The Cactus Wren Trail is a 1.5 mile paved trail in the westernmost area of Henderson bounded by…read moreEastern Avenue to the west, Interstate 215 to the north, and St. Rose Parkway to the east and south. The one mile north to south segment from the 215 Beltway Trail at the north to the Northeast corner of Eastern Avenue at Ione Road travels along a wash in the back of the Eastern Avenue shopping centers and a subdivision to the west and a low density housing community interspersed with open fields to the east. The 0.5 mile west to east segment from Eastern at Ione to the west and both Cactus Wren Park and the St. Rose Parkway pedestrian bridge to the east is a concurrently with the unsigned Amargosa Trail in a residential community that is a walkway for Ione Road half the distance. Today I wanted to go on an easy hike. So, I headed out for the Cactus Wren Trail. I am no stranger to this trail. Back in 2012, I hiked on it when I reviewed Cactus Wren Park. And when hiking or bicycling on the Cactus Wren Park, Cactus Wren Park in my opinion is the best place to park. Both times that I visited Cactus Wren Park, there was a sufficient number of people that were a detriment to criminals. The cool thing about parking at Cactus Wren Park is that the St. rose Parkway bridge, part of the St. Rose Parkway Trail, is an elevated spot to take in the Las Vegas Strip in the distance below. In reality, this is probably the prettiest spot of the Cactus Wren Trail. As Norm. K stated, signing is relatively nonexistent from the trail. I only saw one small Cactus Wren sign at the northernmost end at the 215 Beltway Trail. From Cactus Wren Park, I followed the power lines on a bridge across a wash onto a paved trail. These are the power lines that are analogous to the Amargosa gsa Trail. There were two surface Street crossings. The Ione Road crossing is in need of a crosswalk. Especially with the blind spot from the curve on Ione Road. After crossing Ione Road the trail is a dual topography that is unsurfaced under the power lines and a sidewalk parallel to Ione Road. At the northeast corner of Ione and Eastern, the Armogsa Trail reaches one of its dead-ends when it splits from Cactus Wren Trail. Cactus Wren now heads due north toward Serene Avenue and the 215 Beltway Trail at the Interstate 215 sound wall as it parallels a wash. With the exception of a hill immediately north of the split, the elevation is relatively flat. The trail is in good condition. I rate it 80% on the graffiti - free scale. The small number of tagging I saw was on the concrete walls of the wash. The two benches, street lights that illuminate automatically at night, and trash cans were untouched by vandals. The landscape is ordinary. It is in want of the plush landscaping that is prevalent alongside the Seven Hills and Green Valley Ranch trail systems. Looking west, for the most part I was looking at a concrete wash bordering the backs of the shopping centers off Eastern Avenue. The back of a shopping center isn't attractive. When I looked to the east I saw fences interspersed with open spaces. My wildlife observations were an antelope squirrel and some birds. But what about the Cactus Wren, that long harsh voiced singing bird found in the Southwest and what the trail is named after? I didn't hear one. Then again, the sounds overheard from Eastern Avenue traffic and landscapers would block it out. On the south to North segment, there is one crossing at Serene Avenue. At this spot, Serene Avenue is a two lane road where a nearby traffic circle slows down traffic. Regardless, the crosswalk could use a flashing light that informs motorists that a pedestrian is in the crosswalk. A short distance North of Serene Avenue, Cactus Wren Trail will end at the 215 Beltway Trail, where a left will lead to Eastern and ultimately to Warm Springs and a right will lead to Pecos Road. Both times I made a left on Eastern to patronize a business on the east side. It is in close proximity to several restaurants including Taco Y Taco, In N Out, Cafe Zupas, Denny's, and so on. But I just ate and stopped at Seven Eleven for a refreshment. The Cactus Wren is a good trail that is part of the tapestry of the outstanding City of Henderson trail system. I believe that it has a potential to be a four star trail if the City of Henderson works with the Department of Transportation to carry it over the 215 Beltway to Pebble Park where it will connect to the Pitman Wash Trail. Signing with a concurrency of the Amargosa Trail between the St. Rose Parkway Bridge to Eastern would also up Cactus Wren Trail a star. Until this happens I am signing off this review by representing Cactus Wren Trail with three stars.

