I could return here over and over and never tire of the magnificence of the vistas, the stone and…read morethe chaparral. We did some hiking, breathed in the dry Nevada mountain air. It was 34 and not a drop of sweat. LOL. Easy to get lost in one's thoughts by the pure beauty of this magical place.

This place has such breathtaking beauty! It's located near Las Vegas. I had ordered the timed entry…read moreticket online in order to make sure I can at least get in if I don't get there before 8 am. It was $22 per vehicle. First stop was to the Visitor Center to get a map and ask for suggestions if I wanted an easy hike. I can see how much they cared about this place by seeing how many maintenance workers there were. After leaving the Visitor Center, I did the scenic route. The landscape was beautiful with all the different types of rocks there were. I ended up not actually doing the full hike that I planned, but it was a worthy time to spend my time here.

I was born and raised in Las Vegas and have visited Redrock Canyon countless times throughout my…read morelife. I gaze at the majestic sandstone spires and colorful formations in complete awe every time I see them. The range looks like a biblical tidal wave of stone on the verge of cresting over west Las Vegas. It has been a lifelong dream of mine to explore and camp above this magical range. I have hiked all over the different trails to include oak creek and first creek and was never able to find my way to the peaks south of the highest point Mt Wilson. I probably could have used technical rope climbing to get there but that's not my thing. One day as I searched youtube I found a video posted by foryoursuccess that mentioned a place called little zion. I watched as this man hiked the beautiful escarpment of where the limestone meets the sandstone and saw vistas that were even more beautiful than I could imagine. Through some creative use of Google maps I was able to identify the trail head in Mountain Springs and somewhat of a route. I called up my good friend Paul W. and set a date to find this illusive and magical place. You first come to limestone peak where there is a sign in log for those who find it. It is an up and down trail with little limestone ball bearings that will send you flying if you are not wearing appropriate shoes. The view of the back side of the sandstone peaks takes the experience to another level, It seems that every 20 yards exposes a different view that's worthy of winning a photo contest or gracing the cover of an outdoor magazine. The trail pretty much goes along the top of mountains that make the western skyline north of Mt Potosi. There are a few other peaks you can hike to however we weren't stopping until we found Little Zion. As we marched along the limestone peaks that were carved be the elements for millions of years they stood stoic in beautiful anger with their sharp edges and deadly cliffs. Finally we located the magical valley. There is kind of a trail down to it. Once there you forget where you are as you stand in the shadows of pine trees that appear to be growing out of rock. There is a land bridge on the west end of this little slice of heaven. We ate a quick meal, explored a little bit and hiked on out. A little over 4 miles each way with some challenging uphill and down hill. My friend and I then made plans to camp overnight in this place. We researched some alternate routes and made a plan to be dropped off. We started off Lovell Canyon Rd off SR160 west of Mountain Springs. There are tons of trails and roads. Silly me for not printing out a map of the route I picked after painstakingly reviewing Google earth. My friend did the same. We were dropped off and once we got to a place where there was cell service, we discovered we were a touch off course. A 2 mile hike turned into a 7.5 mile grind through raw terrain. With heavy packs and extra water we scoffed at our GPS's and truly believed they were wrong. We made our adjustment and pushed our limits of pain to a new zip code. We finally made it to the magic place called Little Zion for an overnight camping trip. We set up camp and ate like kings. It was windy yet extremely beautiful. It was a great time though we got an extra workout in going a few extra miles. We hiked out and took the trail back to Mountain Springs. This hike is not for the faint of heart and is not really easy to find. The landscape is extremely treacherous yet beautiful. Bring lots of water and wear good shoes. If you are interested in this magic spot the GPS cords are N36'03.065' W115'28.656' the elevation is 5822 ft. Enjoy and remember to pack out what you pack in to keep this magic place in its current pristine state.

