The trip was amazing! Both tour guides directed us the…read morewhole way and made it super fun. They took photos along the entire way so I never really pulled out my phone. Would def do it again! Perfect for groups too

Such an amazing experience!! We went out to kayak with our whole family and it was unforgettable…read more We even saw a bald eagle! At the beginning, my sister was very anxious but Blair, the tour guide, took the time to calm her down and reassure her of her safety. After we came back, she was smiling from ear to ear. Thank you to Blair for your kindness!! It added to a memory that will live with us forever

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.

I hike part of the Shoreline Trail several times each winter when the temperatures permit. The…read moreShoreline Trail stretches from the former Las Vegas Bay boat launch area to the 3 Islands Overlook at 33 Hole about 2 miles south. When I hike this trail, it's because I'm hiking through what's known as White Owl Canyon and after going through some pipes to get to the old road, I return to the car by joining the Shoreline Trail about a mile from the parking area for 33 Hole and the 3 Islands Lookout. Some volunteers have done some nice work over the last couple of years by placing boulders along the trail so one knows where to go. This section has changed over the 7 years or so that I've been hiking the trail. The boulders work now because the level of the lake has fallen so much there's little danger that the trail will be covered by water and the rocks become useless. In fact, it has been very discouraging to watch the level of the lake drop so much that you now have to leave the trail to get to the edge of a stream that was once the lake. It is nice to see the water fowl and it's a pleasant hike when temperatures permit.

YELP 365 CHALLENGE 2014-(313/365) "A Hiking We Will Go! "…read more Any time there's a chance to explore the outdoors, it's an automatic 5 stars for me. Add to that, a bunch of great people and our resident hike expert Norm leading the pack, you got yourself one heck of an excursion! There were 10 of us on this chilly morning and it was my first time inside the Lake Mead Area. The views here are so breathtaking, pictures and reviews don't do any justice...you gotta get out there and experience this yourself! This hike is about 3 miles and involves different elevations, a bit of rock scrambling, going through a few tunnels and a brief time inside owl canyon where we saw great rock formations, and even an owl who was guarding his/her huge nest nearby. there were also tons of clam shells scattered around and old Budweiser and Coors cans from the peel tab era. There also was a random wood frame kinda thing during our hike which made all of us clueless as to why anything was being constructed. After a short walk on the paved road way, we looped around and began the trek back to our cars along the rock formed trail taking in the awesome scenery and a last scramble up the same hill we first went down back to the parking lot. Thanks again Norm for another great hike, and we'll join you on the trail once again for your next hike! ALOHA!!! Shaka Meter: \uuu/ \uuu/ \uuu/ \uuu/ \uuu/ 5

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.

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's fun and laidback. The slot canyon section is short but it was very peaceful out there. Only…read moresaw to other parties (total of three people).

Absolutely gorgeous Head out there before the weather gets…read moretoo hot Vegas has a little of everything Hiking, fine dining, clubs, shows The options are endless

A must for locals and visitors. Amazing mini adventure and view that requires more diligence than…read morethe usual beginner hikes, and requires light climbing/scrambling. DON'T miss your exit from the scenic loop route to get there.... Because it's a 1 way route (3rr exit). The hike takes around 40min-1hour to finish. For those who don't exercise like me, maybe 1-3 breaks would help but expect jelly legs half way there. Below are some instructions for myself that could be helpful to you. I posted photos from beginning of our drive, to the trail to Amazon end hike view. Fee at Entrance: $15 Vehicle. Takes credit card. No wifi reception at entrance gate for rsvp and during parts of scenic drive. Some patches of wifi. Scenic Loop Route to find your stop is one way 25miles-ish/40minutes-ish. So don't miss your in between destination stop. Can't go back. Exit 1: Calico I Exit 2: Calico II Exit 3: Sandstone Quarry (with Calico Tanks trail is the most popular/View of Vegas) Etc with other stops. There's 2 restrooms with toilet paper and maybe some sanitizer. Trail: Calico Trails to Sandstone Quarry. There will be signs or at se point just a bunch of rocks bundled to make a pole stand...follow those. There will be man made steps to areas that is harder to identify as a trail...so just use your best judgement on what works best for you to move forward/up. Sandstone Quarry's Calico Tanks is not for entry level. But it's possible with - breaks, - if you have the ability to climb/down climb - ability and being light foot would help (I'm clumsy). Coming from no exercise/hiking person....it's like a stair master situation, where your thighs will feel like jello. Canyonish hiking - Terrain changes from shards/pebbles to sandy, to boulders. - Rocks looks smooth and slippery but actually has sand paper grip here. - Easy chill beginning, middle stair master to light climbing boulders. Coming down requires more attention to not slip or mis-step. - The shade is very cool in temperature. Basically little to no shade. Secret little box of letters at the end. There is a pen and maybe some paper space. We had a Costco receipt, so just put our couples name and date of the hike. Enjoy!

