Best Backpacking Destinations in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

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Best Backpacking Destinations in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

1. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Experience stunning red rock formations and diverse wildlife in this expansive outdoor playground just a short drive from the city.
  • Scenic Drives: Take a scenic drive through the park, enjoying breathtaking views of the desert landscape.
  • Hiking Trails: Choose from over 30 hiking trails suitable for all skill levels.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep, desert tortoises, and other unique wildlife species.

2. Spring Mountains National Recreation Area

Hike through lush forests and alpine meadows in the Spring Mountains, with scenic vistas of Las Vegas and the surrounding valley.
  • Alpine Lakes: Visit pristine alpine lakes such as Echo Lake and Meadow Lake.
  • Wildflower Season: Experience the vibrant colors of wildflowers during the spring months.
  • Mount Charleston: Reach the summit of Mount Charleston for panoramic views of the surrounding area.

3. Valley of Fire State Park

Explore ancient petroglyphs and breathtaking red rock formations in this unique desert landscape just a short drive from Las Vegas.
  • Petroglyph Panel: Visit the Petroglyph Wall, featuring over 2,300 ancient petroglyphs.
  • Hiking Trails: Choose from over 25 hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging.
  • Natural Arches: Explore the Arch Rock and Elephant Rock formations.

4. Lost City Museum

Discover the ancient Puebloan cultures of Southern Nevada at this museum located in Overton, Nevada.
  • Ancient Artifacts: Explore artifacts from the Ancestral Puebloan, Basketmaker, and Virgin Anasazi cultures.
  • Outdoor Exhibits: Visit outdoor exhibits showcasing historic adobe homes and an ancient Paiute ranch.
  • Interactive Displays: Enjoy interactive displays designed for visitors of all ages.

5. Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

Explore this unique desert oasis teeming with rare plant and animal species, including the endangered Pupfish.
  • Boardwalk Trails: Take a stroll on boardwalk trails to observe the unique wetland ecosystem.
  • Visitor Center: Visit the Visitor Center for exhibits and information about the refuge's wildlife and history.
  • Rare Species: Keep an eye out for the endangered Ash Meadows Tortoise and the Devil's Hole Pupfish.

6. Mount Charleston Wilderness

Hike through alpine forests and meadows in the Mount Charleston Wilderness Area for a unique desert wilderness experience.
  • Scenic Views: Enjoy scenic views of the Las Vegas valley from high elevation trails.
  • Hiking Trails: Choose from over 30 hiking trails, including the Mary Jane Falls and Fire Peak trails.
  • Wildlife Spotting: Keep an eye out for mule deer, black bears, and mountain lions in this remote wilderness area.

7. Death Valley National Park (Nevada side)

Experience one of the hottest and driest places on Earth, with unique geological formations such as Badwater Basin and Zabriskie Point.
  • Badwater Basin: Walk through the lowest point in North America at Badwater Basin, where salt flats cover the floor.
  • Zabriskie Point: Climb the staircase at Zabriskie Point for stunning views of the desert landscape.
  • Racetrack Playa: Explore the mysterious moving rocks at Racetrack Playa, a dry lake bed.

8. Great Basin National Park

Discover ancient Bristlecone Pines and the mysterious Lehman Caves in this remote desert wilderness.
  • Bristlecone Pine Forest: Visit the world's oldest living trees, the Bristlecone Pines.
  • Lehman Caves: Explore the limestone caves filled with stalactites and flowstones.
  • Wheeler Peak: Hike to the summit of Wheeler Peak for breathtaking views of the park.

9. Calico Hills

Explore unique rock formations and desert landscapes in this beautiful section of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
  • Rock Scrambling: Climb and explore the colorful rock formations.
  • Scenic Views: Enjoy scenic views of the Las Vegas valley from high elevation viewpoints.
  • Hiking Trails: Choose from several hiking trails, including the Calico Tanks and Scenic Loop.

10. Boulder City Heritage Museum

Learn about the history of Boulder City and the Hoover Dam at this museum dedicated to preserving local history.
  • Exhibits: Explore exhibits showcasing artifacts, photos, and stories of Boulder City's past.
  • Guided Tours: Take guided tours of historic homes and buildings in the Old Town area.
  • Hoover Dam: Plan a visit to the nearby Hoover Dam, one of America's most iconic engineering feats.

11. Hoover Dam

Experience this iconic engineering feat and take a tour to learn about the history and inner workings of the dam.
  • Dam Tour: Take a guided tour inside the dam, visiting control rooms and power stations.
  • Lake Mead Cruises: Take a boat tour of Lake Mead to see the Hoover Dam from the water.
  • Visitor Center: Visit the Visitor Center for exhibits and information about the dam's history and construction.

12. Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Enjoy water sports, hiking, and camping at this vast lake created by the Hoover Dam.
  • Water Sports: Enjoy activities like boating, fishing, and swimming in Lake Mead.
  • Hiking Trails: Choose from over 100 hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging.
  • Camping: Reserve a campsite and spend the night under the stars.

13. Goldstrike Hot Springs

Hike to a remote desert oasis featuring hot springs nestled among red rock canyons.
  • Hot Springs: Relax in the natural hot springs after a long hike.
  • Canyon Hiking: Hike through red rock canyons and explore unique geological formations.
  • Remote Location: Enjoy a remote, off-the-beaten-path experience in the Nevada desert.

14. Eldorado Canyon State Mine Park

Explore an abandoned gold mine and pan for gold in this historic mining park.
  • Gold Panning: Try your hand at panning for gold in the creek bed.
  • Abandoned Mine Tours: Take a guided tour of the abandoned mine and learn about the history of mining in Nevada.
  • Hiking Trails: Choose from several hiking trails through the historic mining area.

15. Kershaw-Ryan State Park

Relax at this peaceful desert oasis featuring a beautiful lake and camping facilities.
  • Lake Activities: Enjoy activities like fishing, boating, and swimming in the lake.
  • Camping: Reserve a campsite and spend the night under the stars.
  • Wildlife Spotting: Keep an eye out for local wildlife like deer, rabbits, and birds.