One of our favorite medium level hikes. Takes us about 3 hours or less to do the whole loop around…read morethe mountain for the Petroglyph trail as they're still building out the parking lot center so starting from the road. We were lucky enough to spot a bighorn sheep in the distance at the very top of one of the mountains! Wear hiking shoes for the rocky terrain and a hat for the no shade. Recommend to start early at 8 am min. if you do the whole loop. It's cool to see all the Petroglyphs! There's not a lot but enough on the walls in a certain section of the trail.

"One touch of nature, makes the whole world kin." Willam Shakespeare…read more After a long "dark winter," the journey of life had taken the dark path. Joy was eliminated and elusive in my life . Lots of things changed at home. One needs to get back and kin with nature. Being out side is where "one" feels most alive . It's time to start a new journey and chapter of change in life. This particular piece of protected land is located in my backyard, per say . One might ask, hiking trails that are in the desert. Why would one even consider hiking here? It's too hot! It's just dust and rocks! Why? Actually, at one time this was a thriving community, it's a protected community for all to enjoy and come see petroglyphs from Ancient individuals that once called this area home. This area in an inactive volcanic region. It's dormant for now. In the after effects of a volcano eruption or activity it leaves fertile soil that can yield lots of crops with little effort. The lava that flowed under the ground in tubes can provide shelter for those that once called this area home. Many residents of days past have lived close to volcanos that have gone dormant. The natural resources can be used and the heat keeps the area warm enough naturally. If you are able to keep taking the trail all the way around and look around you will see petroglyphs. This hike is about six miles all the way around . Make sure and start early it's an amazing glance into the past . The mountain hug you as you climb and crawl over water falls from the past. It's an incredible experience. It's the journey and how you experience and explore. Get out and enjoy life . Don't let life pass you by. Make each day special. Nature is beautiful and it has been preserved from the past for generations to see

Boy Scout Canyon can be a 4 or 8 miles round trip depending on the vehicle you have and how far you…read morewant to hike. I've done it both ways and I prefer the shorter version. To get there, drive to Boulder City and continue straight on Nevada Way to Utah Street. Do NOT head for Hoover Dam. Make a right on Utah Street and follow it until it ends at the Boulder City garbage transfer area. Turn right onto a graded road and follow it for less than a mile. You'll see a left turn for a gun range. Turn left here and follow this road for a short time. There is another turn to get to the gun range. DO NOT take that left turn. Continue to the next left and then go down a steep hill that runs along the south side of the gun range. You'll soon enter the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Inside the fenced area is where you park if you do not have a 4x4. This will make your hike 8 miles round trip. If you do have a 4x4, continue driving down the wash for another two miles. The rocks are sharp in places and close to each other, so drive this with care. At the end of the 2 miles, you'll come to the trailhead--a place that's wired off so vehicles can't go any more. Park here. From here, follow the wash as it heads to the Colorado River. The rock formations are amazing and the views are great! At about 1/3 mile from the trailhead, you come to a 15 foot dry fall that's easy 3rd class. The best side to scramble down is on the left as you're looking down the wash. Take care, but this isn't a hard down climb. As you near the end of your wash, the canyon narrows and soon you come to the end of this part of the hike. The end is a 20 foot dry fall you can only get down using ropes. There are some hooks in the rock above, but I would not recommend you do this. At the bottom of the dry fall is a pool like area in which I've never seen water. Beyond this small pool is a high pour over that's more than a 300 foot drop. Enough said. You don't need to explore down there! The next part of the hike entails retracing your steps about 3/10 of a mile. Look to your left as you're hiking back and you'll see a use trail leave the wash and go up a hill. Follow this trail which has some ups and downs and eventually it will lead you to a magnificent view of the Colorado and the Black Canyon Wilderness area. This is a good place to have a snack and take photos. When you're done, go back to the wash and head back to your car. This is a great hike with lots of pretty vistas. Wear hiking boots and take water. A Camelbak is best! Happy hiking!

I did a little UYE hiking action with Norm K and August C last weekend. I won't reiterate all of…read morethe useful information that Norm has already listed. If you need directions to the trailhead, I refer you to his excellent review. I found this hike to be pretty easy. There is one scramble down (and back up) a 15-foot spillover in the wash. Other than that, it's a very gradual descent toward the Colorado. You don't actually make it all the way to the river on this hike. There is a 25-foot dry fall that basically serves as the end of this out-and-back hike. Even if you decide to brave that drop, Norm says there is a 300-foot drop waiting for you just moments ahead of that. Instead of pressing downward, we backtracked and found our way up to a ridge where we had a great view of the river and the Hoover Dam bypass bridge. All told, we hiked about four miles. Of course, the hike could have been longer if we didn't drive the two miles down the wash until the point where they prohibit vehicles. That's probably the one thing that would prevent me from doing this hike again. Most of the "road" is fine, but there may be parts where having a 4x4 is recommended. I probably won't ever do this hike again, but it was an enjoyable morning and I'm grateful that I can cross it off my (nonexistent) list.

