Sponsored Content: This article was published in paid partnership with The Spot NV. The Spot NV compensated Respect My Region for publication and is featured as the sponsoring dispensary. The hiking destinations discussed in this article were selected for informational purposes and are not affiliated with the sponsor.
The Southern Nevada outdoors is a great option for visitors looking for scenic hikes near Las Vegas. If you want a morning adventure, you can go on a relaxing morning walk and take in the views all around you. Should you prefer a more physical adventure, you’ll find a lot of mountain trails and canyons, some of them only an hour or so away from the Strip.
What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when someone asks you to go to Las Vegas? The most common answers would be a dazzling nightlife, world-class live entertainment, and well-lit casinos buzzing with activity. Las Vegas also has several iconic attractions that bring in tourists day in and day out.
But what many people do not know is that there is another side of Las Vegas that’s often left out of tour itineraries. Beyond Las Vegas’ busy streets and bright lights, you’ll find a beautiful, sprawling landscape with scenic desert trails, tranquil lakes, breathtaking sandstone formations, and rugged mountains. It’s a side of Nevada waiting to be explored, an outdoor escape with unforgettable views, fresh air, and endless opportunities for adventure.
After spending the day outdoors, it’s time to relax and recharge. Las Vegas has a lot of options for you, such as a scenic drive and a leisurely dinner.
Adults 21 and older may choose to visit The Spot NV after completing their hiking, driving, and other outdoor activities. Before purchasing cannabis, determine where you may legally consume it. Nevada permits cannabis consumption only on qualifying private property with the property owner’s permission or inside a licensed cannabis consumption lounge. Public consumption is prohibited, and many hotels and vacation rentals do not permit cannabis use. Complete all hiking and driving before consuming cannabis. Never drive, hike, climb, swim, or participate in outdoor activities while impaired.
However you decide to spend the rest of your day, starting your day with an adventure in the Nevada outdoors and ending it with a relaxing and rejuvenating evening in the city is one of the best ways to enjoy your Las Vegas vacation.
Southern Nevada Is a Hiker’s Paradise
Yes, Las Vegas is in the middle of the Mojave Desert, but you’ll be surprised at how diverse its surrounding landscapes are. Driving around, you’ll see desert valleys, panoramic scenes, alpine forests, natural hot springs, and red rock formations. Every destination is unique, so every experience is different from the previous one. So, it’s easy to come up with a plan for your hiking adventure.
Hiking is quite popular in Nevada because the trails are accessible. You won’t have to go far as most of the best hiking trails near Las Vegas are only around one hour away from the Strip, and some are even close enough for shorter outings, with Red Rock Canyon about 30 minutes from Las Vegas. So it’s ideal for day trips. You don’t need to go far into the wilderness to bask in the natural beauty of the Nevada outdoors.
Whether you are a Las Vegas resident looking for a weekend adventure or a tourist excited to experience the Nevada landscape, you’ll find a trail or two that suits your preferences. Just be sure that you are prepared for the adventure. Pack the right footwear, plenty of water, an extra T-shirt (especially in the warmer months), and some trail mix or other light snacks. Plan around the best hiking season from October through April, with March and April especially good in spring. Take extra care in the spring mountains above 6,000 feet to avoid dehydration. Desert temperatures can become dangerous by midday, so check weather conditions and any flood, lightning, or avalanche warnings before you head out. Know when to turn back if conditions change.
Several outdoor destinations near Las Vegas are located on federally managed land. Cannabis possession and consumption remain prohibited on federal property, regardless of Nevada’s adult-use cannabis laws. Do not bring cannabis products onto federal recreation lands.
Six Trails Near Las Vegas
1. Calico Tanks Trail
One of the best hikes near Las Vegas, the Calico Tanks Trail is situated within the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, a federally managed recreation area known for sandstone formations, desert trails, and views across the Las Vegas Valley. The trail is moderately challenging and leads hikers to red and orange sandstone formations, as well as a natural water basin that offers spectacular views of the Las Vegas Valley.
Calico Tanks Trail is ideal for hikers with a moderate fitness level. A roundtrip walk or trek in the trail is a little under 2.5 miles. You’ll encounter narrow passages, smooth sandstones, and quiet scenery.
The highlight of the Calico Tanks Trail is the final overlook, which offers some of the best views in the area, including the bright lights and glittering Las Vegas skyline, an image that perfectly contrasts Nevada’s desert landscape.
Before heading to the trailhead, it’s smart to stop at the Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center for current conditions and access details.
