5 Outstanding Spring Hikes near Las Vegas
Before the mercury starts rising, here're five outstanding spring hikes to explore near Las Vegas, Nevada.
When you live in Las Vegas, you start to wonder if spring even exists. Spring in Sin City can be a short lived love affair, as the mercury often rises far before any of us want it to. Because of this we have to take advantage of the mild weather and cooler temperature before the sizzling summer heat takes hold. So to celebrate and enjoy the awesomeness that is spring while we can, here are 5 outstanding hikes to experience while you opt outside this spring without worrying about any triple digit highs:
1. Calico Tanks - Red Rock National Conservation Area
This 2.5 mile round trip moderate hike takes you along, through, and over sandstone formations that give the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area its name. Calico Tanks provides a great introduction to the area and is a family friendly trail leading to a hidden pocket of water and a stunning view of Las Vegas. Along the route are examples of Red Rock's famous prehistory, historical, geological, beautiful, and fun characteristics. Overall, this hike is a staple of the Las Vegas area that you definitely wanna see for yourself or experience again and again. As a bonus, this area is also popular for rock climbers because of the massive sandstone rock formations that make up the area.
2. Mouse's Tank - Valley of Fire State Park
Mouse's Tank is a shorter, 1.5 mile round trip easy hike through one of Valley of Fire's red sandstone canyons filled with Native American rock art and other petroglyphs. The trail is essentially all sand, so closed toed and sturdy shoes are essential, but it fully immerses you in this place of geological wonder. The surrounding area also provides additional canyons and places to explore that are offshoots of the main trail providing even for more fun exploration and adventure. Just be sure to keep track of where you are so you know how to get back to the main trail or parking area. Lastly, this hike is popular with families and children for its exciting and interesting terrain and smaller distance.
3. Historic Railroad Trail- Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Popular among families, dog owners, locals, and outdoor enthusiasts alike, the Historic Railroad Trail on the edge of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area is a unique trail for the area. This outdoor gem is a 7.2 mile round trip easy hike that not only provides outstanding views of Lake Mead, Boulder Basin, and the surrounding area, but has historical significance. Along the trail hikers pass through 5 railroad tunnels carved out of the mountainside that lead to the Hoover Dam Visitor Center. These tunnels were used from 1931-1961 to get supplies from Boulder City to Hoover Dam. This out and back trail is one of the most unique in the entirety of Southern Nevada's trail system and should not be missed
4. Sandstone Canyon Loop - Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
Spring Mountain Ranch State Park is an often overlooked refuge of natural beauty not far from the Las Vegas Strip providing trails, picnic areas, historical exhibits and more. While the park is home to several easy, family, and pet friendly trails, one of its best is the 1.2 mile round trip Sandstone Canyon Loop trail. This trail takes you through a sandstone canyon that rises above the trail on the west end of the park just past Lake Harriet. It is an easy trail that engulfs hikers in the landscape of the area so they can take it all in and enjoy its natural beauty and historical impact.
5. White Domes Trail - Valley of Fire State Park
Only 1 miles round trip, the White Domes Trail in Valley of Fire State Park is packed full of gorgeous views and outdoor fun. Along the trail are some of the areas most unique geographical features including slot canyons, enormous white sandstone domes and more. The diversity of this trail is amazing for its ease of travel, accessibility and brevity compared to others in the area. It is family friendly and a fun time to be had by all along the way on this popular trail.
Calico Formations - Red Rock Canyon National Recreation Area
Scenic Drive - Valley of Fire State Park
Historic Railroad Tunnels Trail - Lake Mead National Recreation Area
White Domes Trail: Slot Canyons - Valley of Fire State Park
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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