I strung together three trails today for a 20 mile bike ride. I liked the Cactus Wren Trail…read morebecause it's nicely landscaped and it's a relatively new trail that follows the Pittman Pecos Wash. I'd give this trail more than 3 stars but the trails are not marked. If it hadn't been for Google Maps, I wouldn't know this existed. You look on the City of Henderson's website and find the trails and they'll have a map. That doesn't help too much when you're riding and there are no signs. I rode the trail until it ends just before Eastern. However, it doesn't end there. You're supposed to head east and the trail goes through the Cactus Wren Park where you take the bridge to get to the St. Rose Parkway Trail. Lacking any signs, I did a bit of a search through the neighborhood before returning to the trail I took at the beginning rather than the real trail. To the City of Henderson--your trails are great. You need better signage in this area, more like the Anthem East Trail area.

Free Parking this is the beginning 1 mile until you hit the 1st rail tunnel. You are walking…read morebasically on the removed railroad tracks where the rail cars were used to remove and bring in materials to build Hoover Dam. Walk, Jog, or bike love this spot for the beauty and the history. $25 to enter lake Meade State Park if you choose to go in if you have a pass it's free. Hoover Dam Hotel Casino and Hoover Damn are also in the area to visit to see the sights along with the small town of Boulder City which offers restaurants bars and small shops & antiques.

Hey Yelpers! This is…read morea super easy mostly flat hiking trail with the most beautiful views. This is the best time of the year to hike it, too. You can easily drive into the parking lot like you are heading to the visitor center, but drive past it down to the restroom parking lot close to the trail and it's perfectly marked for easy no brainer adventure. About half way or an hour in there is another restroom with a covered picnic table for a break. Then you can continue on down to the Boulder Dam. There are amazing views there as well as awesome retro restrooms , memorials, and water. There used to be a cafe. I forgot to look if they are still open. Before the dam is a parking structure. You can take the stairs or an elevator. We usually start our hikes about 8 am. The restrooms were still clean and stocked. I bring hand sanitizer. Be sure to bring water and a snack just in case. Dogs are welcome but please pick up after them and keep them on a leash. The later it gets the more busy it gets. I like to go here at least once a year. It's just so nice to get out into nature and experience Nevada. Parking is free. You can check out the visitor center while you are there. They have cool stuff. I recommend this trail. Check it out!

Great hike in Lake Mead. Once you see Mile marker 16 turn left into the dirt road. Take the road to…read moreOre Car Mine sign pass the sign and go about 400ft past Ore Car Sign to where the road ends. The last 200 Feet Hike in or back in with vehicle there is no turn around use a guide there is a 10ft drop at end of road from there walk into the wash to the right and travel the wash the side that narrows and walk .75 miles you will then begin Anniversary Narrows. When you enter off Marker 16 you will only see one small sign for Anniversary Narrows 4x4 makes it easier you can go by car just take it very slow. No cell service so do not get hurt out there.

Epic hike! Only 45…read moremin from vegas to feel like your hiking in Antelope Canyon with a beautiful narrow slot canyon. Moderate hike definitely had some challenging areas but my legs are pretty strong from doing exercise classes so I took it slow and had a great experience. It rained in Vegas a few days prior to our hike, so the bowl of fire in the narrows was flooded about 3 feet. We took our shoes and socks off and slid our pants up and walked through it to get to the other side where the narrows begin. It was cold and unknown territory, but I'm so glad we did it because The rest of the hike was amazing.. Enter Lake Mead past the pay station and then turn left on North Shore Rd. Until you get to mile marker 16 take a left and follow the sign for Calville Wash until you see a fork in the road to the left is anniversary mine road. Keep left there. You don't wanna go to the right because it's deeper sand and without a 4 x 4 you may get stuck. So keep going left on anniversary mine Road it's a dirt road. You'll see some 2 WD parking shortly after being on that road but if you have a four-wheel-drive car, keep going down further until you see a wash. This will save you from having to walk further. From the 2WD point to the entrance of the narrows is 1.8 miles . You can't go any further into the wash because there's no way to get back up unless you have one of those big jumbo jeeps. Find some parking off the side of the road and walk into the wash, which is to the left. Follow the Wash for about a mile into the entrance of the narrows. There are several steep ledges throughout the hike and you'll see some spectacular hues of color throughout your time there.. once you reach the end of the narrows, you could keep going up to the top of the ridge and see an overlook of the narrows. There is also a mine that you can check out. We did not go any further than the end of the narrows, but plenty of other people were. We brought our two small dogs and everybody had a great time. Our friends from New York came with us and were deterred from the flooded fire bowl so they turned back and went to the car, but we continued on with our hike.

