Las Vegas is one of the most underrated hiking cities in the U.S. Within an hour of the Strip, you can reach red rock canyons, alpine forests, lake overlooks, slot canyons, and quiet desert summits. This guide starts with the top trails, then breaks down each hiking region with quick links to deeper guides so you can choose the right area based on season and distance from the Strip.
Best Hikes in Las Vegas (Local Picks)
If you only have time for a few hikes, these are the ones that always deliver.
Calico Tanks — Red Rock Canyon
Why go: Classic red rock, photogenic sandstone, and one of the best Vegas Valley viewpoints.
Good for: First-timers, short but exciting hikes, anyone comfortable with light scrambling.
Skip if: You want solitude — this trail gets busy.
More: See our full Calico Tanks guide.
Cathedral Rock — Mt. Charleston
Why go: Cooler temps, pine forest, switchbacks, and a summit reward.
Good for: Summer hikers, moderate trails, anyone wanting a break from the desert heat.
Skip if: You want a long hike — it’s short but steep.
More: See our Cathedral Rock guide.
Fire Wave — Valley of Fire
Why go: The most colorful geology in the region; perfect sunrise/sunset photos.
Good for: Fast scenic trails, photographers, and first-time Valley of Fire visitors.
Skip if: You dislike crowds on Insta-popular trails.
More: Full Fire Wave guide here.
White Owl Canyon — Lake Mead
Why go: Fun slot canyon twists, a low-crowd alternative to Red Rock, and lake views.
Good for: Cooler months, anyone who likes exploring slot canyons.
Skip if: You’re visiting in summer — most Lake Mead trails close due to heat.
More: See our White Owl Canyon guide.
Black Mountain — Sloan Canyon
Why go: Sweeping strip views, volcanic rock landscapes, and minimal crowds.
Good for: Solitude seekers and city view chasers.
Skip if: You want a more developed trail, this one is rugged depending on the route chosen.
More: See our Black Mountain guide.
Where to Hike Near Las Vegas (5 Regions Overview)
Las Vegas hiking falls into five main areas, each with its own personality:
- Red Rock Canyon – closest, busiest, classic red sandstone
- Mt. Charleston – coolest temps and pine forests
- Lake Mead – slot canyons and lake views
- Valley of Fire – most colorful landscapes
- Sloan Canyon – quiet trails and petroglyphs
For a full breakdown, see → 5 Areas to Hike Near Las Vegas
Best Time to Hike in Las Vegas
Most trails are best from October through April.
- Summer: too hot for most low-elevation trails – head to Mt. Charleston
- Winter: Mt. Charleston may have snow; desert trails remain open
- Spring/Fall: ideal across all regions (watch out for late snow at Charleston)
Always check local conditions before you head out.
Quick seasonal tips:
- Summer visitors → go straight to Mt. Charleston
- Late fall / Winter → Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire are usually perfect
- Mid-winter → Lake Mead & Sloan Canyon stay sunny and hikeable
Practical Information for Hiking in Vegas
Park Fees
- Red Rock Canyon: National park fee + seasonal timed-entry
- Valley of Fire: State park fee
- Lake Mead: National Park entry fee
- Mt. Charleston: Free
- Sloan Canyon: Free
Conditions & Closures
The desert can be harsh — check official park conditions before you go.
- Lake Mead and Sloan trails may close in extreme heat
- Mt. Charleston has winter snow/ice on higher routes
- Red Rock requires reservations during busy season
Interactive map of hikes near Las Vegas
Use this map to explore every hike we’ve reviewed in the Las Vegas area. Click any pin for photos and trail details.
Getting to the Trails (without a car)
If you don’t want to rent a car, several guided tours include transport.
- Valley of Fire Hiking Tour from Las Vegas
- Red Rock Canyon Hiking Tour
- Hiking Adventure in White Rock Canyon and Desert Hot Springs
- Photographer’s Dream: Valley of Fire Hiking Tour
- Red Rock Canyon Viewing Hike
- Hike Red Rock!
- Spring Mountain Scenic Mountains Peak Hike
1. Red Rock Canyon Highlights
Closest, busiest and full of classic sandstone scenery.
Good for: first-time visitors, sunrise hikes, fast access
Crowds: heavy on weekends — go before 8 a.m. if you can
Top hikes:
- Calico Tanks
- Ice Box Canyon (popular but we didn’t love it)
- Pine Creek Canyon
- Keystone Thrust
Full guide:
→ Complete Guide to Red Rock Canyon
2. Mt. Charleston Highlights
Alpine forest, mountain peaks, and 20° cooler temps than the Strip.
Good for: summer hiking, long trails, shade
Crowds: moderate on weekends
Top hikes:
Full guide:
→ Mt. Charleston Hiking Guide
3. Lake Mead Highlights
Ideal for winter hiking, slot canyons, and lake views.
Top hikes:
- Historic Railroad Trail
- White Owl Canyon
- Anniversary Narrows
- Liberty Bell Arch
4. Valley of Fire Highlights
One of the most photogenic hiking areas in Nevada.
Top hikes:
Full guide:
→ Valley of Fire Guide
5. Sloan Canyon Highlights
The quietest hiking region with petroglyphs and big city views.
Top hikes:
- Black Mountain
- Petroglyph Canyon
- Anthem East Trail
FAQs
What are the best hikes near the Las Vegas Strip?
Calico Tanks, Fire Wave, Cathedral Rock, and White Owl Canyon are the most popular and easiest to reach.
Is it too hot to hike in Las Vegas?
From June–September, most desert trails are unsafe due to extreme heat. Mt. Charleston stays much cooler and is the best summer option.
Can you hike in Las Vegas without a car?
Most trails require driving, but several tour companies offer transportation to Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire.
What’s the easiest hike for beginners?
Red Rock’s Calico Hills, the Historic Railroad Trail at Lake Mead, and Mouse’s Tank at Valley of Fire are all beginner-friendly.
Where can I find quiet trails?
Sloan Canyon and many Lake Mead routes (like White Owl Canyon or Liberty Bell Arch) see far fewer crowds.
Final Thoughts
Las Vegas has far more hiking than most visitors expect, and each region offers something different—whether you want red rock views, shaded mountain trails, slot canyons, or quiet desert summits. Start with a few of the trails above and explore the areas that match the season you’re visiting. If you want a deeper dive, the regional guides linked throughout this article break down every trail with photos, tips, and route details.