10 Best Hiking Trails in Las Vegas

Ice Box Canyon is the place to beat the heat due to a lack of direct sunlight. This trail is known for its cool breezes, which is how it got its name. Located a 25-minute drive from the city center, Ice Box Canyon is in the heart of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

The hike is an out-and-back trek of 2.3 miles and is pretty strenuous. Even though there is shade, there are parts of the hike that are open desert, and the boulders and loose rocks make it more challenging. The hike will take about 2 hours and a visit from December through April has the added bonus of seasonal waterfalls. There is an entrance fee to the park.

Petroglyph Trail in Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area features tons of petroglyphs along the trail. A petroglyph is an ancient rock carving that looks like a painting, and you’ll find hundreds of them on this trail. Considered a moderate hike, the 557-ft elevation gain will get your heart pumping.

This popular hike is a 4.1-mile loop trail and is located in Sloan, which is about a 25-minute drive south of the city. There are interpretive signs along the trail, and the largest concentration of petroglyphs is about 2 miles from the trailhead and features 300 petroglyphs with more than 17,000 design elements. But keep your eyes peeled–the petroglyphs sometimes seem to blend into the rocks.

The Fire Wave Trail gets its name from the red striped wave pattern in the sandstone along the trail, making it a stunning spot for photography. The out-and-back trail is great for beginners and is incredibly well-marked. Located in the Valley of Fire State Park, you’ll need to drive about an hour northeast of Vegas to get there.

The 1.5 mile trail is a popular one, so hit the trail early if you want to avoid crowds. It’s an open desert trail in the direct sun, so it closes from June through September. There is an entrance fee to enter Valley of Fire State Park.

The Historic Railroad Trail is a great place for a day trip. It’s about a 35-minute drive southeast of the city and features stunning views of Lake Mead. The trail features 5 tunnels, each 25-ft wide and 300-ft long. Signage along the way will tell you the story of the Hoover Dam and how the railroads helped build the iconic structure.

There’s not a ton of elevation gain in this hike, making it an easier trek. The 7-mile out-and-back hike might take you from 2 to 4 hours, especially if you stop along the way to take photos. The Historic Railroad Trail is located in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. There is an entrance fee to the park.

The trail at Arizona Hot Springs is a moderate hike with significant elevation gain. But your reward for your hard work is a soak in some awesome hot springs. This trail takes you through a bright slot canyon for a 5.8 mile loop hike in the Lake Mead Recreation Area. It’s about a 40-minute drive southeast of Vegas, and there’s a fee to enter the park.

There are 4 different soaking pools on the hike, with the warmest at 110°F. Not counting the time you take soaking in the hot springs, the hike can take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours to complete, depending on your pace. The trail closes from May through September to avoid the heat.

First Creek Canyon is a hike where you might see a waterfall in the desert. The trail is a half-hour drive southwest of Las Vegas. This hike starts out flat and gets rockier as you go along, making it a moderate trail. The out-and-back hike is a 4 miles round trip and will take you about 2 hours to hike.

This popular trail is good for hiking, running, and birdwatching. First Creek Canyon is located in the Red Rock National Conservation Area, so there is an entrance fee. Keep on the lookout for wildlife like the desert tortoise or wild burros.

Turtlehead Peak Trail will take you to a birds-eye view of Las Vegas and surrounding mountains. This hike is a strenuous one, with steady elevation gain, but it’s one of the more accessible peaks in this area. Turtlehead Peak Trail is a popular hike in full sun, so if you want to beat the heat and the crowds, start early.

The 4.6 mile hike will take you 4 to 5 hours to complete. Turtlehead Peak Trail is located about 45 minutes west of the city in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. There are a few petroglyphs along the trail, and stunning views of Las Vegas and the Red Rock Canyon. Be prepared for windy conditions at the top.

The Mary Jane Falls Trail takes you through a forest trail in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. The easy, super popular trail is an out-and-back trek totaling 3.2 miles. You’ll escape the desert sun for a while on your walk as you’re surrounded by quaking aspen, white fir, and ponderosa pine trees.

You might find waterfalls in the spring months when the water is flowing and there are cool caves along the way. The Mary Jane Falls Trail is a 40-minute drive west of Las Vegas and is only open from April to December.

Gold Strike Canyon Hot Springs trail will get your blood pumping on this rigorous hike. You’ll be descending the Gold Strike Canyon down to the Colorado River. Be prepared for tough conditions, including navigating across 8 fixed ropes around boulders. At the bottom, you’ll find crystal clear hot springs to take a dip in.

This hike is about 5 miles in length, and after you make the 600-ft descent, you have to climb back up. Give yourself plenty of time and expect the total trip to take 6 to 8 hours, not including soaking time. The trail closes in the hot summer months, but when it is open it’s a super popular spot. You might even spot some bighorn sheep along the trail.

If you are looking for a quick escape, Calico Tanks Trail is a good option. It’s located in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area 40 minutes west of the city. The 2.2 mile out-and-back hike has 419 ft of elevation gain, but gives you great views of Las Vegas. The moderately strenuous hike should take you about 2 hours.

The trail gets its name from the beautiful red rock structures that look like tanks. There are rock staircases to climb and great vistas, making it a great hike for photography. This is a popular spot, so start early to avoid crowds. The best time to hike the Calico Tanks Trail is during the cooler months, from October through May.