This is a moderately strenuous hike because of the nearly 1,200 foot elevation gain. The hike is…read moreapproximately 6.5 miles round trip if you go to both peaks. The trailhead is along US Highway 93. As you approach Boulder City, turn left the way you'd go to Hoover Dam. After you start down the hill past Industrial Road, watch for a sign on the left that says River Mountains Trail parking. It's just before the entrance to the St. Jude's Ranch for Children. There is ample parking here. From the parking area, walk behind the interpretive marker and the trail goes between the wall of an area of houses on the left and a concrete drainage ditch on the right. From there, the trail is fairly easy to follow as it's well defined. Follow the signs for the trail. There are side trails that are mountain bike trails so watch for the hiking only trail markers. The first part of the trail meanders around a bit and goes up and down until it works its way around and into a wash that comes down from the saddle between the two peaks. The saddle is the first goal. As you hike toward the saddle, the trail becomes a series of switchbacks to make getting to the top easier. Please DO NOT CUT the switchbacks. This damages the trail and when rain comes, wash outs are more likely. You'll also be trampling some native plants so stay on trail. Turn left at the saddle and keep heading up. There's still a bit more to go. After a few more switchbacks, you'll come to a road--a road you could have driven up, but that would defeat the whole purpose of hiking, no? This road is used to get to the antenna array at the top of Red Mountain. It's also used to take those who are doing the Bootleg Canyon flight lines near the launching area for the first flight. When you reach this road, you have a stunning view of Las Vegas and the Spring Mountains on the west side of the valley. You walk a short distance along the road and you'll see the trail to Red Mountain continue on your left. Follow the trail as it goes higher. It's a bit rocky and there is one spot that has some loose gravel. After a short time, you do reach the Red Mountain area and you see the antenna array you've probably seen many times driving to/from Hoover Dam. The actual peak for Red Mountain has a stake and you can go there if you want to be at the topmost point. In this area, you can see the first flight for the Bootleg Canyon Flight Lines, Lake Mead, The Eldorado Valley with its two solar plants, and of course, Las Vegas. It's a wonderful place. If you're lucky, you'll be here when a group does the flight. You can also see the mountain bike trails that make up the Bootleg Canyon trails. It's interesting to see these people riding down the steep slopes. Now for the bad news, Black Mountain is on the opposite side of the saddle. You can see the trail you need to follow from Red Mountain. If you've had enough, just return to your car. It's only about 3 miles away. If you're going to Black Mountain or your car, you need to head back the way you came passing the dirt road and looking carefully watching for when the trail to the saddle goes off the dirt road to the right. When you get back to the saddle, continue straight ahead on the trail if you're going to Black Mountain or make a right if you're going back to the car now. The trail goes about 1/2 mile to Black Mountain. It is very well defined and you hike on volcanic rock. That's what makes Black Mountain its color. At the top of Black Mountain, there's a bench and several interpretive markers explaining the geology of the Las Vegas Valley. It's a good place to have a snack and enjoy the view. Follow your tracks back to the saddle and then descend the switchbacks. They're so much nicer now that you're going downhill. Before you know it, you'll be back to your car. There is a picnic table at the parking area, so you can have an après hike lunch. We call it Guinness time! Happy hiking!

