Many guests to Las Vegas are shocked to be taught that it’s not all casinos and nightlife. Town additionally affords gorgeous mountain climbing trails in locations like Purple Rock Canyon, Mt. Charleston, and Valley of Fireplace State Park. Most of those out of doors gems are situated inside an hour’s drive or much less of the Strip and are residence to a number of the greatest hikes in Las Vegas.
Having lived in Vegas for over 10 years myself, I’ve totally explored the Las Vegas mountain climbing scene. There are trails for everybody whether or not you’re searching for a difficult hike or a leisurely stroll.
On this weblog submit, I provide the rundown of 6 of my favourite Las Vegas hikes that supply breathtaking views and a chance to attach with nature within the desert oasis of Las Vegas.
Searching for extra adventurous issues to do in Las Vegas? Try our submit on the greatest out of doors adventures round Sin Metropolis.
Vital Reminder: Because it goes in the entire locations we share, please observe good path etiquette and bear in mind to Go away No Hint. This implies packing out your entire rubbish (together with rest room paper), being respectful to others, and following the established guidelines.
1. Calico Tanks Path
- Path kind: Out-and-back
- Location: Purple Rock Canyon
- Distance: 2.3 miles
- Elevation Acquire: 420 ft
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Issue: Reasonable, some scrambling required
- Canines allowed?: On leash
- Charges: $20 entrance payment or free with an America the Lovely Go
One of many first trails I ever hiked after I moved to Las Vegas was the Calico Tanks Path in Purple Rock Canyon. I used to be blown away by the gorgeous views of the purple rock formations and the hidden pure swimming pools of water, referred to as Calico Tanks.
It’s additionally an ideal mountain climbing path to get close-up views of Las Vegas’s distinctive desert vegetation and cacti. Chances are you’ll even spot some wildlife like rabbits or lizards!
The path is a bit of difficult in locations with some rocky sections that require cautious footing. Be ready to scramble together with your fingers at occasions. However the reward on the finish is well worth the effort. You’ll be able to chill out by the gorgeous blue-green pool surrounded by towering rocks or proceed previous the pool for a panoramic view of the Las Vegas Valley.
This is without doubt one of the greatest mountain climbing trails for out-of-towners since you get an epic view of the Strip on the finish.
Vital: Between October 1st and Could thirty first, a Timed Entry Reservation into Purple Rock Canyon Nationwide Conservation Space is required between 8am and 5pm. You’ll be able to make your Timed Entry Reservation on-line.
2. Mary Jane Falls Path [CURRENTLY CLOSED]
- Path kind: Out-and-back
- Location: Mt. Charleston
- Distance: 3.3 miles
- Elevation Acquire: 1,036 ft
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Issue: Reasonable
- Canines allowed?: On leash
- Charges: None
NOTE: As of November 2023, the Mary Jane Falls path is at the moment closed as a result of storm harm.
Mt. Charleston, situated within the Spring Mountains Nationwide Recreation Space, is a spot not many guests to Las Vegas discover. In actual fact, most individuals don’t even notice that only a brief drive away from the town is a virtually 12,000-foot peak!
My favourite Las Vegas hike on Mt. Charleston is the Mary Jane Falls Path. It’s a difficult hike with over 1,000 toes of elevation acquire, but it surely’s additionally very rewarding.
As you hike, the path takes you thru a scenic mountain canyon that’s surrounded by tall aspen timber. After about 1.6 miles, you’ll attain a cliff face the place, in case you’re fortunate, Mary Jane Falls shall be trickling down from above.
The falls are normally coated in snow within the winter, but it surely’s a well-liked hike in the summertime months because the temperatures are sometimes 20 levels cooler than within the Las Vegas Valley.
Tip: If you wish to see water cascading down Mary Jane Falls, it’s greatest to do that hike in late spring or early summer season when the snow is melting off Mt. Charleston.
3. Historic Railroad Tunnel Path
- Path kind: Out-and-back
- Location: Lake Mead Nationwide Recreation Space
- Distance: 8.2 miles
- Elevation Acquire: 931 ft
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Issue: Straightforward/Reasonable (relying on size)
- Canines allowed?: On leash
- Charges: $15-$25 or free with an America the Lovely Go
Probably the most distinctive mountain climbing trails close to Las Vegas is the Historic Railroad Tunnel Path. It follows an previous railroad mattress that was as soon as used to move provides to and from the Hoover Dam building website.
The 2 primary points of interest for the Railroad Tunnel Path are the gorgeous views out over Lake Mead and the 5 tunnels that the trail travels via. Every tunnel is about 25 toes vast, 30 toes excessive, and stretches a whopping 300 toes lengthy!
The Historic Railroad Tunnel Path is a distinct expertise than the opposite hikes on this checklist, however in case you’re involved in historical past or engineering or need to catch some nice views over Lake Mead, it’s a pleasant hike so as to add to your checklist.
