Nevada is a wonderful state with stunning landscapes and varied wildlife. There are so many state parks and other spaces where you can find these wonderful trails. Hikes are always a good idea – so here are 12 we highly recommend!
1. Fire Wave, Valley of Fire State Park
Valley of Fire State Park is a natural wonder, and it’s also a premier hiking destination. One of our favorite hikes in the park has one epic name: the Fire Wave. The trail is known for the sandstone’s red, orange, and beige streaks, which weave interchangeably and create an unforgettable sight. The hike is 1.5 miles back and forth and has an elevation change of 175 feet. Since we all know the sun can be pretty intense. We recommend starting your hike bright and early. The State Park entrance is free, and you can even bring your dog!
Location: 29450 Valley of Fire Hwy, Overton, NV 89040
2. White Domes, Valley of Fire State Park
Another one of the great hikes in Valley of Fire is the White Domes Trail! This 1.1-mile back-and-forth trail crosses through some jaw-dropping landscapes and unique spots. Some of the views include mesmerizing sandstone formations with varying shapes and colors. There is also an old Hollywood film set you can see! There are 150 feet of elevation in this fantastic hike, and it should take you around 30 minutes to finish up. The trail’s most unique feature is a slot canyon, which is truly one of a kind and worth the trip alone.
Location: 29450 Valley of Fire Hwy, Overton, NV 89040
3. Lake Mead Railway Trail
The Lake Mead Railway Trail covers incredible landscapes and is an easy and enjoyable hike. Highlights of the trail include the fantastic views of Lake Mead which lead to five different tunnels! The round-trip distance of the hike is 7.5 miles. However, suppose you aren’t up to complete the entire journey. In that case, you can access near the Alan Bible Visitor Center, near Boulder City, off Highway 93. From this point, you are only about one mile away from the first tunnel. After recent improvements, the trail is now firm enough to be wheelchair accessible.
Location: Boulder City, NV 89005
4. Calico Tank, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
If you’re looking for a hike to introduce you to Red Rock Canyon, the Calico Tank is the way to go. This short but somewhat challenging hike is among the most popular for a reason. The trek leads to a hidden water pocket, called the Calico Tank, and also has a fantastic view of Las Vegas! The hike is 2.2-miles back-and-forth; it will take you over red rocks and up stone stairs, and at times will require you to use your hands and feet to climb. On your way back, you will be met with outstanding views of the desert and mountains in the distance.
Location: 1000 Scenic Loop Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89161
5. Mary Jane Falls, Mount Charleston Hiking Trails
This souring high trail is a fantastic option for those looking for a unique activity to keep them cool in the Nevada sun. The Mount Charleston hiking trail is a whopping 8,600 feet high! Because of the high elevation, you and fellow hikers can expect cooler temperatures. This is one of the more refreshing hikes, particularly in the summer months when lower spots are too hot for hiking. There are many spots to choose from in Mount Charleston, but two of the most popular trails are Mary Jane Falls and Big Falls.
Location: 6-34 Kyle Canyon Rd, Mt Charleston, NV 89124
6. Ice Box Canyon, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Ice Box Canyon in Red Rock Canyon is gorgeous and has waterfalls from December to April. The hike is so refreshing as there is rarely direct sunlight and water and air pouring down from the mountains keep it significantly cooler than the open desert to get there. It should take about 2 hours to finish the 2.6 miles hike. The trail is along the canyon floor, so there isn’t much elevation gain. As you’ll need to make your way over and around huge boulders, this trail is more strenuous than most.
Location: 1000 Scenic Loop Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89161
7. Calico Hills, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
The Calico trail in Red Rock Canyon is a moderate 2-6 mile hike that should take 1.5- 3.5 hours to complete. You’ll travel through the base of the Calico Rocks from Calico Basin to Sandstone Quarry. The trail’s distance varies since you can access the path from the two Calico parking areas.
Location: 1000 Scenic Loop Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89161
8. The Big Falls, Mount Charleston
This adventure is a challenging 3.6-mile round-trip hike. However, all your hard work will be rewarded as you make your way to a jaw-dropping 100-foot waterfall! Some of the hard work will come in the form of making your way around and over tricky boulders. The waterfall is at its peak during the spring when the snow is melting.
Location: Mt Charleston, NV 89124
9. Petroglyph Trail, Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area
The Petroglyph Trail is a must-visit, particularly for history buffs! This one-of-a-kind 4.4-mile trail is inside the Sloan National Conservation Area. As you make your way through this trail, you’ll see over 300 mesmerizing petroglyphs scattered throughout boulders on the hillside. This is one of our recommended relaxed and easy hikes with an elevation gain of 500 feet.
Spring is the peak season to visit this trail as the desert wildflowers are in full bloom!
FYI: Hikers must check-in at the Sloan Canyon Visitor Contact Station before going on the trail.
Location: Nawghaw Poa Rd, Henderson, NV 89052
10. Golden Canyon, Gower Gulch Loop, Badlands Loop & Red Cathedral Hikes in Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Parks is one of the country’s most beautiful wonders, and it’s in both California and Nevada. The vast park covers 5,270 mi² and has incredible and awe-inspiring landscapes like the Badwater Basin’s salt flats, North America’s lowest point, the Devil’s Golf Course, and the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.
There are excellent trails in the park, like Golden Canyon, Gower Gulch Loops, Red Cathedral, and Badlands Loops. Each trail takes around 2 hours to complete, and if you are looking for a long epic hike, you can combine all of these trails for a 7.8-mile long hike which is commonly known as the Complete Circuit.
Location: nearby post office address is: 328 Greenland Blvd. Death Valley, CA 92328
11. Clark County Wetlands Park Nature Preserve
Did you ever wish you could take a hike without leaving Las Vegas? The Nature Park Trails in southeast Las Vegas are a great alternative and offer plenty of opportunities for spotting wildlife. There are plenty of beautiful trails in the park, like Duck Creek Trailhead. This oasis is all about its wetlands. You’ll find lush tall grasses surrounding shallow bodies of water. There are many animals, like beavers, rabbits, and many birds around, making it a terrific spot for birdwatchers.
Location: 7050 Wetlands Park Ln, Las Vegas, NV 89122
12. Bristlecone Trail
Bristlecone Trail is one of the best hikes to take during a summer day as it provides more shade than a usual Las Vegas hike would. This trail has an elevation gain of 1,354 and is 6.8 miles roundtrip. It’s one of the best seasonal trails in the Spring Mountains. Dogs can join, but they have to be on-leash.
Location: Bristlecone Trail, Las Vegas, NV 89124