10 Best Las Vegas Hiking Trails

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by Alex

The landscapes surrounding Las Vegas can be just as captivating as the bright lights of the city itself. From the rolling hills and plunging canyons of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area to the Valley of Fire State Park, Lake Mead, and the epic contours of Mount Charleston, you don’t have to travel far to feel like you’ve entered another world.

Here’s our Top 10 Las Vegas hiking trails to fuel your wanderlust - and don't forget to book your hotel with Trip.com…

1. White Domes, Valley of Fire State Park

Famed for its cinematic vistas, this epic but eminently manageable route winds through sand-blasted canyons and jagged fins of crimson rock formations. You’ll feel like a hero in your very own cowboy movie.

2. Mount Charleston Hiking Trails

White Domes, Valley of Fire State Park

This 12,000-foot (3,650m) mountain is crisscrossed by hiking trails, some of which reach almost two thirds up the crumbling slopes. This lets you escape the heat of the Nevada lowlands and enjoy some fresh alpine air and comparatively cooler climes. Two of the most popular trails here are Mary Jane Falls and Big Falls.

3. Lake Mead Railway Trail

Mount Charleston Hiking Trails

This classic trail follows the skeleton of an old railway track, winding around the contours of the land and overlooking Lake Mead. Over a distance of 7.5 miles (12 km), the track will take you through 5tunnels, past beautiful scenery and camping grounds. Perfect for cycling, running and dog walks, or simply taking a stroll and admiring the view

4. Petroglyph Trail, Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area

Lake Mead Railway Trail

Located south of Las Vegas, Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area is an area of more than 48,000 acres that’s home to ancient rock art, some of which has been dated to around 4,000 years old. This 4.5-mile (7.2 km) hike carries showcases around 300 of these amazing petroglyphs, etched on boulders and smooth rock surfaces that dot the hillsides. The path is relatively easy, taking you up a total of around 500 feet (150m), with some minor scrambling required. With spellbinding relics lurking around every corner, you’ll feel like you’re following in the footsteps of distant ancestors.

5. Calico Hills, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Calico Hills, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

The Calico Hills are an eye-catching landmark in the Nevada scenery – a clutch of red stone formations to the west of Vegas that are just begging to be explored. You can reach them with ease via a scenic drive, and then take your pick of hiking trails, with various lengths and difficulty levels available.

6. Rainbow Vista and Fire Canyon, Valley of Fire State Park

Rainbow Vista and Fire Canyon, Valley of Fire State Park

This 1.1-mile (1.8 km) trail is ideally suited to four-legged companions. Throughout this gentle yet awe-inspiring walk, the scenery appears to glow and pulse with swirling patterns of red, pink and orange. These incredible rock tapestries are punctuated by views into the valleys of Fire State Park.

7. Echo Overlook Trail- Spring Mountains National Recreation Area

Echo Overlook Trail- Spring Mountains National Recreation Area

Stretching 4.6 miles (7.5 km) through pathways bursting with wildflowers, the Echo Overlook Trail is brilliant for bird watching and botany. You can also saddle up and ride a horse here, which lends an extra layer of beauty and romance to the already marvelous scenery.

8. Ice Box Canyon, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Ice Box Canyon, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

This 2.6-mile hike takes you along the lush carpet of a verdant valley floor, stepping around giant boulders in the shadow of soaring canyon walls. Like nothing else in the Vegas desert, the Ice Box is as cool as it gets.

9. Golden Canyon, Gower Gulch, & Badlands Loop Hikes in Death Valley National Park

Golden Canyon, Gower Gulch, & Badlands Loop Hikes in Death Valley National Park

A few of the most popular routes in this area are the Badlands Loop, Golden Canyon and Red Cathedral, and Gower Gulch Loop. Take them on individually, or combine them into a mammoth 8-mile (13 km) adventure known as the Complete Circuit, which sets off from either Golden Canyon or Zabriskie Point. This extraordinary moonscape is an otherworldly adventure in every direction.

10. Clark County Wetlands Park Nature Preserve

You don’t have to travel far in Vegas to explore the region’s natural wonders. The Clark Country Wetlands Park Nature Preserve is actually within the city limits – this urban oasis is home to a network of walking trails where you can walk, cycle, or take the dog for a walk. Here you can expect to see a wide range of waterfowl, along with turtles, beavers, and rabbits. The most popular trails set out from near the Nature Centre, or via the Duck Creek Trailhead.

With so many amazing hiking trails right on the city’s doorstep, Las Vegas offers a unique opportunity to get off grid without actually having to go too far.

FAQ about Las Vegas Hiking Trails

  • How far are the mountains from Las Vegas Strip?

    Believe it or not, you can get from the strip to the mountains in just 25 mins. That makes them an ideal alternative to some of the city’s more expensive or less healthy trappings.


  • What are the mountains surrounding Vegas, and how do I get there?

    You’ll find mountains in just about every direction from Vegas, and each set of natural wonders has its own unique character. To the west, there’s the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, which is great for hiking, biking and rock climbing. Keep going west and you’ll get to Mount Charleston, about an hour’s drive from Vegas. To the south is the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, while Lake Mead is off to the east. Whichever direction you turn, you won’t be far from some truly unforgettable treks!