Sandstone Quarry is one of the most popular stopping spots by tourists and locals. There is a…read morehistory to the area. There are several multi-ton blocks of sandstone abandoned when the third try at quarrying sandstone declared bankruptcy in 1912 and the quarry closed. The Bureau of Land Management contracted to have several parking areas and the Scenic Drive re-done at the Red Rock Canyon NCA. Sandstone Quarry was one of them. There are extra parking spaces that were added when the lot was enlarged. This is the starting point for 3 hikes or just a casual explore. You can hike the Grand Circle, Calico Tanks, or Turtlehead Peak from the lot. Unless you're doing the Grand Circle in sections, starting here is not a good idea. I have been to this area countless times to document Indian rock art and artifacts, to hike, or to just enjoy the explorations that can be done from here. The sandstone cliffs beckon and there's much to see. There is a pit toilet at the parking area.

Fun fact: Southern Nevada's Spring Mountain NRA has 7 different climate zones, a change in habitat…read morethat is similar to traveling from Mexico to the Canadian Arctic. SOURCE: Travel Nevada. There are also groves of Great Basin Bristlecone Pines--one of the oldest species on Earth that are only found in NV, CA, and UT--as well as at least 20 endemic species (that are found nowhere else on Earth). Home Means Nevada. :)

Early May, 2024. (Arriving on a Sunday, leaving on Monday). We spent two days, including one night…read morecamping, in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (NRA) which includes Mount Charleston. Administered by the US Department of Agriculture's Forest Service, the entrance is just 17 miles from Hwy 95 on Rte 157 or 45 minutes (and a world away) from the hustle and bustle - and heat - of the Las Vegas strip. Sunday. We started at the Visitor Gateway, where there are helpful staff and maps to help you to plan your stay. In addition, there is a gift shop, clean restrooms, an amphitheater, picnic areas, and trailheads to the Pack Rat Route and the Escarpment Trails. Next on our itinerary were a pair of scenic drives. From the Visitors Gateway, we traveled a short distance on Rte 157, until intersecting with Rte 158, which took us up the windy mountain road. We passed the entrances to The Resort on Mount Charleston, various trailheads, picnic areas, and campgrounds. We stopped at the Desert View Overlook, walking the short interpretive trail and taking photos. We continued in Rte 158 until we intersected with Rte 156, which we took left to the Lee Canyon ski area, passing picnic areas, campgrounds, and trailheads along the way. We then turned around, and went back down the mountain. Upon again intersecting with Rte 157, we took it to its terminus at the Mount Charleston Lodge. Our final destination was our campsite at the Fletcher View Campground (reviewed separately). Monday. We returned to the Visitors Gateway, and did the two "more difficult" hikes that originated there -- the Pack Rat Route (only 0.4 mi) is short, paved, and very steep. If you do it as a loop, the trail is somewhat washed out towards the end. Pack Rat connected to the 2.4 mile Escarpment Trail, which takes you above the cliffs and to some wonderful mountain views. Both of these trails are for hiking only. No bikes or horses. Some things to note: *The Visitors Gateway provides a good map of the area which I've posted a Yelp (in Spanish). It shows trails (including hiking, cycling, equestrian, and interpretative), campgrounds, picnic areas, restrooms, etc. *The map also highlights the trails in the NRA, with ratings of easy to moderate to more difficult to most difficult. It also provides distances, but not elevation changes. *When we were there (May, 2024), at least 6 trails, including the popular Mary Jane Falls Trail, were closed due to storm damage.