Easy hike with beautiful views…read more Parking is on Sunset Dr in a small parking lot. It is safe and right next to the trailhead, From the trailhead it is an easy .4 mile uphill hike to get to the top of the Mesa. From there it is flat. There are benches with view points. It is dig friendly.

If you're looking for a good place for a scenic walk or to do some hiking or biking, I can…read morethoroughly recommend the Whitney Mesa Recreation Area. Located in Henderson, this is really easy to get to, with parking right on Sunset road, just be sure to look out for the entrance carefully since it is easy to miss until you know where it is. I believe there are other entrances too. The initial part of the trail is a moderate uphill climb, but nothing too difficult, and after this the trail is basically flat, being a loop with various different offshoots and overlooks, most of which have benches where you can rest and enjoy the scenery. The views of the valley really are spectacular, making this one of my favorite places to get some good outdoor exercise. The main loop is approximately 3 miles in length. In the hot months, definitely be sure to bring plenty of water and use ample sun protection because these trails have zero cover or shade.

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.

Get out to explore more …read more... This walking trail tours both sides of Henderson and Boulder City. It's a great hike that has been sculpted for the individual to walk through a path and even venture out into a little off roading too. Are you looking to bike and explore? The biking experience here is great? Lots of great terrain! Be careful and take it easy. The cliff faces will just keep going with you sliding down if you're not careful. When walking make sure and be prepared. Come and enjoy the views of nature. At this point observe the seasons . For some moments even in summer it's cold enough to need a light jacket. Bring water, this is the outdoors . Take the path and walk a little. Clear your mind and seek the light that comes with going out side. Shall we begin.

I've not hiked nor ridden the full 34 miles of the River Mountains Loop Trail and probably never…read morewill. I simply don't have that kind of stamina. But I have walked a couple of different portions of it covering several miles. Most recently I walked from around mile 11 to roughly mile 13. This section has some steep grades that I struggled to get back up. What can I say? I'm out of shape. A few weeks earlier I walked a bit of the section from Rail Road pass towards Henderson. This was more flat and a fairly easy walk. Not the most scenic. The nearby rail line is cool. The path close to and behind a hotel tower is not so great. And the parking lot was full of people living in vans. All that was misisng was the river. That wasn't so nice. Next I would like to walk a portion through or near Boulder City. The area around Bootleg Canyon should be nice. I look forward to checking it out in the weeks to come.

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

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

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!

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!

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!