Many guests to Las Vegas are shocked to study that it’s not all casinos and nightlife. Town additionally affords beautiful mountaineering trails in locations like Crimson Rock Canyon, Mt. Charleston, and Valley of Hearth State Park. Most of those outside gems are situated inside an hour’s drive or much less of the Strip and are residence to a number of the finest hikes in Las Vegas.
Having lived in Vegas for over 10 years myself, I’ve completely explored the Las Vegas mountaineering scene. There are trails for everybody whether or not you’re in search of a difficult hike or a leisurely stroll.
On this weblog submit, I provide the rundown of 6 of my favourite Las Vegas hikes that provide breathtaking views and a possibility to attach with nature within the desert oasis of Las Vegas.
Searching for extra adventurous issues to do in Las Vegas? Try our submit on the finest outside adventures round Sin Metropolis.
Necessary Reminder: Because it goes in the entire locations we share, please follow good path etiquette and bear in mind to Go away No Hint. This implies packing out all your rubbish (together with bathroom paper), being respectful to others, and following the established guidelines.
1. Calico Tanks Path
- Path kind: Out-and-back
- Location: Crimson Rock Canyon
- Distance: 2.3 miles
- Elevation Achieve: 420 ft
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Problem: Reasonable, some scrambling required
- Canine allowed?: On leash
- Charges: $20 entrance payment or free with an America the Lovely Cross
One of many first trails I ever hiked after I moved to Las Vegas was the Calico Tanks Path in Crimson Rock Canyon. I used to be blown away by the beautiful views of the crimson rock formations and the hidden pure swimming pools of water, referred to as Calico Tanks.
It’s additionally a fantastic mountaineering path to get close-up views of Las Vegas’s distinctive desert vegetation and cacti. Chances are you’ll even spot some wildlife like rabbits or lizards!
The path is just a little tough in locations with some rocky sections that require cautious footing. Be ready to scramble together with your fingers at occasions. However the reward on the finish is well worth the effort. You may loosen up by the gorgeous blue-green pool surrounded by towering rocks or proceed previous the pool for a panoramic view of the Las Vegas Valley.
This is without doubt one of the finest mountaineering trails for out-of-towners since you get an epic view of the Strip on the finish.
Necessary: Between October 1st and Might thirty first, a Timed Entry Reservation into Crimson Rock Canyon Nationwide Conservation Space is required between 8am and 5pm. You may make your Timed Entry Reservation on-line.
2. Mary Jane Falls Path
- Path kind: Out-and-back
- Location: Mt. Charleston
- Distance: 3.3 miles
- Elevation Achieve: 1,036 ft
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Problem: Reasonable
- Canine allowed?: On leash
- Charges: None
Mt. Charleston, situated within the Spring Mountains Nationwide Recreation Space, is a spot not many guests to Las Vegas discover. In truth, most individuals don’t even notice that only a quick drive away from the town is an almost 12,000-foot peak!
My favourite Las Vegas hike on Mt. Charleston is the Mary Jane Falls Path. It’s a difficult hike with over 1,000 toes of elevation achieve, nevertheless it’s additionally very rewarding.
As you hike, the path takes you thru a scenic mountain canyon that’s surrounded by tall aspen timber. After about 1.6 miles, you’ll attain a cliff face the place, in the event you’re fortunate, Mary Jane Falls shall be trickling down from above.
The falls are normally lined in snow within the winter, nevertheless it’s a well-liked hike in the summertime months because the temperatures are usually 20 levels cooler than within the Las Vegas Valley.
Tip: If you wish to see water cascading down Mary Jane Falls, it’s finest to do that hike in late spring or early summer time when the snow is melting off Mt. Charleston.
3. Historic Railroad Tunnel Path
- Path kind: Out-and-back
- Location: Lake Mead Nationwide Recreation Space
- Distance: 8.2 miles
- Elevation Achieve: 931 ft
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Problem: Simple/Reasonable (relying on size)
- Canine allowed?: On leash
- Charges: $15-$25 or free with an America the Lovely Cross
One of the crucial distinctive mountaineering trails close to Las Vegas is the Historic Railroad Tunnel Path. It follows an outdated railroad mattress that was as soon as used to move provides to and from the Hoover Dam building web site.
The 2 fundamental points of interest for the Railroad Tunnel Path are the beautiful views out over Lake Mead and the 5 tunnels that the trail travels by means of. Every tunnel is about 25 toes extensive, 30 toes excessive, and stretches a whopping 300 toes lengthy!
The Historic Railroad Tunnel Path is a distinct expertise than the opposite hikes on this record, however in the event you’re desirous about historical past or engineering or need to catch some nice views over Lake Mead, it’s a pleasant hike so as to add to your record.
