The Best in Vegas Hiking

One of the greatest wonders in visiting Las Vegas is the amount of natural beauty that lies just outside the city limits. Going to the great outdoors gives you a chance to relax in the fresh air, but also gives your wallet a break from the casinos. Best of all, many hikes in the area are free or can be accessed for a nominal charge. Red Rock Canyon is one of those places. Located only 17 miles from the Las Vegas strip, this is one of the best places in all of Nevada to take a hike. The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area does charge $5 per carload, but the admission price is well worth it.

Turtlehead Peak

This trail is only five miles round trip and while it can be strenuous, it is something nearly everyone should be able to handle. It is one of the most popular hikes in the area. Remember, there is no reason to rush to the top. However, once you get to the top, you will not regret it. It has one of the best views of the Las Vegas Valley.

La Madre Springs

This hike features many small springs and some great views of the mountainside. The spring empties into a watering pond, which is one of the prime sources of water in the canyon for wildlife, such as bighorn sheep and deer. Still, if you are visiting during the day, you have a very small chances of seeing either one. The trail is four miles round trip and has an elevation of 900 feet. It is rated as moderate.

Keystone Thrust

The colors offered at the end of this adventure make this moderate height well worth it. Because this area sits on a fault line, it leads to an interesting geologic phenomenon. The older rocks are actually on top of the younger rocks, which is the reverse of the way it usually works. The trip is 2 miles round trip with a climb total 540 feet. It is also a fairly easy hike on a trail that is in fairly good condition.

Ice Box Canyon

If you like waterfalls in the desert, this may be the best hike you could possibly take. The high walls around this canyon actually act as an insulator against the relentless Nevada sun and keep the canyon cooler than much of the surrounding area. Though three main falls are touted along the route, there are many more that can be seen if getting there during the late winter and spring, when more water is present. Though listed as a moderate hike, the 3-mile trip can be quite taxing.

Lost Creek Trail

For those who want to relax on a very easy trail, complete with a beautiful scenic waterfall at the end, this is the trail for you. Lost Creek trail can be crowded at times and is frequented by school groups quite often, as it is less than a mile long. There is also a boardwalk over part of the trail, giving hikers a chance to enjoy some of the local flora the desert has to offer.