If you're looking to experience the beauty of the Mojave Desert while visiting Las Vegas, Red Rock…read moreCanyon is absolutely worth adding to your itinerary. The scenic drive is a 13-mile one-way loop with numerous pull-offs where you can stop, take photos, and enjoy some incredible views. There are more than 25 hiking trails that branch off the scenic loop, ranging from short nature walks to challenging hikes. I visited in May, and for me, it was already a little too hot to enjoy hiking in the desert. We drove the scenic loop and stopped at several trailheads, walking a short distance down many of the trails before heading back to the air-conditioned car. We quickly realized we weren't prepared for the desert heat, but it gave us a great preview of what the area has to offer. Even without completing any of the hikes, I was amazed by the colorful rock formations, desert landscape, and scenic overlooks. There are plenty of places to pull over and simply appreciate the views without committing to a long hike. Next time, I'd definitely visit during the cooler months so I can spend more time exploring the trails. If you plan to hike, be sure to bring plenty of water, wear sun protection, and start early in the day. Even if you only drive the loop, Red Rock Canyon is a beautiful escape from the Las Vegas Strip and well worth the visit.

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.

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

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.

The hiking outside of Vegas was a great treat! My dad & I flew into Vegas for a day before heading…read moreoff for a week of Utah backpacking. Our flight arrived early a.m. & we had a lot of time to kill waiting for my sister's evening flight, so we headed off to check out the scenery around Vegas. We weren't staying on the strip so we were able to get a taste of the city away from the typical tourist spots. We drove toward the mountains bordering Vegas while using Yelp to direct us to a place to hike. We arrived at the red rocky mountainous terrain & felt like we were a world away from the bright neon lights. The red rocks were strikingly beautiful but the hiking & scrambling upwards is what we enjoyed the most and the effort was rewarded with scenic views. It was a side of Vegas that I wasn't aware existed. I've visited Vegas several times throughout my life and always with friends & had never strayed away from the strip. I forgot we were hiking around Vegas while here & felt like I was in a remote area of the southwest. We were able to meet many locals that greeted us kindly and chatted with us, even giving useful advice for some scenic sights to stop off to see on the road trip to Zion. We only had a few hours to explore but we wished we had more as there was plenty here to see & we were interested in going deeper into the area. I highly recommend the hiking & scenic views. I now have a more beautiful image come to mind when reminded of Vegas.

This weekend I was taken on the most amazing hike at Mt Charleston. The views were spectacular and…read morethe perfect 70° weather made me forget I was in Vegas during one of the hottest months of the year. The drive up there took about 40 minutes, not bad at all. This was my first hike but definitely not my last. Josh is awesome. I never felt rushed and we took a few breaks throughout the trail. I will definitely be booking another one soon! Happy Hiking

We went on a windy day and although the views are great, the wind was not. We parked at the casino…read moreand they have a nice little trailhead that's well marked. Overall, I would recommend the trail but not when it's windy. It also provides little areas of shade so super hot days are probably not the best either. This trail does have areas of higher traffic. It also has so incline to it.

Semi tough trail and climb. Can get windy and extremely cold. Check the weather and dress…read moreappropriately. I definitely brought my water back pack and did it's job. We climbed to the radar tower and the climb down is worst. Knees hurt but the remedy is Blueberry Hill pancakes. After 6 miles...it was worth is. Bring a group but at-least 3-4 people to help motivate each other. Try it!

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.

First few miles are easy in a stock Jeep with larger tires. Great views and some wonderful off the…read morebeaten path trail heads.

Rocky Gap Road (aka potato ridge) runs from the Willow Springs Picnic Area in Red Rock Canyon to…read moreLovell Canyon Rd in the Spring Mountains. RGR is 8.6 miles. While some people may attempt this road by car, I strongly suggest making your way though with a high-clearance 4WD vehicle unless you want to get stuck or just end up turning around because you realize you can't make it. The road is rocky and rough (living up to the name of the road) in most areas where it's been washed out. This road also provides access to different hikes, so always be aware and keep your eyes open especially during those nicer months when the area is more crowded with hikers. As long as you have the proper vehicle, gear and essentials this is a beautiful and scenic area to check out.

