & back
  • Distance: 2.3 miles
  • Elevation gain: 419 feet
  • Dogs: On leash

First Creek Canyon Trail: Description

This is a great moderate hike. The waterfall might be dry, but still, a good hike! You will love the beautiful desert landscape views, including the First Creek Canyon.

Things To Know

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trail type: Out & back
  • Distance: 3.4 miles
  • Elevation gain: 433 feet
  • Dogs: On leash

Guardian Angel Pass: Description

This is a challenging hike. The trail requires you to scramble over large rocks and boulders.

This trail has a lot of search and rescue calls due to few to no trail markings, great views though. Be careful, and take a trail map!

(Credit: CC BY-SA 4.0, via
Wikimedia Commons; Modified)

Things To Know

  • Difficulty: Hard
  • Trail type: Loop
  • Distance: 3.3 miles
  • Elevation gain: 672 feet
  • Dogs: No

Ice Box Canyon Trail: Description

This trail has great views and pretty spring wildflowers.

Be careful though, marked, but not well marked, so take a map!

Things To Know

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trail type: Out & back
  • Distance: 2.1 miles
  • Elevation gain: 439 feet
  • Dogs: No

Keystone Thrust Trail: Description

A mostly steep trail, be ready for some rocky sections too.

Things To Know

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trail type: Out & back
  • Distance: 2.3 miles
  • Elevation gain: 531 feet
  • Dogs: On leash

La Madre Springs Trail: Description

If you want a moderate hike, hike this trail. This is a good year round trail.

Even though it’s a mostly flat trail, it has some sections with steep inclines. Along the way, you will enjoy spectacular views of the desert landscape that includes the La Madre Springs.

11 Best Las Vegas Hiking Trails
(Credit: BLM Nevada, CC BY 2.0,
via Wikimedia Commons; Modified)

Things To Know

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trail type: Out & back
  • Distance: 3.6 miles
  • Elevation gain: 728 feet
  • Dogs: On leash

Pine Creek Canyon Trail: Description

This is an easy, short trail and has great canyon views. Take water, it can get hot.

Things To Know

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Trail type: Out & back
  • Distance: 2.4 miles
  • Elevation gain: 259 feet
  • Dogs: On leash

Redcap Red Rock Canyon Trail: Description

A popular trai, and you will likely see many other hikers. Bring water and a trail map

Things To Know

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trail type: Out & back
  • Distance: 1.8 miles
  • Elevation gain: 626 feet
  • Dogs: On leash (not very dog friendly though due to a lot of trail rocks)

White Rock Mountain Loop Trail: Description

Rocky in spots, a pretty trail, but could be hard for beginners due to the length, fairly steep incline, and rocks.

Things To Know

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trail type: Loop
  • Distance: 7.3 miles
  • Elevation gain: 1,427 feet
  • Dogs: On leash

Wilson’s Pimple Loop: Description

Hike this trail for spring wildflowers and great views.

Things To Know

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trail type: Loop
  • Distance: 4.7 miles
  • Elevation gain: 649 feet
  • Dogs: On leash

Summary: Las Vegas Hiking Trails

Las Vegas is great for hikers of all levels. The mild climate and pretty desert scenery make this a perfect place to explore the outdoors.

The Red Rock Canyon Area is loved by hikers. It offers trails that range from easy strolls to challenging climbs. If you want either a short, easy hike or a challenging climb, the best Las Vegas hiking trails include a hike everyone can enjoy.

For more information about Las Vegas hiking trails, see the AllTrails app. The free app has helpful information. The premium app has lots of useful hiking information including offline maps.

Also, consider an America The Beautiful Pass. The pass includes entry to all U.S.:

  • Parks
  • Monuments
  • Forests
  • … and more

If you need hiking gear, check some of Amazon’s very good gear.

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11 Best Las Vegas Hikes
(Credit: Pixabay by
esudroff, Modified)
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