Good to Know:
- Trail Distance: Approximately 2.5 miles round trip
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Ideal for: First-time visitors to Red Rock Canyon, photography, and scenic overlooks
The best time to visit is early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
2. Fire Wave Trail
The Fire Wave Trail in Valley of Fire State Park is perfect for hikers who like moving through and looking at unique rock formations and vibrant colors, and the park is about 50 miles from Las Vegas.
This trail offers an easy hike and is sometimes compared to Arizona’s sandstone formations. The Fire Wave is approximately 1.5 miles round trip, taking you through white, pink, and striped red sandstones that somewhat look like rolling ocean waves. The combined Fire Wave/Seven Wonders route is approximately 1.8 miles. It’s one of the most photographed landmarks in Nevada, with its swirling patterns.
Fire Wave Trail is ideal for beginners, but it also boasts of striking scenery – one that you may have a hard time forgetting for a long time. However, since the trail is in an area directly exposed to sunlight, it gets extremely hot around midday, even in spring, so it’s best to start early in the morning. Fire Wave is closed annually from May 15 through September 30 because of extreme heat. Visitors must confirm current conditions with Nevada State Parks.
This trail is favored by photographers and is popular on Instagram because of how all the rich colors show up in the sandstone at sunrise and sunset.
Good to Know:
- Trail Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles round trip (about 1.8 miles combined with Seven Wonders)
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Ideal for: Beginners, families, photography, and unique rock formations
- Seasonal Closure: May 15 – September 30, due to extreme heat. Confirm current conditions with Nevada State Parks.
If you like capturing beautiful moments via photography, bring your camera. Try to go early in the morning so you can catch the sunrise.
3. Lower Bristlecone Trail
Mount Charleston, in the Spring Mountains, is a great option if you want a unique hiking experience. Its higher elevation keeps it cooler than the valley, offering a refreshing escape from desert heat with crisp mountain air, cooler temperatures, and all the shade provided by towering pine trees.
There are over 60 miles of trails in the Spring Mountains that start above 6,000 feet.
Note: Mary Jane Falls Trail, previously featured here, remains closed due to significant damage from Tropical Storm Hilary. Please verify current trail status with the U.S. Forest Service / Spring Mountains National Recreation Area before planning your visit, as several trails in the area remain closed for storm repair.
You’ll want to hike the Lower Bristlecone Trail, one of the more accessible trails in the area. You’ll enjoy hiking through rejuvenating environments, including scenic forest and views of Mummy Mountain and the surrounding canyon. And if you get there at the right season or time of the year, you just might see patches of snow through the trail, even after temperatures have soared in Las Vegas.
The Lower Bristlecone Trail runs along a former forest road, with an easier grade than many other Mount Charleston trails, so it can still be a rewarding outing without steep, sustained climbing. No need to worry, though, because you’re sure to love every moment you spend on the trail, thanks to its peaceful surroundings and stunning scenery.
For a more strenuous Mount Charleston hike, the nearby North Loop Trail offers high-elevation scenery and access to bristlecone pine areas. Check current conditions and route details before attempting it.
The best times to hike the Lower Bristlecone Trail are late spring through fall, once snow has cleared from the higher elevations. But if you prefer hiking in the drier months, you’re still guaranteed to get a rewarding experience because of the picturesque mountain views and the dramatic rock formations.
Cathedral Rock Trailhead on Mount Charleston is another cooler starting point.
Good to Know:
- Trail Distance: Around 6 miles round trip (full Lower Bristlecone route); shorter out-and-back options available
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Best for: Mountain scenery, cooler temperatures, and an easier-grade Mount Charleston hike
Mount Charleston is a good summer escape, especially when temperatures hit the three-digit mark. Its cooler climate is a welcome and refreshing change from the desert heat.
4. The Ice Box Canyon Trail
The Ice Box Canyon Trail is also located in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, within a larger trail system known for many route options and broad views. This trail, as its name implies, takes you through a narrow, shaded, slot canyon-like environment framed by towering rock walls. You’ll enjoy the cooler temperatures, especially if you climb in the morning hours.
This trail’s distance is estimated at 2.6 miles round trip. It is described as a moderately challenging trail, all thanks to a rocky terrain. The path isn’t simple and smooth, either, as you’ll have to navigate your way through uneven surfaces and boulders until you get to the deeper area of the canyon. Many hikers like the challenge that this part of the trail offers.