For Review 300, I wanted to spend time in a beautiful place that is as good as it gets. This is…read moreachievable when I live in a metropolitan area with access to spectacular parks. So, this past weekend's outdoor adventure was when I returned to Red & Black Mountain to climb up Red Mountain. There are two hiking routes to hike up Red & Black Mountain. Hiking Route A is from the River Mountain Trail (not the River Mountains Loop Trail).To get there from the Las Vegas area, travel on US 93 toward Hoover Dam. After turning left on US 93 to bypass downtown Boulder City, the sign for River Mountain Trail will be on your left. Hiking Route A begins in a residential subdivision, passes through a desert landscape under power lines, and then climbs up switch backs to a summit. At the top of the summit, you have the option of turning left toward Red Mountain or turning right toward Black Mountain. Hiking Route B is from the Bootleg Canyon Park Trailhead. From the Las Vegas area, drive on US 93 as if you were headed to Boulder City. After the first traffic signal, US 93 changes from a divided limited access highway to a commercial thoroughfare. Get on the left lane and turn left on Yucca Street. Taco Bell will be the landmark. From here drive on Yucca Street to it dead ends at the Bootleg Canyon Park parking lot. Once you park your car, you will hike on the River Mountains Loop Trail for a short distance. At the first junction, you will make a left on the road toward a valley. This is Bootleg Canyon. You will see restrooms and picnic tables. From this point continue on the road, which is now gravelly. It will bring you up Red Mountain. Just a note, to the right of the road is a large mountain adorned with a large "B.C." and communication towers on top. This is the mountain that you will be climbing. From my experience hiking up Red & Black Mountain, I STRONGLY suggest, hiking each mountain on two separate hikes. Two separate hikes will reward you with hours of recreation and experiences. This review is on Hiking Route B: Bootleg Canyon Park to the summit of Red Mountain. Hiking Route A: River Mountain Trail to the summit of Black Mountain will be a future review, which I will place under Yelp's River Mountain Trail Listing. From ground level to the summit, there are three types of topography to hike. From the Bootleg Canyon Park parking lot to the valley, the topography is pavement. Through the valley and up the north side of Red Mountain, the topography is a sandy and gravelly road that is used by vehicles transporting people and dirt bikes to a parking lot at the end of the road. With the exception of the gradual change in elevation, this is an easy hike. Beyond the parking lot, the topography is very rocky and gravelly for a short segment, and the trail has changed from a dirt road to a narrow trail that becomes narrow with steeper elevation gains. At this point, the hike is moderately difficult to the degree that I strongly suggest "focus on the moment "concentration and reliable hiking boots. The scenery is as good as it gets. Red Mountain (with the B.C.) is beautiful from ground level. As the dirt road travels through Bootleg Canyon northbound, then gains elevation gain eastbound, the closer up vistas of Red Mountain are captivating. Especially at dawn! As the dirt road travels through Bootleg Canyon, it treats the hiker to spectacular vistas of the River Mountains and valleys. Once the dirt road turns toward the north to travel uphill, the vistas become as good as it gets. It is at this point where the panoramas of the Las Vegas Valley featuring the Las Vegas Strip and surrounding mountain ranges overtake the landscape. It is at this point where you could look down on the top of the Stratosphere and across at French Mountain with open desert below. I said the scenery is as good as it gets? I was ahead of myself. At the parking lot where the dirt road ends, the scenery gets better! This is where you have the option of turning left and hiking to the summit of Black Mountain, or staying straight on a narrow path to the left of the gate toward the Red Mountain summit. At this point you are consumed by breathtaking scenery. To your left is the mesmerizing black Mountain and to your right hundreds of feet below you is Boulder City. I said the scenery is as good as it gets? It is almost as good as it gets! The narrow part of the trail looks over even better scenery. When you look to the right you will be able to see Black Mountain Henderson and to the left you will be able to see Lake Mead and the bridge. At the summit where people board the Bootleg Canyon Flight Lines the scenery is as good as it gets. Looking below there is Lake Mead, Boulder City, and desert. And yes, this scenery is as good as it gets and why Red & Black Mountain is 5 stars.

We came with a social group and conquered over 5 miles and an elevation change of over 900'. The…read moreparking and bathrooms were well maintained, and the signage made clear the natural challenges presented in this part of the country. We easily followed the beaten path to see the arch and the Colorado River in 3.5 hours. Pro tips: wear hiking boots, wear layers, bring water and a snack, and plan for sun and wind. We were fortunate so many things were in bloom today. We'll do this hike again!

Such a fun rewarding hike with gorgeous views of the Colorado river!…read more This hike is known for its interesting combination of features, including an old mine area, the iconic Liberty Bell Arch, and the river overlook. The hike was 4.55 miles round trip. Moderate, with a mix of inclines and flat sections. The trail can be sandy and rocky in places, so wear good hiking footwear. It took about 3 hours round trip because we spent about 30 minutes enjoying the view up top. Make sure to bring water and some snacks to enjoy before hiking back down. Take lots of pictures too. This hike was very peaceful and serene. You will love it. I can't wait to do this hike again with my girls!

