It's National Take A Hike Day and I found this out after I just did a hike here this morning with a…read morefriend. We opted to do 2 miles out and 2 miles back instead of the loop and had a great time. The first mile or so is a steady gain in elevation, but I didn't bring hiking poles and they shouldn't be necessary unless you need them for balance. The trail is easy to follow so you can't really get lost. We only saw one other person when we were on our way to the turn-around point: solitude! What I noticed about this particular hike is how quiet it is there, which makes for a very peaceful trek. We made it down into the wash area and then turned around to go back the same way we came. I recommend this hike if you're looking for something less difficult, but still full of terrific Red Rock scenery. Plus, it's free--no entrance fees here!

This was my first hike at Kraft Mountain and it was a pretty awesome loop!…read more It took me about 1 hour and 30 minutes to do it even with running parts of it. It was a perfect day to hike it because it was overcast for most of the time and I think the temperature was about mid 70's which is extremely rare for June in Vegas. I'd say that the loop itself was easy but maybe that's for someone who walks, jogs and scrambles often. Maybe if you are a total newbie to any hiking or physical activity then maybe it won't be easy. The hike itself going uphill was easy but going down past all the grey rock heading towards the boulders can be tricky because scrambling is required. So get ready to slide down on your butt, cling onto some boulders and wedge yourself between a few hard places while scraping your skin or knees on hard surfaces and brush. I was wearing shorts and did fine and most importantly do carry some sugary snacks if you need a quick pick me up. Pack some gummies and at least a tiny bottle of water and also emergency sunscreen because even in overcast you will get burned by the desert sun. Overall this is a loop I highly recommend to anyone whose never tried it before. It's easy to follow, can't really get lost and there's always people on the trail so if you need help, almost sure you're not going to be alone. Loved this mini adventure and so glad I gave it a whirl. It was beautiful and peaceful.

Beautiful hike where if you go all the way way to the canyon it gets even quieter at the end…read more The canyon part does have some rock scrambling. Came in early February and there were some spots with snow and ice. Parts with ice can be slick so be careful. Beautiful views, nice trail, and pretty scenery all around. There is a bathroom in the parking lot.

I am NOT an experienced hiker by any stretch, but I really enjoyed getting to explore Fletcher…read moreCanyon. - The weather was freaking gorgeous and all I ended up needing was a t-shirt and some cargo shorts! Perfect weather for a hike! - Starting the hike is pretty much a steady incline most of the way, once you reach the canyon and head back you really feel the steady decline. The terrain can be a little rough in spots, but nothing too bad. - Saw quite a few squirrels on the trail, which was pretty cool. Little suckers can really move when they want to! lol - I see other people noted that the trail was clearly marked but that was NOT my experience at all. The signs that I saw at the outset indicating you were on the trail seem to disappear the further you go in. Luckily, there other hikers passing by occasionally and they helped me get my bearings. - From what I've read it is 1.9 miles each way for roughly 3.8 miles total. That was plenty for me. I will have to work my way into the other ones. lol - The parking area is not very large at all, but luckily for me it wasn't too busy today. Parking is free of course and they do have a bathroom right there for immediately before and after your hike. This was actually the first trip to Mount Charleston ever for me after living in Vegas for well over 20 years. I am excited to come back to hike more and also for when it snows! I wish the trail was marked better in some spots but still freaking awesome to get out of the city and soak in some Mother Nature. And only a 45-minute drive from Vegas! 4.5 stars.

Close to Vegas perfect place in hot summer to cool down beautiful wildlife peaceful campgroundsread more

Griffith Peak is only the 3rd highest peak in Southern Nevada. Don't get scared. The hike isn't too…read morebad and it's worth it considering the view you get. If anything the distance is what makes this hike difficult. I don't know the exact distance but time wise it took us about 3 hours each way going at a decent speed with short breaks when needed. Most of the hike is shaded from traveling under tree coverage or between the mountains. There are also a lot of switchbacks and the incline isn't really too steep except for maybe the very bottom and very top. Along the hike, probably towards the middle, there's an overlook looking down at, I believe, Cathedral Rock or Echo Cliff. Be careful while along the edge cause it is a long way down. Near the top, there's a signage pointing you in the direction to Griffith Peak or Charleston Peak. You'll see that there was a huge fire once. The view from here is pretty nice but continue on towards the top of Griffith Peak to enjoy that view. There you'll find a box which I'm assuming there's some type of notepad to log that you made it up there. I was so busy enjoying the view I forgot to look inside. I'd diffently do this hike again. Who knows I might just decide to go to Charleston Peak when I reach the signage. Excellent hike. Being plenty of water with you to carry and leave some in car for after the hike.