  • When is the best time to go?

    You can go hiking in the hills around Las Vegas all year round, but most hikers insist the best time is from September to May. This being the desert, summertime can get pretty hot, so plan ahead and pack accordingly.


  • What gear do I need?

    Depending on which trail you take, you might not need anything more serious than a good pair of walking shoes. Some trails demand a little more preparation though, such as walking sticks or even ropes. Wherever you go, sun protection – both hats and sunscreen – is an absolute must, along with plenty of water.

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Hotels for Las Vegas Hiking Trails

5 star

4.5/5Excellent348 Reviews
Las Vegas Strip Las Vegas|7.35km from city center
Some front desk staff were undertrained and unfriendly, especially when we had a problem with keys. Duty manager was conciliatory, but the promised compensation has not been provided. Real shame as the hotel is stunning with amazing facilities and location. When MGM takes over, training of the main front desk staff must be prioritised. By contrast, Identity staff provided outstanding and efficient service, especially Jeffrey. I will definitely visit again, but avoiding front desk wherever possible.
From$150
4.4/5Excellent344 Reviews
Las Vegas Strip Las Vegas|6.08km from city center
The hotel was beautiful and conveniently located on the Vegas *****. They allow you to store your luggage before check in and after check out, which made it easier to travel around. Highly recommend staying at this hotel!
From$151
4.3/5Excellent242 Reviews
Las Vegas Strip Las Vegas|7.14km from city center
I had the very bad experience for the first time in my life. 1. I paid for Premier King bed (confirmed by Trip.com). My booking number is *********** (check-in on Oct 8, check out on Oct 11). But the hotel offered me Queen twin beds. I ask the check-in lady staff “why?”. That lady was very rude to me. She reacts “I don’t know”. She goes on “no Premier King bed available”. She told me to ask the 3rd person, whom I booked my room (Trip.com). And she forced me to take the Queen twin beds. 2. I tried to communicate with Trip.com. I got very poor solution. The Trip.com just explained me that the hotel is under renovation, there are not enough rooms, and I accept the room Queen twin beds already. So these are the solution! Sic! 3. When I was in that Queen twin beds room, I got a call from the hotel supervisor. I was very happy because I expected that he would change my room to my paid one, Premier King bed. Unfortunately, I was threatened by the guy to reinforce me to take this room (Queen twin beds), even though I tried to prove him. I got only the reaction from him that “do you need translator?”. It is too rude to me!!! 4. I have only this choice. I have to accept! It’s the very good experience to book hotel trough the third party!
From$179
4.1/5Very Good153 Reviews
Las Vegas Strip Las Vegas|6.74km from city center
I was really disappointed about having to pay for coffee in this grand hotel. A few days after I stayed at 4-5 star Caesar Palace, I stayed at a hotel in Utah with 3 star that provided the best coffee ever!!!! Caesar Palace … a disappointment!!!! Save money elsewhere!!!
From$99
4.4/5Excellent193 Reviews
Las Vegas Strip Las Vegas|4.56km from city center
Impressed by the room amenities, chic design, great pools, love that they are offering Byredo shampoo & body products. Gorgeous ******, the art pieces and the overall ambience make it differtiate from other ****** in town.
From$114

