Amazing Hiking and More Near Las Vegas
Tear yourself away from The Strip because — trust me — there is a lot more to Vegas! Las Vegas is actually the perfect launchpad for outdoor enthusiasts. It is also a great place for an active outdoor family vacation. NO KIDDING! Get past the billboards and flashing lights and look at those outlying mountains beckoning to be explored.
NOTE: I have the advantage of a personal tour guide who loves the same things we do — my twin sister lives in Las Vegas! It is always nice to have that local expert. Thus we have been to the other side of Las Vegas many times over the years with little and now big kids.
These are my honest opinions and recommendations — I do not receive any compensation or discounts during our travel. This story does include some affiliate links for which I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please click the links to support my blog.
A Note on U.S. National Parks
Many of these outings are part of the U.S. National Park Service. If you are going to more than three National Parks in one year you may save on the per vehicle entrance fee by purchasing the Annual Pass. Note the special discounts for senior citizens, current military, and fourth graders.
You can buy the pass online at the National Park Service but there will be a shipping fee, so I suggest buying it at the first site you visit. Or buy it in-store or online at REI. Regardless of where you make the purchase, the pass is valid for one year and starts the month you purchase it.
Fitz Bits Tip: Check out the National Park’s Junior Ranger Program — generally for kids between the ages of 5-13. Just ask about it at any park information desk. The program is usually free or only a couple of dollars. Each kid receives a patch, pin, or certificate when they return the completed activity book to a ranger. In our experience, the rangers make the kids feel really special.
Weather Warning
Check the weather forecast before heading out to hike in Las Vegas. You may need to hike early or late to avoid the intense heat. I have seen trailhead gates chained closed due to scorching summer weather, and signs with “Danger. Extreme Conditions” or “Stop. Do Not Hike June – September. Heat Kills”. We have also played in two feet of snow in the winter at Mt. Charleston. Be smart. Be safe. And have fun!
Red Rock Canyon Natural Conservation Area
Just 20-miles west of the Las Vegas Strip you will find breathtaking scenery and awesome hiking at the RED ROCK. There is an entrance fee or use your national parks pass. Check out the Visitor Center with educational exhibits inside and behind the building. Also ask for hiking recommendations to fit your level and timing. There is a movie too — I am a big fan of the movies at Visitor Centers!
Then embark on the beautiful one-way 13-mile scenic drive — no turning around. Stop at the many pullouts along the route with wonderful hikes and fun rock scrambling. Our favorites hikes are: Calico Tanks, Turtlehead Peak, and Ice Box Canyon. If you do not have enough time to commit to this loop, check out Calico Basin instead.
Fitz Bits Tip: If you are visiting Red Rock Canyon during a peak season get there early. Yes, those are all parked cars in the distance of the photo. However the area is huge so it was not crowded once we were hiking.
Calico Basin
CALICO BASIN is right before Red Rock Canyon. There is no entrance fee so it is a great outing if you are short on time or money. There is a stroller-friendly boardwalk with informational signage. Note, this path has been closed at times for repair. Embark on the moderate Kraft Mountain Loop for a scenic hike with some rock scrambling. You may see folks bouldering along the way!
Please be careful when climbing on the rocks — we have seen several rescue helicopters in the area.
Guided Rock Climbing at Calico Basin
Calico Basin also has world class rock climbing! We hired Red Rock Climbing Guides for a private excursion for our group of 11. We geared up at their shop and then drove to Calico Basin. After about a 15-minute hike our three guides set up five different lines of varying levels. If you are interested in rock climbing, this is the place to do it and I highly recommend this company!
Valley of Fire State Park
The VALLEY OF FIRE STATE PARK is about one hour north-east of Las Vegas but you feel worlds away. The dramatic colors. The breathtaking views. The endless sandstone and limestone formations. It feels like you are on Mars! There is a fee to enter the park.
Valley of Fire is quite a distance from anything else so pack a lunch or bring heavy snacks. You can refill water bottles at the Visitor Center. Remember a hat and sunblock!
Take a quick stop at the Beehives on your way to the Visitor Center. My favorite two hikes are from the same parking lot. 1) The Firewaves Trail with a unique rock “wave” space. 2) The White Domes Trail Loop with a nice little stretch of canyon narrows.
We really enjoyed the Mouse Tank Hike when our boys were younger because it is an easy flat walk with plenty of opportunities for rock scrambling along the sides and interesting petroglyphs on the way.
Fitz Bits Tip: Fill your car up with gas ahead of time!
Hoover Dam
I suggest you head out to the Hoover Dam EARLY to avoid the super long line of cars to get in. This ENGINEERING MARVEL is less than an hour drive from The Strip. They have paid parking at the site or free parking with a bit of a walk. There is a fee for the Visitor Center and TOURS that are definitely worth checking out if you have time. Walk out on the bridge — it is free.
The Historic Railway Trail is a nice flat hike a few miles before the Hoover Dam and just before the Lake Mead entrance fee area. The trail passes through five tunnels that were built for the trains used in the construction of the Dam. We actually hiked it all of the way to the Hoover Dam and took an Uber back to our car. Update: You can no longer hike all of the way to the Dam because it is closed at the third tunnel.
One last thing, stop by Hemenway Valley Park on your way in and/or out of Boulder City where there are often wild big horn sheep!