The path begins at Lake Mead Nationwide Recreation Space and because it’s an out-and-back, you’ll be able to flip round everytime you’re prepared.
Desire to bike? The Railroad Tunnel Path can be open to cyclists if you wish to discover the total 8.2-mile path.
4. Ice Field Canyon Path
- Path kind: Out-and-back
- Location: Crimson Rock Canyon
- Distance: 2.2 miles
- Elevation Achieve: 439 ft
- Time: 1.5-2.5 hours
- Problem: Reasonable with some mild scrambling
- Canine allowed?: On leash
- Charges: $20 entrance payment or free with an America the Lovely Cross
For the extra adventurous hikers, the Ice Field Canyon Path is an effective way to get away from the crowds and discover a lesser-visited a part of Crimson Rock Canyon Nationwide Conservation Space.
This path isn’t properly marked, so that you’ll want a map or GPS app like AllTrails that will help you navigate. There may be additionally some mild scrambling required by means of boulder fields, so be sure you put on sturdy mountaineering boots and be ready to make use of your fingers.
However the rewards of this hike are price it! The views by means of Ice Field Canyon are beautiful with tall cliffs towering above you on both facet – some sections even really feel like slim slot canyons.
There’s additionally a seasonal waterfall on the finish of the path. You’re most probably to catch water flowing between December and April.
Lastly, preserve a watch out for Bighorn sheep, which wish to traverse the canyon partitions.
Need extra concepts for easy methods to spend a day within the park? Right here’s a full record of issues to do in Crimson Rocks.
Necessary: Between October 1st and Might thirty first, a Timed Entry Reservation into Crimson Rock Canyon Nationwide Conservation Space is required between 8am and 5pm. You may make your Timed Entry Reservation on-line.
5. Hearth Wave Path & Seven Wonders Loop
- Path kind: Loop
- Location: Valley of Hearth State Park
- Distance: 1.9 miles
- Elevation Achieve: 187 ft
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Problem: Reasonable
- Canine allowed?: On leash
- Charges: $10-$15 entrance payment
Each outside fanatic who visits Las Vegas ought to spend a minimum of a couple of hours exploring the unbelievable surroundings at Valley of Hearth State Park, northeast of the town.
Identified for its well-known crimson and pink Aztec sandstone formations, Native American petroglyphs, scenic drives, and beautiful mountaineering trails, this state park is really a gem.
My favourite hike in Valley of Hearth is the Hearth Wave Path and Seven Wonders Loop. It’s a very fashionable hike, so be ready to share it with different individuals, however the terrain and geological wonders make it a should.
The path could be finished in both path, however I wish to hike it counterclockwise so I finish on the Hearth Wave Path with its swirling crimson and pink sandstone slabs – I’d by no means seen something prefer it earlier than transferring to Las Vegas!
Different highlights alongside the loop embody Pink Canyon with its slim partitions and sandy backside, the sensible Hearth Cave, and Thunderstorm Arch, which rivals any arch in Arches Nationwide Park. If you wish to make it longer, you may as well add on the 1.1-mile White Domes Path, which additionally includes a slim slot canyon and distinctive white rock formations.
This loop may be very uncovered with little to no shade, so convey numerous solar safety and water in a day pack. I additionally extremely suggest planning your hike for early within the morning or late within the afternoon to keep away from the worst of the warmth.
Necessary: Lots of the mountaineering trails in Valley of Hearth State Park – together with Hearth Wave and the Seven Wonders Loop – are closed between June 1st and September thirtieth attributable to excessive temperatures.
6. Arizona Scorching Springs Path
- Path kind: Loop
- Location: Lake Mead Nationwide Recreation Space
- Distance: 5.9 miles
- Elevation Achieve: 1,225 ft.
- Time: 5-7 hours (+ soaking time)
- Problem: Very Strenuous
- Canine allowed?: On leash
- Charges: $15-$25 or free with an America the Lovely Cross
The Arizona Scorching Springs Path is an epic hike situated about half-hour from Las Vegas on the Arizona facet of Lake Mead Nationwide Recreation Space.
Also referred to as Ringbolt Scorching Springs, it’s among the finest Las Vegas hikes for unbelievable surroundings and distinctive options. From slim slot canyons with towering partitions, spectacular views out over Lake Mead and the Colorado River, and heated swimming pools that you may sit and loosen up in, it’s a bucket record hike for a lot of locals and guests.
There are a number of completely different swimming pools, all ranging in temperatures from cool to 100+ levels.
There are a few issues it’s best to know earlier than heading out on this path, although:
- Don’t submerge your head within the sizzling springs. Amoeba can enter your nostril and trigger a life-threatening an infection.
- Flash flooding can happen. Don’t try this hike throughout or after heavy rains.
- The path is closed in the summertime. Folks have died from warmth exhaustion and dehydration. Don’t attempt to sneak in through the summer time months.