Little Zion (LZ)? WTF, is that? Zack M. told me of tales of this location and it stoked the…read moreprimal fires that dwelled within me (and all of us for that matter) to find this magical place. Having moved to Vegas and been a visitor of Red Rock many times, I dug deep into the memory housing group to find any recollection of previous tales told about this location. I could come up with nothing. Some google searches along with some YouTube videos would arm us with just enough intel for a future trek. On February 14, 2016, we would push out with limited knowledge but a disheveled pioneer spirit and explore. The initial exploration was an amazing experience! Starting off from Potosi Pass we climbed both in elevation and spirit as we took in views heading north along the escarpment. Various views of the Vegas Valley and wonderment of ancient sandstone peaks fueled each step forward. When LZ came into view (See Zack M's GPS coordinates) we made for assent into the beautiful canyon. It was a totally different perspective looking east instead of being several thousand feet below and looking west. On this particular day, ice was still around. It coated the slaps of ancient sandstone. This required one to walk gingerly or risk becoming a casualty. Upon reaching the bottom we were amazed at the beautiful Ponderosa Pines which provided ideal camping location. A deal was struck to visit again and sleep under these beautiful trees at a later time. A short walk to the cliffs on the east side give one an eagle eye view of Bonnie Springs, Red Rock and the Vegas Valley. From the pass, one can expect a little over 4 mile journey to LZ and (depending on where you drop down and exit) the same amount heading back. On April 22, 2016 (Earth Day), we made good on our agreement to chill under the Ponderosa. While attempting to find a shorter route, we each reviewed google map and google. We however, did not confirm any of our perspectives on a shorter journey with one another. Mistake learned and not to be repeated. Our infiltration point was somewhere off Lovell Canyon Road put us over seven miles away from the Pines (Did not know at the time). Delirium would cause us both to miss read our GPS systems. Every ridge line was a mind fuck. What was meant to be a staycation of sorts, turned into a death march (with a happy ending). Our packs were heavy and we both marched with a gallon of water in hand. The wind.....ahhhh...the wind nipped at our faces and our souls. I have always operated under the idea that anger is better than despair. Zack M. was the opposite of my foul mood. His optimism and at one time producing two 12 oz. cans of Miller Light from his heavy pack kept me motivated to lay my head under the pines. Eventually, we would find LZ after a 7+ mile bush busting trek. Goods time were had as we attempted to figure out my Biolite stove while attempting to charge my cell phone (did not work). We at Meals Ready To Eat and sipped unicorn tears. The wind continued to be the bane of our adventure. The view of valley partially obscured by particulate matter. The full moon spoiled. With all that..there was still a sense of accomplishment. The morning would come early and after a meal of Quinoa & oats, and some Mountain House biscuits & gravy....we packed up our still heavy packs and made for our exfiltration at a familiar place...the pass of Potosi. As I bleed over my keyboard, I am still recovering from this most recent adventure. But as I heal, I can now laugh at the trials and tribulations of an adventure and wish that I was sleeping under the pines tonight.

My first ever hike that I took 16 years ago in Vegas. I took there so many friends, I took there…read morehusband when we were dating and now my kids. It never fails, it's super easy and in the spring so beautiful when snow is melting and provides creek with water. I have to say that with growing population of our city, this hike is super popular too. It was packed this past Sunday. Just be prepared. Kids were talking about waterfall for days. Our nature is so different and so beautiful

In A Nutshell:…read more -First Creek Trail is nice little out & back trail system 8 miles down the road, just outside Red Rock Canyon. -You will may see some wild donkeys grazing if you keep scanning your environment. -The trail is dog friendly. -You will engage in various terrain consisting of both desert, shrubs, trees & water in the creek. -The sound of fresh water flowing is nice, especially when you don't hear it over human voices. Overall, this is an easy hike to start your day off right.

I hiked Gateway Canyon today and there have been some changes to the hike as a result of the flash…read moreflooding that we had this summer and fall. It is a more difficult hike than it was. There was one area soon after entering the canyon that was an easy walk on the sandstone to get to the lower level. Now it's a butt slide you must do carefully. There was some sign that some have tried to do a walk around but we didn't check to see if there was another way. There's a second drop off that is problematic. The flooding washed some gravel from the base of the sandstone. We got around this by carefully climbing up some sandstone to bypass the difficult area. One of our group couldn't do that and she slid down the sandstone and landed on her shoulder. Just a bit sore. There are also some new places where boulders have been placed below to make the step down easier. I'm not sure I'd take friends from out of town on this hike unless another heavy rain changes things again for the better like it did once before. If you do this hike, do it carefully!

