Hiking & Outdoor Adventures Nearby in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
1. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
A vast desert expanse with majestic red rock formations offering scenic drives, hiking trails, and rock climbing opportunities.
- Scenic Drives: Explore the beauty of Red Rock Canyon by car on a 13-mile scenic loop.
- Hiking Trails: Over 26 hiking trails catering to all levels, with the Calico Tanks Trail being popular for its petroglyphs and water tanks.
- Rock Climbing: Boasts over 2,000 climbing routes suitable for beginners to experts.
2. Valley of Fire State Park
A 35,000-acre park featuring fiery red sandstone formations and ancient petroglyphs.
- Petroglyph Wall: Visit the Petroglyph Wall, home to over 4,000 Native American rock carvings.
- Arch Rock: See the iconic Arch Rock, a natural sandstone arch formation.
- Hiking Trails: Explore diverse landscapes on over 20 hiking trails, including Mouse's Tank Trail and Fire Wave Trail.
3. Mount Charleston
A mountain range near Las Vegas offering hiking, skiing, and camping opportunities.
- Korean War Memorial: Visit the Korean War Veterans Memorial, honoring soldiers who braved harsh mountain conditions.
- Hiking Trails: Over 50 miles of hiking trails, including Mary Jane Falls and Fletcher Canyon.
- Winter Sports: Skiing and snowboarding are available at Lee Canyon Ski Area during winter months.
4. Spring Mountains National Recreation Area
A vast wilderness area featuring mountain peaks, canyons, and wildlife.
- Mount Charleston Wildlife Center: Learn about local wildlife at the Mount Charleston Wildlife Center.
- Hiking Trails: Discover various trails, such as Kyle Canyon and Mary Jane Falls, catering to different skill levels.
- Scenic Drives: Enjoy the scenic drive through the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area.
5. Lake Mead National Recreation Area
America's first and largest national recreation area offering boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking opportunities.
- Boating: Explore the vast waters of Lake Mead by renting a boat or taking a guided tour.
- Hiking Trails: Hike over 100 miles of trails, such as the Lost City Museum Trail and the Emerald Cave Trail.
- Fishing Spots: Cast a line at popular fishing spots like Callville Bay and Echo Bay.
6. Eldorado Canyon Mine Tours
A historical gold mine tour offering insights into the region's mining past.
- Underground Tour: Take an underground tour to learn about gold mining techniques.
- Surface Tours: Explore the surface of the mine, seeing machinery and artifacts from the past.
- History Lesson: Gain a deeper understanding of Nevada's mining history and the Gold Rush era.
7. Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
A unique desert oasis teeming with diverse wildlife.
- Tikaboo Peak Viewpoint: Take in the breathtaking view of Ash Meadows from Tikaboo Peak.
- Boardwalk Trails: Walk along boardwalk trails to observe the unique plants and wildlife.
- Wildlife Observation: Observe rare species like the Ash Meadows Pupfish and the Desert Pocket Mouse.
8. Calico Tanks Trail
A popular hiking trail offering scenic vistas and petroglyphs.
- Petroglyph Viewing: Admire the ancient rock carvings left by Native Americans.
- Scenic Vistas: Take in stunning views of Red Rock Canyon from various points along the trail.
- Difficulty Level: A moderate 3.2-mile hike suitable for intermediate hikers.
9. Fire Wave Trail
A scenic and challenging hiking trail in the Valley of Fire State Park.
- Scenic Views: Take in the breathtaking views of the colorful, wave-like rock formations.
- Difficulty Level: A strenuous 6.2-mile hike suitable for experienced hikers.
- Photography Opportunities: Capture stunning photographs of the unique and colorful landscapes.
10. Mountain Falls Trail
A picturesque hiking trail leading to a picturesque waterfall in Mount Charleston.
- Waterfall Viewing: Witness the beautiful Mountain Falls waterfall.
- Difficulty Level: A moderate 5.2-mile hike suitable for intermediate hikers.
- Scenic Vistas: Enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Charleston and the surrounding mountains.
11. Echo Canyon Trail
A scenic trail offering stunning views of Lake Mead in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
- Scenic Vistas: Take in panoramic views of Lake Mead and the surrounding desert landscape.
- Difficulty Level: A challenging 10.6-mile hike suitable for experienced hikers.
- Wildlife Observation: Observe wildlife such as desert bighorn sheep and coyotes along the trail.
12. Mary Jane Falls Trail
A popular hiking trail in Spring Mountains National Recreation Area leading to a beautiful waterfall.
- Waterfall Viewing: Witness the breathtaking Mary Jane Falls waterfall.
- Difficulty Level: A moderate 4.8-mile hike suitable for intermediate hikers.
- Scenic Vistas: Enjoy scenic vistas of the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area.
13. Lost City Museum Trail
A short hiking trail leading to an ancient Puebloan village in Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
- Historical Sites: Visit the remains of a 700-year-old Anasazi village.
- Difficulty Level: An easy, 1.5-mile hike suitable for beginners.
- Scenic Vistas: Take in scenic vistas of the surrounding desert landscape and Lake Mead.
14. Emerald Cave Trail
A beautiful hiking trail leading to an emerald-colored cave in Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
- Cave Exploration: Explore the unique Emerald Cave, known for its turquoise waters.
- Difficulty Level: An easy, 1-mile hike suitable for beginners.
- Scenic Vistas: Enjoy scenic vistas of Lake Mead and the surrounding desert landscape.
15. Lost Cow Spring Trail
A historic trail in Valley of Fire State Park, leading to a spring used by cowboys and early settlers.
- Historical Sites: Visit the remains of a cowboy camp and explore Lost Cow Spring.
- Difficulty Level: An easy, 1-mile hike suitable for beginners.
- Scenic Vistas: Enjoy scenic vistas of the Valley of Fire State Park's unique red rock formations.