Las Vegas has unique landscapes all around it. Deserts and towering rock walls. Shrub-covered creek beds and alpine vistas. There’s so much diversity all around this fabulous city. If you’re looking for new places to hike and explore, check out my list below. There’s something for everyone, from easy family-friendly hikes to challenging climbs with plenty of valley views.
1. Lone Mountain
Lone Mountain has a fitting name: it’s all by itself. Rather than other hills, you’ll find homes surrounding this mountain on three sides. To get to Lone Mountain, head for the northwest part of the Lone Mountain neighborhood. You can’t miss the striking rock jutting up from the sand.
The trailhead sits at the edge of Holloway Heights Ave. and Vegas Vista Trail, moving up a steep but invigorating trail with pockets of loose gravel. Don’t be afraid to bring a walking stick, and enjoy the summit views!
2. Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area
Red Rock Canyon is a huge conservation area that takes you from peaks to valleys and back again. Do your kids love wildflowers? Are you a geo buff? Red Rock has it all: flowers, Aztec sandstone, limestone, chuckwallas, fossils, and more.
You’ll see twenty-six trails on the map, from Calico Tank with its steep red rocks to Lost Creek with its seasonal waterfall. There are so many options!
To get here, take W. Charleston Blvd (SR 159) to the Visitor Center, or follow Blue Diamond Rd (SR 160) and take the exit for SR 159. Make sure you bring water, snacks, and sun protection.
3. Valley of Fire State Park
Like Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire draws you in with its Aztec sandstone rocks. Some of them have marbling with limestone, a look so unique it often appears in photos. Don’t miss the chance to see it in person. To get here, take I-15 north and turn right onto Valley of Fire Hwy.
For an easier hike, try a trail like Mouse’s Tank, Pinnacles Loop, or Elephant Rock. More interested in a moderate to challenging hike? Head to Prospect Trail, White Domes Loop, or Fire Wave.
4. Clark County Wetlands Park
Clark County Wetlands Park is all about family fun just a short drive from home. Instead of rocks and desert vistas, you’ll see wetlands, birds, and plants along the trails. You can take a long hike along the Wetlands Loop Trail or a shorter walk through the trails close to the Visitor Center. These shorter walks are perfect for introducing young children to nature!
What if you’d rather enter elsewhere? Use one of the trailheads along the Las Vegas Wash, like Wells, Pabco, or Duck Creek. To get to the main entrance, take I-515 south and exit on Tropicana Ave. Follow this road until it reaches Wetlands Park Lane.
5. Lake Mead National Recreation Area
What’s your fancy: backcountry hiking, easy-going trails, or a former railroad walk complete with tunnels? Why not try them all! You’ll find Lake Mead National Recreation Area east of Henderson, along the Great Basin Hwy. To access the northern end, take E Lake Mead Pkwy.
These are just five of the best places for hikes in Las Vegas. Get out and explore! Las Vegas and its open space wilderness are waiting.