The views at the overlook are just wonderful and breathtaking. The trail up is well maintained, and…read morepretty steadily inclined, so pace yourself and take as many micro-breaks as you need. I took my dog and paused for him to catch his breath a few times, so it took just under 2 hours to get to the top. I was more focused on enjoying the trip than racing to the top. We saw a few deer on our way up which was cool. And we encountered an awful lot of horse poop, so watch your step lol. Once you get to the clearing at the top where a few other trails shoot off, you walk towards the right and just over the hill you will see the sweeping view of the canyon. I waited a few minutes for a large group of hikers to leave and then I had the entire place to myself for about 15 minutes. I was very careful and walked out over the rocks a bit to get a better view, but PLEASE be careful because one false step and you will have a long fall below you. I loved how quiet and peaceful this hike was, would totally do it again.

With its breathtaking views of Coxcomb Ridge, Kyle Canyon below, Mount Charleston and Mummy…read moreMountain; the ridge above Trail Canyon is a slice of Heaven. The Trail Canyon Trail is the stairway to Heaven. The most direct route to this stairway to heaven from Las Vegas is US 95 to Kyle Canyon Road (Nevada Route 157). I suggest filling up before the 18 mile drive to the trailhead. In 18 miles, the road nearly climbs 6,000 feet in elevation. The road shoots Northwest toward the end of Kyle Canyon. Immediately past the Fire House, the road abruptly changes direction on a hairpin curve. Before the hairpin curve, you want to keep straight the on Echo Drive. There will be a sign directing motorists to Mary Jane Falls, which shares the same parking lot. A few hundred feet the turn off is to the left. The Trail Canyon trailhead is on the north side of the unpaved parking lot. Please keep in mind that this is a strenuous hike where water is essential. If you forgot to bring water, I recommend stopping at the Mount Charleston Inn to pick up a water bottle. Trail Canyon Trail is a stairway to heaven that requires a workout to reach the mesmerizing views at the top. From the start of the trail which really is the westernmost point of Kyle Canyon to the saddle below Coxcomb Ridge and Mummy Mountain, the trail immediately climbs uphill on a two mile hike that ascends 1,500 feet elevation. It starts off at 7,785 feet at the trailhead to 9,308 feet at the top. To give you an idea of how strenuous the trail is, it is higher than climbing the Stratosphere Tower that stands at 1,149 feet. This is a workout to the sights and sounds of nature in a forest covered with Ponderosa pine, aspin trees, Bristlecone pine, and white fir. There is sufficient shade and logs along the trail, that provide relaxing places to pause and take a breather. I witnessed a few hikers getting out of breath. My strategy was to take timed breaks. I'd walk maybe 15 minutes, sit on a log and set my alarm for ten minutes. These were scenic spots to appreciate the limestone vistas of Coxcomb Ridge, chirping birds, woodpeckers pecking on trees, and the light breeze blowing through the forest. There was no other way around the timed breaks. This was my strategy for reaching Trail Canyon, previous hikes, and hopefully Charleston Peak. Speaking of Charleston Peak, Trail Canyon Trail overlaps the leading two miles of the Mount Charleston Hike. Every mile, I passed a sign advertising the mile achievement toward Charleston Peak. At the top of Trail Canyon, that I metaphorically called Heaven, is the junction for the North Loop Trail. Where Trail Canyon Trail ends at this breathtaking view, Charleston Peak bound hikers will make a left to continue on the North Loop Trail and follow it 6 miles to the peak. When I walked back down to the trailhead a couple hikers asked me if I reached the top. They were talking about Charleston Peak. After this hike, I more than ever wanted to hike to Charleston Peak. Despite the 1,500 uphill gain, this is a hike that is safe. The dangers of steep and slippery hills is nonexistent here. The climb is gradual on relatively smooth topography. On the leading segment where it leaves civilization for the Wilderness Area, it follows a wash on straight stretches with gradual elevation gain. Near the last half mile, it then follows a few switchbacks that conclude at the saddle where the trail ends at the North Loop Trail. The saddle is the spot to take in the beauty of nature. This is one of the grandest vistas of Mummy's Mountain. When you turn your head to the left, there is Charleston Peak towering above the Spring Mountains. Turning your head further are the canopy of treetops extending into Kyle Canyon below. Turning your head all the way are the majestic limestone cliffs of the Coxcomb Ridge. Resting your head, there is a level of calmness of being one with nature in a slice of Heaven up in the Stratosphere.