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.
| Name | Distance | Level | Location | Climb | Dogs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lone Mountain Trail Hike | 1.2 | Moderate | Las Vegas | 550 | Y |
| Hike First Creek Canyon Trail | 2.1 | Easy | Las Vegas | 390 | Y |
| Calico Tanks Trail at Red Rock Canyon | 2.3 | Moderate | Las Vegas | 390 | Y |
| Fletcher Canyon Trail Hike | 3.4 | Easy | Mt Charleston | 980 | Y |
| Hike Turtlehead Peak Trail | 5 | Hard | Las Vegas | 2070 | Y |
| Mt Charleston Peak Hike – South Loop Trail | 17.5 | Very Hard | Mt Charleston | 4890 | Y |
Mt Charleston Peak Hike – South Loop Trail
17.5 miles - Very Hard
The Mt Charleston Peak hike takes you to the highest point around Las Vegas, at 11,916 feet. This guide to Charleston Peak follows the South Loop Trail, a tough 8.5-mile climb with half the hike done above 10,000 feet in an alpine wonderland. It’s got scenery that rivals any National Park, and it’s all under an hour from the Las Vegas Strip. This underrated hike needs to be on your bucket list; it’s one of my favorites.
Fletcher Canyon Trail Hike
3.4 miles - Easy
The Fletcher Canyon Trail is a beautiful hike nestled in the Mt. Charleston Wilderness Area, within an hour of the Las Vegas Strip. The hike is a gradual uphill through a pine forest along a (mainly dormant) stream and ends in Fletcher Canyon, a beautiful slot canyon with 200 feet walls, water-polished rocks, and great views of Mummy Mountain. The hike is uphill but relatively easy, and is good for all levels of hikers and families too.
Calico Tanks Trail at Red Rock Canyon
2.3 miles - Moderate
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.
Hike First Creek Canyon Trail
2.1 miles - Easy
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.
Lone Mountain Trail Hike
1.2 miles - Moderate
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.
Hike Turtlehead Peak Trail
5 miles - Hard
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.