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Business travel

4.4/5Excellent116 Reviews
South of The Strip Las Vegas|17.88km from city center
We moved to Alberta from Ontario late last year and just got around to planning a holiday. Vegas is only a 20 hour drive from where we live and we have done Ontario to Florida before which is a similar distance so our plans were set. We have been to LV 4 times previously and the last 3 of those visits we stayed at the South Point. Decided to book it again this time, ignored all the negative reviews on TA as most of them seem to have been posted by people with no previous history on TA so they can be tossed out the window!! Arrived late on a Saturday afternoon and the place was hopping! Got checked in very quickly and asked and was given a room up on the 23rd floor facing out towards the mountains and out over the pool area. Got a double queen room that was immaculate. Beds were comfy and the room was spotless. Bathroom was a decent size with the shower and toilet separated by a door from the bathroom sink etc. My only complaint about Vegas hotels is that the tv channel selection in the room is usually atrocious, probably because they don't want you in the room watching tv !! But there were enough decent channels to keep us happy at the end of the night. When we checked in they asked us about house keeping but we just called down on the morning we wanted the room tidied up etc. and it was done. No hassle and just a quick 20 second phone call. We used the pool area quite a few days and the pool side bar service was excellent. The girls working out there were kept busy but were always friendly and by the end of the week recognised us and always had a chat. The pool area was very clean and we never had to look hard for a sun bed to relax on. Plenty of clean towels always available no matter the time of day we were down there. The hotel has 11 restaurants I believe. We used Steak and Shake a couple of times (still good), Baja Miguels on the first night (love the Margaritas along with everything else about the place!) Ate at Primarily Prime Rib on the Thursday and this is still a great place to have a decent cut of meat. No need to go on about our meals. The food was always perfect and the service superb. In our travels north and south we saw lots of signs up in restaurants and coffee shops advising they were hiring and apologising for delays etc. but it seems that the South Point is not struggling on that front. Always staff around to help etc. The one change for the better at the hotel is the addition of the Starbucks at the front entrance. If my memory serves me it used to be a Seattles Best coffee shop but Starbucks is far far better. Plenty of staff working the store and never a long wait even on the busiest of mornings. Another great part of the hotel is the Cinemark Movie Theatre. We saw 3 movies in our week at the hotel and its always great that you can just take an elevator down from your room and just walk up to the theatre. The ****** was hit and miss for most of the week though on my last night I hit a handpay which was pretty ni
From$105
4.3/5Excellent116 Reviews
Boulder Strip Las Vegas|9.42km from city center
The environment is good, there is a Casino on the first floor
From$62
3.3/5107 Reviews
Downtown - Fremont Street Las Vegas|0.59km from city center
The room is small, but it is clean, the parking lot is not easy to find, it takes a few laps to find it, cross the road in the parking lot at the gate, and use the hotel room card to pay no parking fee.
SOLD OUT
4.3/5Excellent102 Reviews
West of The Strip Las Vegas|8.73km from city center
The first day of the las transition hotel, owned by the Hilton Hotel, the airport has shuttle to. To other hotels, Uber is not expensive. Because the price is relatively high on weekends, the children are very happy and have an outdoor swimming pool. The most impressive thing is breakfast, the variety is quite rich, fruit sausage egg waffle yogurt, oatmeal have, and certainly can eat. Personally, it is quite good if you don't feel picky. No casino, suitable for children and children. There is an in&out burger next to it. This is worth recommending. Hotel photos forgot to take pictures, other views instead
From$139
4.5/5Excellent104 Reviews
South of The Strip Las Vegas|14.95km from city center
The hotel room is spacious and bright, divided into kitchen living room, master bedroom, and a large bathroom. If the suite is booked, the opposite door to door is also the same configuration. There is plenty of parking space downstairs, it is convenient for home, and it is convenient to go out on the 15th. 10 minutes to the city, 15-20 minutes to Chinatown.
SOLD OUT

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Breakfast

3.6/5239 Reviews
Las Vegas Strip Las Vegas|2.91km from city center
The hotel on the outside was very nice. When we got to our room it was another story… there were bugs in the bathroom and the water wouldn’t drain in the shower. Bugs flying everywhere. Wouldn’t stay here again but would visit the ******.
From$31
3.9/5152 Reviews
Las Vegas Strip Las Vegas|6.96km from city center
The hotel is located right in the middle of the Strip so it is very convenient to go any directions even just by walking within the Strip. We were being upgraded to a suite for a fraction of the cost while checking in through the front desk. However when we tried to check in through the Kiosk, it asked us to see the Hotel Ambassador. Unfortunately, we were told by the check in staff that we had to paid extra $30 to get an early checkin (they said the regular check in time was 3:00pm and it was 2:30pm already). We dined at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant which had great food at a reasonable price. Will definitely go back for reasonably price
From$53
4.1/5Very Good49 Reviews
Downtown - Fremont Street Las Vegas|0.45km from city center
Booked 3 nights at the Golden Nugget because I was curious what their Spa Tower suites were like. I didn’t want to stay near the ***** (that’ll be for another visit) and the price was pretty decent considering the size of the suite. The suite floors are only accessible via a card you use in the elevator. Ended up getting the very last room on the floor which I preferred since I didn’t like being in between two other suites. View from the 9th floor was great but obviously not the best since you can’t see the *****. The room itself was clean and felt luxurious but a little dated and aged. There were a few minor details that could have been addressed before I got the room; a couple burnt out vanity mirror bulbs, wobbly desk etc, no real dealbreakers. I didn’t gamble so I can’t comment on the ******. Not really into the pool scene either but it was always pretty packed and busy whenever I passed by. Food was good; ate at the Chart House restaurant located in the Golden Nugget. The big bonus I guess would be the ability to walk straight out onto Fremont Street and take in all of the craziness that goes on there. Would definitely love to go back and stay there again but I also want to experience other suites in Vegas.
SOLD OUT
4.1/5Very Good159 Reviews
Las Vegas Strip Las Vegas|5.8km from city center
Location is good for both walking and driving. Especially car entrance is located on the side as well so you can escape the traffic jam on *****. There some smells maybe detergent they use to clean the carpet was not comfortable. Will get used to it in 5-10 minutes. Quick for Valet parking. Staffs are nice and quick.
From$42
4.1/5Very Good335 Reviews
Las Vegas Strip Las Vegas|7.78km from city center
The concierge from the room phone were really rude when answer the questions , and the hair dryer blocked , asking a replacement , waiting for so long , called again , the house keeping was very rude to tell me to be patience even it’s over 15 mins waiting … The service here is sucks !! I won’t come stay here anymore
From$59

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Las Vegas Hiking Trails