A group of us hiked here today but was more of an exploratory…read more This canyon is located in the Calico Basin side of The Red Rock. It is a moderately strenuous 4-6 mile hike. The 3-mile Kraft Mountain Loop, also called Gateway Canyon Loop, circumnavigates Kraft Mountain, that borders the north side of Calico Basin. The route starts heading northwest across desert flats on a use-trail. Following Gateway Wash, the route passes a few spots of easy rock scrambling and seasonal pools of water. Most of our exploratory was on the east of Turtle Head Peak in Upper Gateway Canyon Trail. This is not on the scenic route. Temperature: Same as Las Vegas Distance: 4-6 mile loop Elevation change: 600 feet Hiking time: 3-4 hours Elevation Trailhead: 3,700 feet Elevation Saddle: 4,300 feet

You will enter the Park, entering the fee area and driving approximately 9 miles along the loop to…read morePine Creek Canyon trailhead. We did a lot of scrambling and bouldering today. It took us about 10 miles/6 hrs, 20,000 steps. I burned 13K cal. Just go as far as you can, then you can always retrace your steps. Difficulty: moderate-difficult. Children: No. Dogs: No. Scrambling: 3 of 5 Difficulty: 3 of 5 Danger level: 3 You will be treated to some beautiful waterfalls, colorful rocks and sparkling pools. We also heard grunts, maybe from big horn sheep :) We saw a cool natural bridge along the way. Remember this hike is NOT for beginners. Average hikers will feel challenged. Bring 2 litre of water, small meal. Electrolytes are always recommended for any hike.

This is another hidden Red Rock gem that doesn't get as much traffic as some other hikes. Located…read moreoff the Pine Creek trail head, this is a great hike for intermediate people. There is a lot of bouldering/scrambling and it gives a great full body workout. You should be able to lift your entire body weight in some places, some spots may be difficult to climb. Elevation gain is around 1200 ft and it's 6 miles roundtrip. Not a kid friendly or dog friendly hike. This is a great hike in the spring after the snow melt, there will be moving water through the wash at times. Along the way there is a "wishing wall", don't forget to put a rock in it!

Nice hike with a partially shaded trail that ends up with some rock scrambling. Be prepared to walk…read moreover a lot of rocks on this hike (that is basically the challenge of it). When it rains, there is a waterfall in the back of the canyon that is lovely. Otherwise, its still pretty with dramatic rocks and some nice views. The parking lot is small, so plan accordingly to get a parking spot before your hike. Sometimes it's a challenge.

My local friend took me on this amazing hike when temps were hovering 100 degrees. The canyon is…read moremostly shaded and there was nice scrambling to the top. Not much water due to the lack of rain, but I didn't know what was at the end of the trail and I was absolutely amazed when I found out. Spectacular and so unexpected. Trailhead has limited partaking and when we left there were people waiting. Please come and create your own adventure.

Such a cool loop!…read more We're so lucky to have Red Rock Canyon so close to town and there are so many areas you can explore without entering the paid loop. This is one of them and I recommend checking out the little town of Blue Diamond as well where you can park safely and then go exploring. The loop itself is just under 8 miles. Depending on which part of it you hike your experience can include burros, an abandoned ranch, rubber ducks, and even a shot up classic car. This particular loop is free. You can begin the trail from several different areas. There's no shade so best time to be here is on much cooler days typically Oct - Apr. Also keep in mind that desert weather can turn on you very quickly so sometimes your hike starts with blue skies but can end up with clouds or even rain. So take advantage of the best time of year in Vegas which is now! Explore beyond Red Rock Canyon loop and have a lot of fun.