Visiting the Ice Box Canyon Trail post-seasonal rainfall or in the cooler months may give you a pleasant surprise: a small waterfall cascading between the canyon walls, adding to its natural charm. You’ll love the contrasting sight of the greenery and the rugged red cliffs, so hikers looking for a cooler canyon route near Las Vegas shouldn’t miss it.
Good to Know:
- Trail Distance: About 2.6 miles round trip
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Ideal for: Nature lovers, rock scrambling, and cooler canyon hikes
The Ice Box Canyon Trail has areas where you need to climb over rocks. As such, wearing the appropriate footwear is important. Also, don’t rush when navigating the terrain; take your time.
5. Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail
For the more adventurous hiker, Southern Nevada’s Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail is a strong pick. This trail is challenging as the hike goes all the way down through a rugged canyon and then to several natural hot springs situated along the Colorado River. Additionally, the trail is near Hoover Dam.
The path going to the canyon is not a smooth one, as you’ll have to navigate through narrow passages and boulders. There are also sections that are rope-assisted, so you can imagine just how exciting and challenging it can be. It’s perfect for hikers looking for next-level adventure.
Gold Strike Hot Springs is a trail that’s approximately approximately 5.3 miles round trip. It might not be too big or far for some, but it is still one of the most challenging hiking trails near Las Vegas because of its steep terrain. The desert heat also adds to the difficulty level.
Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail is closed annually from May 15 through September 30 because of dangerous temperatures. Temporary closures may also occur outside those dates when temperatures are forecast to reach 95°F or higher. Check current National Park Service conditions before visiting.
For seasoned hikers, though, it’s the reward at the end of the adventure that’s most important. And the Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail definitely has one of the best rewards: reaching the natural hot springs and Colorado River after navigating the canyon. The National Park Service warns that the spring water is not routinely tested and may contain harmful bacteria or amoebas. Visitors should review current health and safety warnings before entering the water and must never drink it.
Good to Know:
- Trail Distance: Approximately approximately 5.3 miles round trip
- Difficulty Level: Strenuous
- Ideal for: Adventure seekers, experienced hikers, and hikers who like natural hot springs
- Seasonal Closure: May 15 – September 30, due to dangerous temperatures. Additional temporary closures may occur when temperatures are forecast at 95°F or higher. Check current NPS conditions before visiting.
This challenging adventure is best carried out in the cooler months. It’s important to bring plenty of water and stay hydrated throughout the hike. Lastly, don’t rush your climb – and make sure you have enough time for your return climb.
6. Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail
The Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail by the Lake Mead National Recreation Area is perfect for visitors who are looking for a place where they can enjoy the scenery while on a leisurely walk. Lake Mead has multiple hiking trails along its shoreline, making this one of several easy-access options.
This trail was built to support the Hoover Dam construction. It’s a flat trail that goes through five huge and impressive railroad tunnels, while also allowing hikers to enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Mead and its sprawling desert landscape. And since it’s a historic trail, you’ll find signs that give you insights about the area’s history, which makes it a great hike for visitors who want scenery and history without a steep climb.
The complete route is relatively long at about 7.5 miles round trip. You can decide whether you’ll complete the trail or not; regardless of your decision, it’s still guaranteed to be a memorable experience. Most visitors prefer to walk while navigating the first batch of tunnels, so it’s ideal for hikers with different fitness levels. It is intended for families as well.
Wetlands Park is another easy-going option, with interconnected trails and abundant birdlife for readers looking for more walking ideas near Las Vegas.
Good to Know:
- Trail Distance: Up to 7.5 miles round trip
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Ideal for: Enjoying scenic lake views, history buffs, and families
This historic trail features a good blend of important aspects of American history and the natural beauty of Nevada.
Always Cool Down After Your Hike
After your adventure in one or two of the scenic hikes near Las Vegas, you’ll need to cool down and relax a bit before going back to your hotel. Slow down the pace by going around the city and checking out its quiet spots.
One good option is to go to Red Rock Canyon for the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive, and be awed by the desert landscape. You don’t need to go out, you can stay inside your car and enjoy the view. This route stretches to 13 miles and is a one-way paved loop that you can drive straight through for 30 to 45 minutes, more or less. The loop is open daily, but the operating hours vary by season, so it is good to check the schedule before deciding to go. Timed-entry reservations are required for the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive from October 1 through May 31 for entry between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Confirm current hours and reservation requirements with the Bureau of Land Management before visiting.