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
You can’t miss the breathtaking Lake Mead as you drive to the Hoover Dam. Check out the white line where the water level used to be. Now that you have seen it from the distance, take a quick detour to the Lake Mead Recreation Area. There is an entrance fee or use your national parks pass. The area is huge so you may want to stop at The Alan Bible Visitor Center for recommendations on hiking and other things to do. The Visitor Center is adjacent to the Historic Railway Trail trailhead.
Arizona Springs Hike
I love this hike! The turnoff is right after the Hoover Dam area. This is a difficult hike and I do not recommended it for the really young or old ones. Bring along water shoes or wear water-friendly hiking shoes. As the name suggests, you are in Arizona and there are hot springs.
The hike itself is beautiful and quite rigorous at times,. The end is what makes it so special — here you will find a narrow with a series of hot springs of varying depths, a 20-foot metal ladder down to the lower springs, and the Colorado River! The springs can also be accessed by boat. We saw several canoes as well as folks setting up tents to camp down there. Gold Strike Hot Spring is an alternative and similar to this hike. Caution: Do not put your head under water in natural hot springs.
We have not done this yet, but you can rent kayaks, SUPS, and boats at the Willow Beach Marina to the south. The marina is in the Lake Mead National Park so there is an entrance fee or use your national parks pass.
Mount Charleston and the Spring Mountains
The Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, also known as Mount Charleston, is another popular hiking area less than an hour drive from Las Vegas. The elevation is higher here so it can be a nice break from the heat. Mount Charleston can get plenty of snow in the winter so check the weather first to make sure you are prepared. While we have not done it yet, you can downhill ski and snowboard at Lee Canyon in the winter!
Some hiking suggestions are: Mary Jane Falls, Cathedral Rock, and Escarpment right at the Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway. We enjoy getting a snack and drink at the Mt. Charleston Lodge afterwards and sitting outside. You can find all of these suggestions on this map. And, there is no entrance fee for this area.
Springs Preserve
Springs Preserve is a fun and educational outing for your kids. Adults will also enjoy the many inside and outdoor exhibits as well as the beautiful desert gardens. The Flash Flood exhibit was always my kids’ favorite stop when they were little. The glass mulch and sculptures in the gardens were my favorites! Also check out their calendar for many events and activities over the year. There is a movie too — you know I always suggest the movies. If you don’t like it you can always leave, right?
Fitz Bits Tip: Have your kids bring an item from home or from your recent hike to the free Nature Exchange Program. But, do not collect rocks at a National Park where it is prohibited to remove anything from the park.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is so crazy stunning that it makes my list even though it is quite a bit further from Las Vegas. In fact it is in Utah! The three-hour drive each way is so worth it if you have the time. There is a fee to enter the park and this is part of the U.S. National Park Service. There are all levels of trails with jaw-dropping beauty at every turn. Note: You park your vehicle in the lot and take their busses around. It is quite efficient but if there are crowds you may have to wait a bit.
We have done it as a day trip however I suggest at least one if not two nights so you have time to explore and hike the more challenging trails — if they are open. These hikes can be weather dependent so check with the Rangers at the Visitor Center and be prepared with the correct gear.
- Angel’s Landing — I hope you aren’t afraid of heights.
- The Narrows — Be prepared to get your legs wet. There are a couple places in the area where you can rent equipment based on the season. This is worth the time and money!
Fitz Bits Hint: Stock up on snacks and drinks ahead of time. The local grocery store was quite expensive.
Death Valley National Park
While Death Valley National Park is also a little further from The Strip it easily makes this list! Las Vegas is the closest airport. There is so much diversity and beauty that it is well worth the drive. Death Valley is in California and is about a two and one-half hour drive each way. Take the route via Beatty for a stop at the deserted ghost town, Rhyolite. It is nice to walk around and snap some photos but don’t stay too long — trust me, you will want more time at the incredible Death Valley.
We did this trip in one long day but I suggest an overnight because we were a little rushed at the end of the daylight. However look into lodging early because there are limited options. There is a park entrance fee and this is part of the U.S. National Park Service.
Start out at the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. While there are other dunes in the park these are the most accessible. Then check out the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, refill your water bottles, watch the movie, and map out your hikes because this park is HUGE. Pick out a hike or two through a canyon or to a peak. Explore a crater. Be sure to check out the unique Devils Golf Course, no it is not a real golf course, on your way to the majestic Badwater Basin. This MUST SEE gigantic salt flat is the lowest place in North America. Now is the time to embark on the scenic Artists Drive. And finally, head back to Zabriskie Point at sunset.
You can check rates and availability for Death Valley accomodations here. Have a great time and keep in mind that this is NOT the place to visit in the summer.
BONUS: The Grand Canyon
The Phoenix Airport is closer to the Grand Canyon’s impressive South Rim but hey, it’s the Grand Canyon, so it’s worth mentioning access from Las Vegas. You can drive, take a bus tour, or a plane from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Obviously the travel times vary depending on the location and mode of transportation.
The South Rim in the Grand Canyon National Park is definitely where you want to go for hiking and is the biggest and most majestic part of the Grand Canyon. The a fee to enter the park is part of the U.S. National Park Service.
The West Rim at Grand Canyon West is closer to The Strip and an experience that is more easily enjoyed on a day trip. Note, there are separate entrance fees for these sites. Since we were staying with my sister and using her car we splurged on a one-day Grand Canyon West Rim plane + helicopter + pontoon boat full day tour.
Do your homework, look at the different fees, and decide where and how you want to see this NATURAL WONDER.
Viva Las Vegas!
Visited in September, November, February, March, and April. 2005 — 2018.
