Las Vegas Hikes
Las Vegas isn’t really known as a hiking city, but it should be. You have incredible desert hikes in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and Lake Mead National Recreation Area, big mountains like Mt Charleston, and then fun local hikes that are minutes away from the strip. If you need a an outdoors fix to counteract a booze filled night out on the town, there’s a ton of great trail options.
List of Las Vegas Hikes
| Name | Miles | Climbing | Difficulty | Dogs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lone Mountain Trail Hike | 1.2 | 550 | Moderate | Off Leash Okay |
| Hike First Creek Canyon Trail | 2.1 | 220 | Easy | Off Leash Okay |
| Calico Tanks Trail at Red Rock Canyon | 2.3 | 570 | Moderate | Leashed |
| Hike Turtlehead Peak Trail | 5 | 2070 | Hard | Leashed |
All Las Vegas Hikes
The Calico Tanks Trail hike is one of the most popular in Red Rock Canyon. The scenery is spectacular–red, orange, and yellow sandstone formations with mountains towering above you. At the end of the hike is a watering hole (the Calico Tank) that has views of Las Vegas. It’s challenging without being too hard, suitable for all skill levels. It’s a great change of pace from the Las Vegas strip.
The First Creek Canyon Trail hike brings you up along First Creek, through heavily vegetated Mojave Desert scrub, with striking cliffs as a backdrop, and offers a side trip to a hidden waterfall and plunge pool. I often recommend this hike for those looking for a pleasant hike that doesn’t involve too much effort. The First Creek Canyon Trail hike is in Red Rock Canyon park, but outside of the fee area and 13-mile loop drive, so it’s free and easy to get to.
The Lone Mountain Trail takes you to an isolated, rocky peak that offers great views of Las Vegas and the surrounding mountain ranges, including a peak at Mt Charleston. The hike is only minutes from downtown Las Vegas and is a popular workout spot for locals. There are a few trail options up Lone Mountain. This guide takes you up the main Lone Mountain Trail, a safe but tough little hike. Lone Mountain Trail is a great place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas.
One of the best hikes in Red Rock Canyon, the Turtlehead Peak hike is tough but rewards you with sweeping 360 views of Las Vegas and the surrounding La Madre mountains. The trail to Turtlehead Peak the shortest peak hike in Red Rock Canyon park, so be prepared for a workout and some crowds. It’s worth it, the views are incredible.