Story originally appeared on Westgate Resorts.
Timeshare Adventures Travel Tips
Las Vegas may be known for its bright lights and endless entertainment, but just outside the city, you’ll find a completely different side of Sin City.
With a variety of scenic trails and unique desert landscapes, Las Vegas offers an incredible escape into nature. Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself or enjoy a leisurely stroll, the surrounding areas have something for you.
To help you enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest, here’s our list of the top ten trails to go hiking near Las Vegas.
Best Hiking Trails Near Las Vegas
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Lone Mountain Peak and Loop
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Red Cap Mountain Summit Trail (East and West Routes)
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Keystone Thrust Trail
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Calico Tanks Trail
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Ice Box Canyon Trail
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Pine Creek Trail
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Guardian Angel Trail
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Mary Jane Falls Trail
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Lake Las Vegas Overlook
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Wilson’s Pimple Loop
After your hike, relax at one of the Las Vegas Westgate resorts for a perfect end to your outdoor adventure.
1 | Lone Mountain Peak and Loop |
If you’re looking to go hiking near the Las Vegas Strip, Lone Mountain Peak and Loop is a great option. This 3.2-mile loop takes about an hour and 40 minutes to complete, making it easy to squeeze into your busy day.
The trail is well-maintained and suitable for hikers of all skill levels, offering beautiful views of both the city and the surrounding desert. Even better, this trail is free to access and open year-round, with each season providing its own unique charm.
WHERE: Lone Mountain, Las Vegas, NV 89129 | WHO: N/A
2 | Red Cap Mountain Summit Trail (East and West Routes) |
If you’re after a memorable hike in Red Rock Canyon, the Red Cap Mountain Summit Trail is one you shouldn’t miss. The trail offers two routes—East and West—leading you to the summit of Red Cap Mountain. The East Route is the more popular, easier option, offering stunning views as you ascend through the Calico Hills.
For those seeking a more challenging climb, the West Route provides a steeper, more demanding ascent to the summit. Both routes reward you with amazing panoramic views of the desert landscape. The trail is part of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, so there’s an entrance fee.
WHERE: Red Cap Mountain, Las Vegas, NV 89161 | WHO: N/A
3 | Keystone Thrust Trail |
Spanning 2.3 miles, Keystone Thrust Trail typically takes about an hour and 15 minutes to complete. Its well-marked, rocky path features several challenging uphill sections, so make sure you bring proper hiking gear and plenty of water.
The highlight of this trail is the Keystone Thrust itself—a unique geological feature caused by fault lines that formed 65 million years ago. At the summit, you’ll witness a striking contrast between red and gray rocks, where ancient formations have pushed over younger ones, creating a breathtaking view.
This trail is located within the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, so an entrance fee applies.
WHERE: White Rock Loop, Las Vegas, NV 89161 | WHO: N/A
4 | Calico Tanks Trail |
Located in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, the Calico Tanks Trail is a must-see for anyone exploring hiking near Las Vegas. This 2.5-mile round-trip trail is known for its striking sandstone formations, desert flora, and a natural water reservoir—Calico Tank—at the peak.
The trail offers a mix of terrain, starting with a broad path before transitioning into a scenic gravel wash and sandstone ramp. Along the way, hikers can spot the ancient Agave Roasting Pit, a fascinating glimpse into the area’s Native American history. The trail ends with breathtaking views of the Las Vegas Valley, making the effort well worth it.
WHERE: Calico Tanks, Las Vegas, NV 89161 | WHO: 702-515-5350
5 | Ice Box Canyon Trail |
Located in the heart of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, this 2.1-mile trail is a local favorite. Ice Box Canyon stands out for its natural cooling effect, thanks to the towering limestone walls that provide welcome shade, even during the hottest desert days.
The trail begins with a gentle incline through the canyon, eventually leading to a rocky stream bed that often fills with water during wetter seasons. For the best experience, plan your visit between December and April to catch its stunning seasonal waterfalls—an unforgettable sight in the desert landscape.
WHERE: Ice Box Canyon, Las Vegas, NV 89161 | WHO: 702-515-5350
6 | Pine Creek Trail |
Spanning 2.8 miles, this picturesque loop is perfect for a leisurely morning or afternoon hike, typically taking a bit over an hour to complete. Following the Pine Creek Trail, you’ll pass by the historic Wilson Homestead, offering a fascinating glimpse into the area’s past.
This trail is famous for its lush scenery, which stands in stark contrast to the dry desert landscape that envelops its edges. As you hike through the pine forest, you can enjoy the calming sounds of the creek and the area’s abundant wildlife.
WHERE: Pine Creek, Las Vegas, NV 89161 | WHO: N/A
7 | Guardian Angel Trail |
Guardian Angel Trail is a thrilling challenge for seasoned hikers ready to take on rugged terrain and steep inclines. Known for its difficulty, this trail has seen its share of rescues, so it’s important to come prepared with proper gear and a clear plan.
Despite the trail’s demanding nature, those who embark on this journey are rewarded with some of the most breathtaking views in the region. The peak offers sweeping vistas of the Las Vegas Valley, Calico Basin, and surrounding mountains, making the hard work of the hike well worth it.
WHERE: Calico Basin, NV 89161 | WHO: N/A
8 | Mary Jane Falls Trail |
Mary Jane Falls Trail in Kyle Canyon offers a 3.2-mile round-trip hike that combines natural beauty with a rewarding destination. The trail begins with a gradual climb through a lush forest of aspen, fir, and pine trees before transitioning into nine switchbacks that add some challenge. These switchbacks eventually lead to the highlight: Mary Jane Falls, a seasonal waterfall nestled in a striking limestone amphitheater.
Spring is the ideal time to visit as the falls are at their peak from melting snow. Whether you’re here for the scenery or a bit of a workout, this hike offers an unforgettable way to experience Mount Charleston’s unique landscapes.
WHERE: 6–34 Kyle Canyon Rd, Mt Charleston, NV 89124 | WHO: 702-872-5486
9 | Lake Las Vegas Overlook |
This loop trail near Henderson, Nevada, is a fantastic option for hikers looking for a moderate challenge paired with breathtaking scenery. The trail winds through rugged desert landscapes, jagged mountain peaks, and offers mesmerizing views of Lake Las Vegas. Adding to its charm, the path follows an old railroad bed once used during the construction of the Hoover Dam.
As you navigate the trail, you’ll have the chance to see desert bighorn sheep, jackrabbits, lizards, snakes, and even desert tortoises. Be sure to bring plenty of water—it’s hard to find shade on this trail.
WHERE: Lake Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV 89011 | WHO: N/A
10 | Wilson’s Pimple Loop |
The South Oak Creek Trailhead is the starting point for the popular Wilson’s Pimple Loop, a nearly five-mile hike that takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in Red Rock Canyon. The loop winds through Red Rock Valley, around Wilson’s Pimple, and down into Oak Creek, offering incredible views along the way.
The trail is a perfect way to take in the natural beauty of Red Rock Canyon as you stroll through fields of penstemon, paintbrush, milkweed, datura, and globemallow. While parts of the hike get rocky and steep—especially during the climb to Wilson’s Pimple—the panoramic views from the top are well worth the effort.
WHERE: Oak Creek Trail, Las Vegas, NV 89161 | WHO: 702-515-5000
