Hiking near Las Vegas may be unlike anything you have experienced previously. An added element changes the experience of a typical hike.
Since the areas surrounding Las Vegas feature a desert climate, you will often have to deal with not just the challenges of the trail, but the ever-present heat as well.
Preparation is key before you set out on your hike. Know your target trail well, and prepare properly for
the challenges it is likely to present.
This article will reveal what you can expect from the best hiking trails in Las Vegas, and also provide a primer on how to tackle them correctly.
Hiking Las Vegas: The Trails You Need to Know
Buckskin Cliff Shadows
Difficulty (Easy/Moderate/Hard): Easy
Length: 5.2 miles
Dog-friendly (Yes/No): Yes
Elevation: 679 feet
Buckskin Cliff Shadows is an easy-to-cover trail for most of the year. It can be punishing during the summer as it lacks spots for shade. Only bring your pets later in the year.
The paths along the trail are easy to traverse, but rocky. Rugged footwear is required.
Views of the city are easy to come by and plentiful. Stop along the smoother portions of the trail to enjoy them.
Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 3.5 Stars
Calico Basin Trail
Difficulty (Easy/Moderate/Hard): Moderate
Length: 5.2 miles
Dog-friendly (Yes/No): No
Elevation: 853 feet
The Calico Basin Trail offers gorgeous sights to behold in all directions. Rock formations on the trail itself are stunning and the products of years of nature at work. There are also plenty of views of the city to be had as you ascend the trail.
Loose rocks pose a danger to hikers and must be navigated slowly. Pets should not be brought along because of them.
The trail becomes kinder as you climb, but it will take a while to get to the top.
Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 3 Stars
Calico Tanks Trail
Difficulty (Easy/Moderate/Hard): Easy
Length: 2.2 miles
Dog-friendly (Yes/No): Yes
Elevation: 406 feet
Numerous wild flowers and red rocks line the paths of the Calico Tanks Trail. The paths are mostly clean and free from loose debris, but you will find patches where continuous ascents have to be made.
You won’t get lost on the trail with the markers provided. The views are also spectacular throughout the trail.
Hiking with your dog is possible on this trail, but make sure to pack plenty of water for you and your pet. Avoid the trail during the summer months as it can get too hot, especially with the lack of spots for shade.
Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 4 Stars
First Creek Canyon Trail
Difficulty (Easy/Moderate/Hard): Moderate
Length: 3.4 miles
Dog-friendly (Yes/No): Yes
Elevation: 377 feet
The prize of the First Creek Canyon Trail is a waterfall found off the beaten path. Along the way there, the paths can be rather plain. The flatness of the trail makes the trek easier on your body, but duller on the senses.
Be prepared for a long hike and bring plenty of water. Shade is also a scarce commodity. Though the heat of the sun is inescapable, it can remain tolerable for you and your pet.
Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 3.5 Stars
Fletcher Canyon Trail
Difficulty (Easy/Moderate/Hard): Easy
Length: 3.1 miles
Dog-friendly (Yes/No): Yes
Elevation: 784 feet
In contrast to many of the hiking trails near Vegas, Fletcher Canyon does not challenge people by subjecting them to high temperatures. This trail is known for being comfortable, with many trees present and ready to provide shade.
The end point of the trail is not the only sight worth seeing. All along the trail are numerous sights worth admiring and they only get better as you ascend up the paths.
Birds may accompany you as you continue to move up along the trail.
Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 4.5 Stars
Guardian Angel Pass
Difficulty (Easy/Moderate/Hard): Hard
Length: 3.3 miles
Dog-friendly (Yes/No): No
Elevation: 688 feet
Guardian Angel Pass promises plenty of breathtaking views for those who dare challenge it, but it is a trail not made for beginners. The trail will constantly test your endurance and climbing skills.
Strewn along the ascending paths are spots that you must scramble across. Pace yourself properly to avoid getting stuck.
Different reptiles may also show up as you pass through the trail, so keep a close eye out for them.
Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 3.5 Stars
Hualapai Canyon Trail
Difficulty (Easy/Moderate/Hard): Easy
Length: 0.7 miles
Dog-friendly (Yes/No): Yes
Elevation: 52 feet
Not all of the hiking trails near Las Vegas are designed to present a challenge. Some are better suited for beginners and for exercising, such as the Hualapai Canyon Trail.
This looping trail that barely climbs even as you progress through its highest point is mostly paved. There’s no need to bring your boots to take on this trail. It’s also well-suited for early morning hikes alone or together with your dog.
The whole trail is one you should be able to complete within a relatively short amount of time
Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 3 Stars
Ice Box Canyon Trail
Difficulty (Easy/Moderate/Hard): Moderate
Length: 2.3 miles
Dog-friendly (Yes/No): Yes
Elevation: 577 feet
The Ice Box Canyon Trail can be very deceptive. The trail starts out easy, but the difficulty level rises noticeably as you spend more time on it.
You will have to climb and scramble often as you go deeper into the trail. Keep a close watch over your canine companion if you have brought one along.
Shady spots provide refuge from the climb. Take full advantage of them as you proceed through the trail.
Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 3.5 Stars
Kraft Mountain Loop Trail
Difficulty (Easy/Moderate/Hard): Hard
Length: 4 miles
Dog-friendly (Yes/No): Yes
Elevation: 1,440 feet
Stunning views of the desert and the Las Vegas strip will be your rewards for scaling the Kraft Mountain Loop Trail. Those rewards will be well-earned as this trail is not kind.
Apart from the constant climbing you will have to do on this trail, you must also keep track of your current location. Trail markers are hard to identify and paths can appear identical.
It’s among the most difficult Las Vegas hiking trails and a suitable test of skill for experienced adventurers.
Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 4 Stars
Lone Mountain Loop Trail
Difficulty (Easy/Moderate/Hard): Easy
Length: 3.2 miles
Dog-friendly (Yes/No): Yes
Elevation: 738 feet
Despite the higher elevation, the Lone Mountain Loop Trail is still considered as one of the easier Vegas hiking trails. There’s a climb for sure, but you should be able to complete it within a short amount of time.
Challenges on the trail come in the form of loose rocks and moderate inclines. They are obstacles that can be easily conquered as long as you maintain focus.
Get used to scaling heights on this trail and enjoy the abundance of the wild flowers that also appear on the paths.
Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 3.5 Stars
Pine Creek Canyon Trail
Difficulty (Easy/Moderate/Hard): Moderate
Length: 3.4 miles
Dog-friendly (Yes/No): Yes
Elevation: 515 feet
Pine Creek Canyon Trail is home to one of the waterfalls in Las Vegas. It takes a while to get there, but the trip is well worth it.
Expect to take part in a fair amount of climbing and scrambling as you navigate Pine Creek Canyon Trail. Still, this trail is kinder compared to some of the other options. Having plenty of shade to use helps finding your way a more manageable task.
It’s a tranquil trail nestled along the Nevada desert and one that you cannot pass on.
Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 5 Stars
Summerlin Cottonwood Canyon Park Trail
Difficulty (Easy/Moderate/Hard): Easy
Length: 3.1 miles
Dog-friendly (Yes/No): Yes
Elevation: 203 feet
The Summerlin Cottonwood Canyon Park Trail offers a nice change of pace from the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas. The trail is known for being peaceful. It is also among the easier trails, thus leading to it becoming a popular practice ground for aspiring hikers.
The trail is short but pretty, with paved paths meant to accommodate visitors. It is also a good spot for mountain biking if you count that among your hobbies.
Rating (Out of 5 Stars): 3.5 Stars
Key Reminders When Hiking around Las Vegas
Let’s first go through a refresher course regarding the Las Vegas environment. Even if you’ve been hiking before, you can’t assume that you’ll have the same kind of experience around these parts. The areas surrounding Las Vegas feature certain elements that could pose a danger if you’re unaware of them.