This is a favorite trail of mine. It's a paved walking path for a good first leg and then gets a…read morelittle rough, depending on how far up you go. It has a gradual incline which can be a pleasant challenge for some. During the hotter months it can be a bit of a punishing experience as there's no shade or trees, so just be aware. This trail is in proximity to a baseball field (fly balls should be considered if you intend to park your car at the trail head base) and a large park which is busy most times I've visited. The trail itself is not as busy, though, which is pleasant. Something else that is pleasant are the lovely panoramic views of Henderson and the Vegas Valley. This trail is for sure worth visiting.

Currently training for a 5k race that's coming up next month and I decided to hit up Anthem East…read moreTrail over by Del Webb Middle School. I've hiked this trail a couple times before with my fam and it's been a long time since I've been back. The weather is finally cool enough for me to take walks outside again and I like that. With the record breaking heat that we had over the summer, it was just too hot to go for a walk outside. My favorite part about hiking these trails is that I get to enjoy the amazing views of the mountains, The Strip, and all other parts of the Las Vegas valley while I get my steps in. Dogs can tag along with you, but be aware that coyotes and rattlesnakes are very active along this trail. Also be sure to carry plenty of water and fully charged phone just in case. I hiked solo and didn't want to go way far out on the trail, so I just stayed where I could see all the views of the city. But I managed to reach my goal of 3.5 miles!

Pittman wash is a fun trail to bike or walk where you can mostly avoid dealing with traffic. The…read moreside closer to pebble and eastern is usually my least favorite side to walk because a lot of the homes smell either of dog poop, smoke, or laundry detergent. It also has the least plants along that side, and is a bit flat. Biking is solid on that side though as its more even in the trail at the beggining there without areas that are getting repaired like closer to the opposite end. I feel like if you want to enjoy a really nice walk, starting on the side by the Arroyo grande sports park is more preferable. Around the middle of the trail is where it shifts a bit and changes. That side has more water and nature...also as dusk hits a lot of yipping coyotes. It can get a little creepy if you're alone. The trail has lights at night that go off from motion sensors, so you won't need a head lamp. There are multiple parks you can stop at along the walk, however not a lot of spots to grab food easily if you get hungry, so pack a snack if you are doing the full trail. They also have a whole separate trail closer to the old bridge that connects to pittman wash.

This is a nice paved trail that winds through the residences and a wash…read more The motion sensor lights get brighten up as you walk/run/bike past them. There's multiple concrete benches whenever you want to take a break from your trail activity. The trees are trimmed as to not get in the way of those who use the trail. There are auxiliary trails that go down into the wash area if you feel like exploring for a little bit. The local residences are usually out in full force when the weather is nice. Sometimes the trails can feel a little too narrow for the traffic on crowded days but not to the point where you have to stop or slow down. Just be aware of trail ahead and all is well. I've been running and biking on this trail for years now and it's a nice way to knock out some easy miles during a long training run. No matter how you travel on the Pittman Wash Trail, you're in for a pretty good time. Enjoy!

Perfect biking rocky trail and wonderful hiking. Amazing views and wonderful trail. Saw tortoise,…read morelizards, cactus and a lot of flowers. A fabulous day soaking up the sun. The trail is dusty, not crowded, take plenty of water and have a great time.

I have read a lot about the trails in Bootleg Canyon and I have crossed some of them when hiking to…read moreRed and Black Mountains from the St. Jude Ranch side of the mountains. I was looking for some new hiking places and I checked in a book given to me about the best bike rides in Las Vegas. It turns out that several of them were for Bootleg Canyon and I decided to do the Outer Caldera Loop Trail. Entrance to the canyon is from Canyon Road in Boulder City. As you go up the road, there are two traffic circles. The second one has a metal mountain bike sculpture and the 35 mile River Mountain Trail passes one of the circles. There are bathrooms at the small park and this is a trailhead for some of the trails in this section of the canyon. The historical marker in my photos tells how the canyon got its name. This is a wonderful area for outdoor activities on foot or wheels (non-motorized). The geology is very colorful and interesting.

Norm took us on this trail on the beginning part of our hike, and boy did I get my cardio! Not…read moredifficult, but you can definitely tell when you haven't gone hiking for a while! as the day went on,more people were on the trail-Joggers, bikers, camp groups, even puppies and baby strollers! The natural scenery on that trail was just beautiful...one word of caution beware of random"Land Mines" aka Horse Droppings...I was INCHES away from one while enjoying the view...could it be the thinner, cooler air up there??? When we got to the lookout, we were at an elevation of 9000 feet. On we went, connecting to the Lower Bristlecone Trail....ALOHA!!! YELP 365 CHALLENGE-(32/365) "Are we there yet?"