Great time at Landmine, Spanish trail to rubber ducky always a good time especially when the…read moreweather is this nice. If you go it's best the day after a mice rain. If it has rain d in a while then you'll probably encounter more loose gravel but that's ok because it just adds to the challenge. You can start your ride from Blue Diamond or leave a vehicle at Blue Diamond and shuttle up to "Late Night" on Blue Diamond highway. From "Late Night" you can take trails like: Mustang, viagra to land mine and then back into Blue Diamond. So many different trail systems! Lots of good inclines and fast down hills.

Make a reservation unless it is the summer…read more Tried to go here in February, but the scenic loop drive was fully booked. Came on a weekend in August instead. No waiting when the weather reaches triple digits. The view is stunning. Just did a short hike because it is hot, hot, hot in the summer. Make sure to bring plenty of water, a hat and apply sunscreen. Definitely worth a stop. Plenty of parking available in the summer. Bonus, no crowds! Note: Use your National Park Pass for admission and stamp your National Park Passport. Take pictures, leave footsteps.

I love learning new skills and I was fortunate enough to learn rock scrambling from some of the…read moremost experienced folks in the LV hiking scene. Our intro session was at Calico Hills. I didn't think this was even possible to summit but we hiked and did scrambling up to Class 4. Amazing. The Red Rocks is truly an amazing playground and I look forward to coming back and exploring more. Easy parking. Restroom at trailhead. Please come And create your own adventure.

Lost Creek Children's Discovery Trail is inside the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area…read morewhich is about 21 miles from downtown Las Vegas, Nevada. USA, baby! Not a five star experience for the simple fact that the trail was not clearly marked. I mean, come on, this was created for children. Adults need to be present, but I'm the kind of parent that encourages my kids to figure out stuff on their own. Kind of hard when there are areas that look like the trail, but they weren't. For that matter, snap a photo of the map before you head down the 0.6 mile loop. Other than that, the trail is super easy for active kids. Mine hustled me through it in about 30 minutes. Lol. The elevation does not get incredibly steep, but if you're carrying other children it might get slightly to moderately difficult for a short while. Nothing too dangerous. My kiddos loved walking over the boardwalk, pretending to be mountain lions in a cave-like area, staring up at the colorful rocks, throwing rocks in the dry arroyo, reading some of the trail info, and pretending to slide down a slick bedroom-sized rock formation. The waterfall and creek was bone dry when we were there on 6/8/21. The weather was in the upper 90s. Parking is free and plentiful with your pass into Red Rock. There are restrooms near the lot.

With this PLANdemic going on. We try to stay busy, and made sure that our little 1 1/2 year old…read moregets his outdoor time to burn energy off. I was looking for a good hiking trail that was kid friendly, and I stumbled upon this. It is located in the Red Rock conservation area. There is an entrance fee of $10 per vehicle. Which isn't bad since it is 13 miles of scenic drive/area. We definitely enjoyed this hike.It took us about an 1hr to 1 1/2hr to finish the trail, and that was with our little boy and our puppy. We only took one snack break, and our little boy walked most of it (with a little bribery with a lollipop ). The hike has enough shade, so it wasn't too hot. I love how it wasn't too steep, so it wasn't scary for our little one. The hike had enough scenery, and we definitely enjoyed it. I heard there's a small waterfall, and pond, but we weren't able to see it due to it being dried out. Lots of trees and plants for kids to see and enjoy. Just like any hike. Bring a backpack with snacks and water, wear sunscreen, and comfortable shoes and clothing. It is such a super easy hike. We will definitely do this again.

Didn't know that Red Rock Canyon requires a timed park pass for entry. Had to settle for the Red…read moreRock Canyon Overlook instead. Located just a few minutes drive from Red Rock Canyon, it was perfect for a quick stop while we explored the area. Limited parking, but we found a spot early on a Saturday morning. Lots of bikers which occupied much of the parking area. Great views on a sunny weekend morning. Perfect to snap a few photos before heading to Cactus Joe's and the state park.

It was a very cold day. Just stopped to take photos did not dress properly so we left. Wish we had…read moremore time.