- Deliver numerous water! You’ll additionally must convey further to sip on in the event you plan to spend time on the sizzling springs.
- Put on water footwear or sandals since a lot of the hike is in sandy or shallow water.
- Folks soak within the nude, so it’s not the most effective place to convey children.
After you’ve completed soaking within the sizzling springs be sure you proceed by means of the canyon till you attain the Colorado River, the views there are merely superb!
If you happen to want a distinct sort of journey, you may as well kayak to those sizzling springs and several other extra on the Colorado River. Try BFT’s Information to Kayaking Black Canyon’s Scorching Sprigs from Hoover Dam.
Finest Time of Yr for Mountain climbing in Las Vegas
The most effective time to hike in Las Vegas is through the cooler winter months between November and March. Daytime temps within the winter vary from the mid-50s to low 70s, which is right for heading out on the path.
The one anomaly is Mt. Charleston, which receives snowfall within the winter, making it a fantastic place to go snowshoeing (get suggestions for snowshoeing right here). In any other case, Mt. Charleston is finest visited in the summertime months for mountaineering (and it’s typically 20 levels cooler than the Valley!).
Summers in Las Vegas could be dangerously sizzling with temperatures hovering into the 100s. If you happen to do plan on mountaineering through the summer time, it’s important that you simply get a really early begin (assume: dawn or earlier) and pack loads of water and solar safety.
It’s additionally essential to notice that many Las Vegas hikes are closed through the summer time together with the Arizona Scorching Springs, Railroad Path, some trails in Valley of Hearth State Park.
Suggestions for Mountain climbing in Las Vegas
Earlier than heading in your Las Vegas hikes, listed below are some important mountaineering suggestions to bear in mind:
Deliver a map
It’s straightforward to get misplaced within the desert as there aren’t all the time options that clearly outline the path. Earlier than you head out, obtain the map to your cellphone utilizing Gaia or AllTrails and ensure you have loads of battery to final the day.
Take note of the path as you hike. You would possibly discover path makers, in any other case referred to as cairns. These are usually constructed by land managers to assist hikers know they’re on observe, which is why it’s essential to not construct your individual rock stacks for enjoyable within the wilderness.
Carry loads of water and snacks
It’s essential to remain hydrated and fueled whereas mountaineering within the Las Vegas desert. Be certain to convey a minimum of 1-2 liters of water per hour of mountaineering. I extremely suggest bringing a hydration backpack so that you don’t should depend on water bottles. The recent temperatures and solar publicity can shortly dehydrate you.
You’ll additionally need to pack energy-dense mountaineering snacks like nuts and power bars to maintain your power ranges up.
Lastly, don’t neglect to convey a cooler with ice to retailer a post-hike beverage in your automotive!
Gown for the desert
If you happen to’re not used to mountaineering within the desert, it’s a good suggestion to brush up on a few of BFT’s desert mountaineering suggestions – particularly concerning what to put on.
Through the day, desert temps could be sizzling and dry, so that you’ll need to put on breathable, light-weight, moisture-wicking materials in mild colours. This may enable you to keep cool and comfy on the paths. You would possibly even need to think about a long-sleeve solar shirt to assist defend your pores and skin and preserve the solar’s rays at bay.
In colder climate, put on moisture-wicking layers so you’ve choices because the day warms up or cools down.
On the subject of footwear, go for sturdy footwear or mountaineering boots that present assist, safety, and traction. The paths round Las Vegas could be rocky and unfastened, so that you’ll want good traction and assist.
Learn Extra
Desert Mountain climbing Sources
Inform somebody of your mountaineering plans
Telling somebody about your mountaineering plans is essential to your security. Share the small print of what path you intend on mountaineering, once you’ll be leaving, and once you count on to return.
This manner, if something goes improper otherwise you get misplaced, assist could be despatched to the appropriate location. Mountain climbing within the desert could be disorienting and even harmful, so be sure you let somebody know the place you’re going.
Be cautious of wildlife and desert hazards
Mountain climbing within the Las Vegas space comes with its fair proportion of wildlife and desert hazards, so it’s essential to know what to anticipate and be cautious.
Don’t bust the crust
Cryptobiotic soil is a residing crust on the bottom floor that’s comprised of microorganisms like cyanobacteria and different microbiota. These little black patches could be hundreds of years outdated!
Cryptobiotic soil is essential for quite a few causes together with:
- Water absorption
- Stopping erosions
- New vegetative development
If you happen to see a thick, bumpy, black or brown crust, please ensure to not step on it. These tiny clumps are very fragile and essential for the desert ecosystem.
Searching for extra outside adventures round Las Vegas? Try these posts:
What are your favourite hikes in Las Vegas? Which of them would you love to do? Go away a remark under!
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