It was a nice walk but very short trail. But wit the scenery who cares it's beautiful up thereread more

I was looking to get back on the trail after recovering from a foot fracture and a severe ankle…read moresprain. It has been what felt like forever since I had been able to hike and the mountains had been calling me back for a while! My friend Norm gave me this trail as a suggestion so hubby and I got up early Sunday morning to check it out. The trail is located behind the Spring Mountain Gateway Visitor Center so you either have to wait till the center opens at 9:00am to utilize the parking area or you can park across the street and walk over. The trail is easy to find as it is located behind the center and down the hill. Once you are at the bottom, you turn left and follow the path across a wash and you will walk by some beautiful Noble fir trees growing in the wash. You then need to turn right and you will begin to ascend up this path. There are many informational signs educating you about the area. Each sign lets you know how far you have hiked, tells you about the mountain caves across the street, and about the flora and fauna. I found it interesting that the trail is named after the Acastus Checkerspot Butterfly which is only found in the Spring Mountains. I have hiked many trails in the Spring Mountains and these little butterflies have crossed my paths countless times. They say when a butterfly crosses your path, that either your life is about to change or joy will be entering your life. This trail is mainly an uphill climb but super easy, not challenging but still enjoyable. The only issue is that it is at a lower elevation so it is quite a bit warmer in the summer time. I would suggest doing this hike either very early morning in the summer, spring or the fall for maximum enjoyment. The trail climbs all the way up to the Fletcher View Campgrounds and then your return is all downhill. This trail was a perfect start for me to begin to hike again and I really appreciate Norm's suggestion. This is a great trail for people with small children and you can take your dog too!

LOVE THIS TRAIL. The first half of the trail isn't super cool only because the path is pretty wide…read moreand standard looking. But about 3 miles in you reach a sign where you could either turn back and go the way you came or keep going which is another 3 miles back just another way. We decided to keep going and i'm so glad we did. The second half of the trail was so much fun because it was more through the forest and had a tighter path with lots of rocks and branches. The path during the second part is only wide enough for one person. Super fun for me and my friends, but might not recommend for little kids.

Awesome 6.5 mile hike! Beautiful views and peaceful trail. It's mostly flat with a bit of incline…read morebut nothing difficult, my son was able to keep up easily. There were alot of chill spots to have a quick snack break or take pics. The hike went by quickly and definitely didn't feel like 6+ miles. Love Mt. Charleston!

This was a uniquely special hike for me and while I normally hike in a group; I did this by…read moremyself.... But my safety net was I had friends waiting at the bottom just in case I needed help. Never hike alone, folks! The hike itself... stunning. I am terrible with directions and although the trail was well labeled throughout I still kinda got lost. However, there are plenty of people around so it was easy to right the course. I hiked early so there was plenty of shade. This is also inside the Red Rock loop so a reservation or a local hook up is required - I was lucky to have a local hookup and got in for free. So stunning and beautiful. There are parts that are moderately challenging but slow and steady, like a turtle with get you there. Please come and create your own adventure.

I've hiked nearly every trail at Red Rock Canyon NCA, and short of the Grand Circle Loop which is…read morejust challenging for its long distance (looping the interior perimeter of the entire park), Turtlehead Peak Trail is by far the most challenging hike inside the park. It's 4.6~ miles depending on if you don't lose the trail at any point (which is easy to do), you gain roughly 2,000ft of elevation and it can be fairly arduous depending on your fitness and preparedness level. It will cost you a $2 reservation fee, best purchased in advance, and if you do not have an America The Beautiful Nat'l Park Pass, an additional $20 park entrance fee. With the pass the entrance fee is waved. You'll take the scenic loop upon entering the park, and when you reach the Sandstone Quarry parking area you will be at the trailhead. Parking is limited so you're best off arriving early unless you're lucky with parking. The trail starts out fairly mellow, until about the 1/4 mile mark, and then the incline begins and never really faulters. The trail slinks back and forth through the desert landscape but there isn't much in the way of shade, so this is best not attempted in the middle of summer. Southern Nevada summers break records and hiking in a fully exposed desert can become very dangerous very quickly. Regardless of time of year, remember to bring plenty of water for everyone in your group. There are times when you're scrambling up shale and sharp rocks, and the trail will become narrow at times so be careful. Some portions of the trail are loose rock on steep sections so keep this in mind and wear the proper footwear. Because there is next to no shelter from the sun, be sure to wear sunscreen and something to cover your face and neck. You'll eventually reach a ridge line of sorts around the 1.75 mile mark, and you're nearly there, but it gets fairly steep here. Almost there and when you make it you'll be rewarded by panoramic views of the scenic desert cliffs, the Las Vegas skyline, the nearby summit of Mount Charleston and on a clear day you can see Arizona. Remember the summit is only half way so relax for a few, take pictures, replenish with a snack and then head back down. Back at the bottom you'll find 2 pit toilets with hand sanitizer, and you can celebrate having done something pretty cool outdoors just a few miles from the Vegas Strip.