The path begins at Lake Mead Nationwide Recreation Space and because it’s an out-and-back, you’ll be able to flip round everytime you’re prepared.
Desire to bike? The Railroad Tunnel Path can also be open to cyclists if you wish to discover the total 8.2-mile path.
4. Ice Field Canyon Path
- Path kind: Out-and-back
- Location: Purple Rock Canyon
- Distance: 2.2 miles
- Elevation Acquire: 439 ft
- Time: 1.5-2.5 hours
- Issue: Reasonable with some gentle scrambling
- Canines allowed?: On leash
- Charges: $20 entrance payment or free with an America the Lovely Go
For the extra adventurous hikers, the Ice Field Canyon Path is an effective way to get away from the crowds and discover a lesser-visited a part of Purple Rock Canyon Nationwide Conservation Space.
This path isn’t nicely marked, so that you’ll want a map or GPS app like AllTrails that will help you navigate. There’s additionally some gentle scrambling required via boulder fields, so make sure to put on sturdy mountain climbing boots and be ready to make use of your fingers.
However the rewards of this hike are value it! The views via Ice Field Canyon are gorgeous with tall cliffs towering above you on both aspect – some sections even really feel like slim slot canyons.
There’s additionally a seasonal waterfall on the finish of the path. You’re most definitely to catch water flowing between December and April.
Lastly, maintain a watch out for Bighorn sheep, which prefer to traverse the canyon partitions.
Need extra concepts for tips on how to spend a day within the park? Right here’s a full checklist of issues to do in Purple Rocks.
Vital: Between October 1st and Could thirty first, a Timed Entry Reservation into Purple Rock Canyon Nationwide Conservation Space is required between 8am and 5pm. You’ll be able to make your Timed Entry Reservation on-line.
5. Fireplace Wave Path & Seven Wonders Loop
- Path kind: Loop
- Location: Valley of Fireplace State Park
- Distance: 1.9 miles
- Elevation Acquire: 187 ft
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Issue: Reasonable
- Canines allowed?: On leash
- Charges: $10-$15 entrance payment
Each out of doors fanatic who visits Las Vegas ought to spend no less than a couple of hours exploring the unbelievable surroundings at Valley of Fireplace State Park, northeast of the town.
Identified for its well-known purple and pink Aztec sandstone formations, Native American petroglyphs, scenic drives, and gorgeous mountain climbing trails, this state park is actually a gem.
My favourite hike in Valley of Fireplace is the Fireplace Wave Path and Seven Wonders Loop. It’s a very talked-about hike, so be ready to share it with different individuals, however the terrain and geological wonders make it a should.
The path could be executed in both route, however I prefer to hike it counterclockwise so I finish on the Fireplace Wave Path with its swirling purple and pink sandstone slabs – I’d by no means seen something prefer it earlier than shifting to Las Vegas!
Different highlights alongside the loop embrace Pink Canyon with its slim partitions and sandy backside, the good Fireplace Cave, and Thunderstorm Arch, which rivals any arch in Arches Nationwide Park. If you wish to make it longer, you may as well add on the 1.1-mile White Domes Path, which additionally includes a slim slot canyon and distinctive white rock formations.
This loop could be very uncovered with little to no shade, so carry a lot of solar safety and water in a day pack. I additionally extremely advocate planning your hike for early within the morning or late within the afternoon to keep away from the worst of the warmth.
Vital: Most of the mountain climbing trails in Valley of Fireplace State Park – together with Fireplace Wave and the Seven Wonders Loop – are closed between June 1st and September thirtieth as a result of excessive temperatures.
6. Arizona Scorching Springs Path
- Path kind: Loop
- Location: Lake Mead Nationwide Recreation Space
- Distance: 5.9 miles
- Elevation Acquire: 1,225 ft.
- Time: 5-7 hours (+ soaking time)
- Issue: Very Strenuous
- Canines allowed?: On leash
- Charges: $15-$25 or free with an America the Lovely Go
The Arizona Scorching Springs Path is an epic hike situated about half-hour from Las Vegas on the Arizona aspect of Lake Mead Nationwide Recreation Space.
Often known as Ringbolt Scorching Springs, it’s top-of-the-line Las Vegas hikes for unbelievable surroundings and distinctive options. From slim slot canyons with towering partitions, spectacular views out over Lake Mead and the Colorado River, and heated swimming pools that you may sit and chill out in, it’s a bucket checklist hike for a lot of locals and guests.
There are a number of totally different swimming pools, all ranging in temperatures from cool to 100+ levels.
There are a few issues you need to know earlier than heading out on this path, although:
- Don’t submerge your head within the sizzling springs. Amoeba can enter your nostril and trigger a life-threatening an infection.
- Flash flooding can happen. Don’t try this hike throughout or after heavy rains.