If you want a good meal, there are a lot of local shops that offer satisfying meals and refreshing drinks. Downtown Summerlin is a shopping and dining district you’ll find near Red Rock Canyon. It stands out with its laid-back atmosphere.
In the Lake Mead area, on the other hand, you’ll want to stay for a while to watch the sunset. The desert sky turning purple, pink, and orange is a beauty to behold – one that you can capture with your camera.
For visitors who are 21 years and older, this downtime is an opportunity to visit a licensed cannabis dispensary – if you plan to make cannabis a part of your evening activities. Instead of consuming cannabis before your hike, wait until after you have completed all your outdoor activities. You also have to be in a comfortable and safe setting when consuming cannabis.
If you’re looking for flower, pre-rolls, edibles, vapes, or concentrates, adults 21 and older may choose to visit The Spot NV after completing all hiking and driving. Customers can ask the staff about available product categories, labeling, potency information, and current inventory. Before purchasing cannabis, determine where you may legally consume it. Nevada permits consumption only on qualifying private property with the property owner’s permission or inside a licensed cannabis consumption lounge. Public consumption is prohibited, and many hotels and vacation rentals do not permit cannabis use.
Things to Know About Cannabis Laws in Las Vegas
Adults 21 and older may purchase adult-use cannabis from licensed Nevada dispensaries with valid government-issued identification. However, purchasing cannabis does not mean it can be consumed anywhere.
- Cannabis may not be consumed in public places, including parks, sidewalks, casinos, or inside moving vehicles.
- Cannabis may be consumed only on qualifying private property with the property owner’s permission or inside a licensed cannabis consumption lounge.
- Hotels and vacation rentals may prohibit cannabis possession or consumption under their individual property rules.
- Cannabis possession and consumption remain prohibited on federal lands.
- Never drive or participate in outdoor activities while impaired.
- Keep cannabis sealed, secured, and away from children and pets.
- Cannabis may not be transported across state lines.
- Visitors should review current Nevada laws and property policies before purchasing or consuming cannabis.
Purchasing from a licensed Nevada dispensary helps ensure that products have passed through the state’s regulated testing, labeling, and tracking system. Cannabis still carries risks, and individual reactions can vary.
Plan everything days (or even weeks) before your trip so you’re sure to enjoy a hassle-free and legal dispensary visit.
Enjoy Las Vegas
Las Vegas is more than just the bright lights, neon show boards, casinos, and world-class live entertainment; it is also a place for outdoor adventures, with a little legal cannabis side trip along the way. All that you need to do is be willing to go out of your comfort zone and try the paths less traveled: the Southern Nevada outdoor adventures.
You’ll find many reasons to enjoy the outdoors in Nevada: hiking through some of the best trails in the city, exploring nature, marveling at the colorful Valley of Fire sandstones, photographing the panoramic views of Red Rock Canyon, and hiking through Ice Box Canyon and enjoying its cool shade.
If you want more day-trip hiking beyond these six trails, nearby national parks are also worth considering. Zion National Park can be considered as a separate day trip for scenic viewpoints and rewarding walks. Canyon Overlook Trail is a popular short hike with panoramic views and a common favorite for a quick visit. White Domes Loop in Valley of Fire State Park is another worthwhile option because it offers a mix of landscapes.
Then slow down and relax with a drive through the city or a visit to The Spot NV – Vegas dispensary, a licensed Las Vegas dispensary offering flower, pre-rolls, edibles, vapes, and concentrates for adults 21 and older. Complete all hiking and driving before consuming cannabis. Never drive, hike, climb, swim, or participate in outdoor activities while impaired. Be a responsible tourist/visitor and driver.
The best memories of your Las Vegas trip don’t always have to be at the Strip. Sometimes, they are found in the sprawling outdoors and hiking trails less than an hour away from the bustling city center. Sometimes, the best Las Vegas memories are found in tall pine trees, sandstones, majestic waterfalls, and unique hiking trails.
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Cannabis and Outdoor Safety Disclaimer:
This sponsored article is intended for adults 21 and older. Cannabis laws vary by jurisdiction. Cannabis possession and consumption are prohibited on federal lands, including national parks and national forests. In Nevada, cannabis may not be consumed in public places or moving vehicles. Consumption is permitted only on qualifying private property with the property owner’s permission or inside a licensed cannabis consumption lounge. Never drive, hike, swim, climb, or participate in outdoor activities while impaired.
Trail access, weather conditions, reservations, and seasonal closures can change without notice. Confirm current conditions with the appropriate land-management agency before traveling. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or safety advice.