I am a big fan of the Green Valley Ranch Walking Trail System. It is miles of attractively…read morelandscaped urban trails that connect the communities and parks throughout Green Valley Ranch. Bobtail Circle Park is a representation of the gorgeous Green Valley Ranch Trail system. When I have partook in my urban Green Valley Ranch hikes, eleven times I have passed through Bobtail Circle Park. It is located along the Amargosa Mile Marker Seven SpurTrail, which is a walking path that connects Amargosa Trail to Strawberry Hill Park and to Dos Esceules Park via Golden View Street. Bobtail Circle Park is a neighborhood park that is designed to serve the immediate neighborhood. The ramifications are that in similar fashion to Strawberry Hill Park down the spur trail, there are no restrooms. On account of zero parking spaces, motorists access this park by parking on the side of Bobtail Circle. The nearest parking lot is at Dos Esceules Park. For me, Bobtail Circle Park also serves as a component of the miles of Green Valley Ranch Walking trails. Just like the miles of connecting walking paths and parks, it is gorgeous. When I walk along the diminutive park, my eyes follow the landscaped wash to the east that I follow along the Amargosa Mile Marker Seven Spur Trail. Throughout the tiny park there is a canopy of mature trees that provide sufficient shade. This provides for a shaded spot to have a picnic at the picnic tables. At the northwest corner there is an open grass area. The focal points of the park are the playground and gazebo housing a picnic table and barbecue grill. It is managed by the Green Valley Ranch Community instead of Henderson. I am unsure if people outside the community are allowed to use the facilities. I would like to point out that although I have been to Bobtail Circle Park eleven times, I never checked in there because it was too close to my eleven Strawberry Hill Park Check-ins. I would also like to point out that I give Bobtail Circle Park four stars. I see it as a representation of the gorgeous Green Valley Ranch Walking Trail System.

The address takes you directly to a parking lot and there is a sign that says Amargosa Trail to…read morelead you to the trail but there are a bit of areas that branch off so it can be a bit confusing. I would definitely suggest downloading a separate trail map of the area if you are worried about getting a bit lost. The views from up higher are beautiful and once you are up there you can see a better view of the different trails that branch off. It is a pretty good walk/hike and as you get higher it can be a bit more difficult. There is not much shade so I would definitely make sure to have enough water if going in the warmer weather or wait till it gets a bit cooler. I personally wouldn't walk here by myself just because last time I was there I saw a tent, so I would just be cautious if going alone.

Trail starts behind the vet clinic (if you are looking for it). It's about 30-45 min walk up and…read moredown the side of Black Mountain. There are areas where you can branch off and actually climb the mountain. The kids, dog, and I stayed on the main path and had a great time. Great walk!

I don't come to the Pabco Trailhead very often despite it being so close to home. I usually visit…read morethe Wells Trailhead a couple of miles down stream. Starting a walk at Pabco has its perks though. More trees and more densely packed brush. Plus some side trails taking you close to the water's edge. Also some elevation change making the walk a little more challenging and interesting than plain flat land. Then, about half way to Wells Trailhead is a little semi-hidden outpost. An oasis if you will. A tree covered xeriscape garden space with access to the weir. A hidden gem off trail in a somewhat secluded setting. This is usually my turn around point where I head back to the car. Nice to have the peaceful landmark to look for.