This is a moderate 2.6 out and back trail right off Kyle Canyon Road. Easy to drive by but map it…read moreand you should end at the parking area. The hike ascends up a bank and into a creek bed. You will climb up the creek bed until you see an old mining trail off to your left. Get on this trail for an easier hike. The All Trails app states the elevation gain is about 583 feet, I say it is closer to 700 feet. This trail reminded me of a mini Trail Canyon Trail as a lot of uphill in the beginning with not too much leveling out. Lots of pretty wildflowers to view and I even saw a mushroom growing. You will continue to climb till you see a tall tree with the name of the mining company nailed to it. Head right to view the mines. As you climb, you will notice the trail becomes more lush and green due to the water trickling down. After winter I am sure this becomes a stream. Climb up the granite and off to your left you will see the first mine. All barred up so no going in, but you can still look inside and see where the water is coming from. Lots of rocks and logs laying inside as well. Keep heading up and the grade becomes suddenly much steeper. Lots of scree to maneuver up and then some more granite to climb over to get to the second mine. Gloves would come in handy right about now. Again this mine is also barred off but this mine is completely dry. It looks like it could be fun to explore if it was open but glad both of these mines are closed as someone would most likely get hurt. Along the trail you will see debris leftover from the mining days like old tram buckets or carts, old cans and containers all rusted from the weather. I am not sure what was mined up here other than maybe ore or other minerals?? I looked up both the name listed on the tree and Stanley B and found no information. On the way down the trail can get tricky and we ended up coming down what appeared to be a road about 200 yards from where our car was parked. It was cool to discover these old mines hidden high up in the Spring Mountains and another great workout! Outside is the place to be for me on my days off!

The open mines have been closed with bat gates so there's no exploring. This reduces the danger of…read moresomeone getting trapped in an abandoned mine. It is still a great hike.

There really isn't much of a creek in late October. Maybe we need to visit its full glory another…read moretime? For Rock climbers, to moderate hikers with different terrain (hike over rocks, side wall through sharp bushes, wall over a small creek). We visited late October, and suggest you to wear long sleeve, pants, sunglasses, hiking boots, and water. If you don't, expect sore toes from kicking/walking through rocks to cuts on your legs. Sunglasses is to protect your eyes from lots of branches sticking out. Luckily there wasn't much water in an area that we had to cross in the trail (assume during spring season, that area will wet our boots). This Pine Creek loop is pretty confusing since theres many areas where it feels like there is no loop? Ignore the word "loop" as I'm starting to think the beginning of the loop trail is not a loop until the end quarter as shown on Google maps? At end is a tiny section of a loop? - Recommend screen shot, have images ready or gps app ready before getting there. It's easy to get lost when it keeps saying loop and you think it'll bring you back to the car but not the case. Luckily, there were lots of friendly hikers to rock climbers there on a Sunday. 1. At Red Rocks Canyon (pay at fee station entrance). Red Rocks Canyon is Nevada's first National Conservation Area. 2. From Fee Entrance, it's a 25min one-way drive on the scenic driving loop. The parking sign will say Pine Creek Canyon. We came here because there was no parking at/to try Ice Box Canyon Trailhead (located a trailhead before this). Glad we tried that route. 3. Beginning terrain is in the sun, no shade, lots of dirt so you start to wonder why didn't I just hike someone's backyard in Vegas. It'll get better once you find whatever trickle left of the creek is. That's if you can even find it. If anything you'll definitely experience different terrain/scenery than just then normal Vegas dirt you're use to seeing everyday. 4. There's an area where the Pine Creek Loop splits. We went one way, and a helpful hiker told us to go backwards a bit to go down that path to find whatever trickle of the creek was. Rock climbers were there too. There were many times we couldn't find the next path. Bushes can get pretty narrow. Dress appropriately. Local elder hikers mentioned this was their favorite hike as locals. They were prepared with a backpack, two walking sticks for each hand, hiking boots, etc. Good luck!! We'll have to try this trail again to find this loop vs random one ways everywhere. We're new to Red Rocks Canyon and only experienced Calico Tank/Sandstone Quarry which is amazing.

pretty fun "moderate" hike that's easy for anyone willing to do it. The first 0.38 miles takes you…read moreto a sign that tells you to prepare for a bit of rocky terrain but its a beautiful dessert landscape so you quickly forget about it. Then we ended up climbing in bushes and boulders and going off trail because I am an adventurous son of a B and had to back track to the trail. Eventually, we went off trail again to explore in the creek which was gorgeous! It felt like being in a mini forest hiding in the desert. After that we ended up at this cool little stream.. the sound of the running water is just so peaceful! Watch out for Velociraptors though, there is some chest high grass that makes you lean like a cholo to walk through it if you have wide shoulders like me. But then the sunflowers, those god damn baby sunflowers were so beautiful! Christ almighty I need to find a partner so I can take them in spring for a beautiful romantic hike after some rain!