- The path is closed in the summertime. Individuals have died from warmth exhaustion and dehydration. Don’t attempt to sneak in through the summer season months.
- Convey a lot of water! You’ll additionally have to carry further to sip on in case you plan to spend time on the sizzling springs.
- Put on water sneakers or sandals since a lot of the hike is in sandy or shallow water.
- Individuals soak within the nude, so it’s not the perfect place to carry youngsters.
After you will have completed soaking within the sizzling springs make sure to proceed via the canyon till you attain the Colorado River, the views there are merely superb!
Should you want a distinct sort of journey, you may as well kayak to those sizzling springs and several other extra on the Colorado River. Try BFT’s Information to Kayaking Black Canyon’s Scorching Sprigs from Hoover Dam.
Finest Time of Yr for Climbing in Las Vegas
The most effective time to hike in Las Vegas is through the cooler winter months between November and March. Daytime temps within the winter vary from the mid-50s to low 70s, which is good for heading out on the path.
The one anomaly is Mt. Charleston, which receives snowfall within the winter, making it an ideal place to go snowshoeing (get ideas for snowshoeing right here). In any other case, Mt. Charleston is greatest visited in the summertime months for mountain climbing (and it’s typically 20 levels cooler than the Valley!).
Summers in Las Vegas could be dangerously sizzling with temperatures hovering into the 100s. Should you do plan on mountain climbing through the summer season, it’s important that you simply get a really early begin (assume: dawn or earlier) and pack loads of water and solar safety.
It’s additionally vital to notice that many Las Vegas hikes are closed through the summer season together with the Arizona Scorching Springs, Railroad Path, some trails in Valley of Fireplace State Park.
Ideas for Climbing in Las Vegas
Earlier than heading in your Las Vegas hikes, listed below are some important mountain climbing ideas to remember:
Convey a map
It’s simple to get misplaced within the desert as there aren’t all the time options that clearly outline the path. Earlier than you head out, obtain the map to your cellphone utilizing Gaia or AllTrails and be sure to have loads of battery to final the day.
Take note of the path as you hike. You would possibly discover path makers, in any other case referred to as cairns. These are sometimes constructed by land managers to assist hikers know they’re on observe, which is why it’s vital to not construct your individual rock stacks for enjoyable within the wilderness.
Carry loads of water and snacks
It’s vital to remain hydrated and fueled whereas mountain climbing within the Las Vegas desert. Make sure that to carry no less than 1-2 liters of water per hour of mountain climbing. I extremely advocate bringing a hydration backpack so that you don’t should depend on water bottles. The recent temperatures and solar publicity can rapidly dehydrate you.
You’ll additionally need to pack energy-dense mountain climbing snacks like nuts and power bars to maintain your power ranges up.
Lastly, don’t neglect to carry a cooler with ice to retailer a post-hike beverage in your automotive!
Gown for the desert
Should you’re not used to mountain climbing within the desert, it’s a good suggestion to brush up on a few of BFT’s desert mountain climbing ideas – particularly concerning what to put on.
Through the day, desert temps could be sizzling and dry, so that you’ll need to put on breathable, light-weight, moisture-wicking materials in gentle colours. It will assist you keep cool and cozy on the paths. You would possibly even need to contemplate a long-sleeve solar shirt to assist defend your pores and skin and maintain the solar’s rays at bay.
In colder climate, put on moisture-wicking layers so you will have choices because the day warms up or cools down.
In the case of footwear, go for sturdy sneakers or mountain climbing boots that present help, safety, and traction. The paths round Las Vegas could be rocky and free, so that you’ll want good traction and help.
Learn Extra
Desert Climbing Sources
Inform somebody of your mountain climbing plans
Telling somebody about your mountain climbing plans is essential on your security. Share the main points of what path you propose on mountain climbing, if you’ll be leaving, and if you anticipate to return.
This fashion, if something goes unsuitable otherwise you get misplaced, assist could be despatched to the proper location. Climbing within the desert could be disorienting and even harmful, so make sure to let somebody know the place you’re going.
Be cautious of wildlife and desert hazards
Climbing within the Las Vegas space comes with its justifiable share of wildlife and desert hazards, so it’s vital to know what to anticipate and be cautious.
Don’t bust the crust
Cryptobiotic soil is a dwelling crust on the bottom floor that’s comprised of microorganisms like cyanobacteria and different microbiota. These little black patches could be 1000’s of years previous!
Cryptobiotic soil is vital for numerous causes together with:
- Water absorption
- Stopping erosions
- New vegetative development
Should you see a thick, bumpy, black or brown crust, please ensure that to not step on it. These tiny clumps are very fragile and vital for the desert ecosystem.
Searching for extra out of doors adventures round Las Vegas? Try these posts:
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What are your favourite hikes in Las Vegas? Which of them would you love to do? Go away a remark under!
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