Great trail and very safe for bikers... whole loop not yet done though... i will ride here a lot...read more

This time of year makes exercising outdoors during the daytime a must! Enjoy the crisp air and sun…read moreagainst your cheek along this 8.1 miles stretch of asphalt and concrete. To keep things interesting out here in the desert, look out for a couple of artistic animal duo structures: the Tortoise & the Hare and Wile E. Coyote & the Road Runner. This trail is not quite a straight shot. There are several major crosswalks/intersections where you'll need to stop and press the crosswalk button. Nevertheless, it's a pretty safe and flat course. If need to take a break, there are several shaded benches, and many smaller uncovered ones made of granite along the way. Plenty of pet waste stations, too. The St Rose Parkway Trail is great multi-use trail, such as biking, running, walking, and inline skating, and is also wheelchair accessible. The trail serves as a connection to 12 different parks and other trailheads, all managed by the City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Dept. Other than the trail itself, what I like most about this path are the businesses conveniently located off of the trail, like Starbucks! Also, it's neat to see this area grow with new and upcoming stores like Hobby Lobby and In-N-Out! The starting point (Mile 0) is near M casino, the south end of St. Rose Pkwy. It terminates just before I-215. There are many places to park off of St Rose Pkwy. But, the published places are Siena Heights Trailhead (2570 Siena Heights Drive) and Cactus Wren Park (2900 Ivanpah Drive) for restrooms and parking. Get outdoors now before it gets too hot in the summer!

Pavement under my Nikes, butterflies roam free surrounding me…read more Every time I make contact with the pavement the balance grows every constantly inside me! This beautiful trail has markers that indicate when it's time to go. The starting line uses the fairy tale the Tortoise and the Hare as a whimsical way to roam and explore. You can run, run, run as the hare did and finish in a flash, or pace yourself such as the wise tortoise did. After you get started down the trail look along the way for information booths that mention about the wildlife that calls this area home. The best rich flavors of flora and fauna along this four miles breathtaking. The views of the mountains on the other side of the interstate 15 just rise up to meet the sky. As the sun sets on these mountains every day the next morning the sun shines and stretches her rays across the desert floor to rise and meet the day. Butterflies constantly fly around me as I run on the pavement. Their renewals of hope and happiness continue to fill me with hope that their presence brings joy. As I continue to transform the butterflies presence inspires me to trust that all is going to be coming up rainbows and butterflies. The delicate wings of the butterfly as it flutters close so delicate. That ever present tipping in nature that with all the beauty around us we are all guests that share this wonderful place together. Up close to a butterfly as I bend down to admire its beauty. The wings flutter on air up and down. Looking at the butterfly oh so close she closes her wings and blends into the concrete. The Royal monarch of this butterfly goes white as she disguises herself from me. I would never capture the wild monarch she is truly wild and free. As she delivers her message of hope and divine happiness I leave knowing that I have witnessed a message from beyond. Answers come in all meanings, butterflies have been known to be the messengers of fairies and angels to deliver these messages. Henderson, NV is the lovely city that wants "you" to go outside. Log those 10,000 steps a day. Get that heart healthy. These created paths are low impact to the eco system surrounding it. The creatures that call this area home are still safe with their habitat not too engrossed on. "Leave nature as you found it." While this created path was a beautiful addition that starts at the M Hotel and Casino it circles around and ends at St. Rose Hospital. A four mile trek with wildlife and trash bins all along the path. Make sure the wild coyotes stay here, and those cute little bunnies do not end up as your pet. They are truly cute and cuddly from afar, could pose a risk if you get too close to them. Your empty water bottles and trail mix bags deposit those in these trash bins as needed. Please be careful playing in the desert, she is unrelenting and surreal. Drink plenty of water and enjoy your created paved bliss. Deep within our psyche is this abyss that holds all of our dreams and passions. This liquid pool needs revival once in awhile. We are meant to be in tune with nature. Nurture that bond once in a while with the wild wonderful beautiful surrounding us. Go outside! Unplug your headphones and run on that pavement with the noises of nature surrounding you as you are part of its cycle. The balance of being in tune with nature, for it is our cycle of being. It's the reasons for why, and all of our doubts. Know sometimes we have to embrace the universe accept its gifts and enjoy its happiness that it has planned for you. Once in a while these gears need to be fixed and honed to make sure that it's functional. Run, jump, leap and enjoy this big whole wide world. "Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better." Albert Einstein. A man whom had ultimate fame, beautiful mind, and such strength seeks such simplicity with our world. We could truly learn a lot. Open your mind, see the world through another's eyes and go outside!

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!