Heat and Humidity Can Cause Issues while Hiking
According to Trip Savvy, Las Vegas is known for featuring a kind of climate that can be best described as “dry and arid.” The heat can also become truly oppressive at certain times throughout the year.
Another element that can catch some people off guard is the low humidity. Speaking to 8NewsNow.com, the Bureau of Land Management’s outdoor recreation planner, Kathy August, said that the low humidity becomes a problem because most people don’t even know something’s off until it’s already too late.
August says that people are more prone to losing moisture from their body rapidly because they may not see sweat accumulating on their shirts. Lose enough moisture and you could end up dehydrated while hiking.
Leave the Animals Alone
While exploring the hiking trails near Las Vegas, you will likely run into a variety of wild animals.
According to the Nevada Department of Wildlife, you should minimize or even avoid interactions with wildlife altogether while you are outdoors.
Small animals may appear defenseless, but their parents may be providing a watchful eye nearby, and may go after you if you interfere.
Snakes are known for being among the most dangerous animals. Even the ones that appear dead could strike out of reflex.
Essential Safety Tips When Hiking Las Vegas
Do Your Research
Here are the things you need to look up before heading out on your hike:
- Your chosen hiking trail – Research the trail extensively and look for any warnings posted by hikers who have previously explored it.
- Weather reports – Look up the latest weather report before you head out the door and see if it’s safe to go hiking. Flash floods and thunderstorms are significant concerns along the trails.
- Location of the nearest visitor’s center – Drop by the visitor’s center and obtain a map before your hike. Inform the people there about where you intend to hike so that they will know where to look first if something goes wrong.
Wear Attire Appropriate for Hiking
Gearing up for hiking means dressing for comfort and protection. When hiking around Las Vegas, you should choose more breathable clothes to counteract the heat.
Here are some suggestions for your hiking attire:
- Headwear – Baseball caps, cowboy hats, and even fisherman’s hats are good options. As long as it isn’t too heavy and can cover your eyes, it will prove to be helpful.
- Sunglasses – Bring your most durable pair of sunglasses. The ones with polarized lenses are preferred as they work better in bright light, per Healthline.
- Shirt – Something made from polyester or wool is your best bet. Those materials wick away moisture effectively and they are also lauded for their breathability.
- Jacket – Gore-Tex is the material of choice for your jacket, but in a pinch, polyester can provide the protection you need.
- Lower-body wear – Shorts are better for range of movement, but pants provide more protection and coverage. Regardless of whether you choose to wear pants or shorts, look for items made from either nylon or spandex as they dry faster, according to Eastern Mountain Sports.
- Footwear – Stick to low-cut boots for shorter hikes and choose high-cut boots if you intend to cover plenty of distance.
- Backpack – A lighter daypack capable of carrying a 10 to 15-pound load will suffice. Make sure the straps wrap comfortably around your shoulders and the belt fits closely around your hips to get the right fit, says Backpacker.
Dos and Don’ts for Your Upcoming Hiking Trip
The Things You Should Do:
- Pack a charged smartphone – You may not get a signal easily on the hiking trail, but you should still keep one in your pocket in case you need to make an emergency call.
- Bring a portable water filter – In a situation where you can’t find a clean water source nearby, a portable water filter will prove valuable.
- Keep the essentials in your backpack – A compass, a first-aid kit, and some sunscreen are items you must always have on hand.
The Things You Shouldn’t Do:
- Hike alone, especially if you’re inexperienced – You should never hike alone during your first trip outdoors.
- Overextend yourself – Rest up if you need to. The heat along Las Vegas hiking trails can tire you out faster.
- Wear anything made from cotton – You’ll sweat more under the Nevada sun. Cotton clothing will keep that sweat stuck to your body.
Conclusion
Varied experiences can be had from hiking near Las Vegas, but none of them have to be negative. As long as you take the time to choose the trail best for you and make all the necessary preparations, your upcoming hike should prove to be a successful one.
Here’s to you having the best possible experience the next time you go hiking!
