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

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.

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.

Amazing hike! Short (for a difficult hike), adventurous, challenging, and real fun with a view…read morethat's more than worth the journey it'll take you to get up there. I did this hike on MLK day with perfect hiking weather. We ended up going extra long on the Rocky Gap road, but the weather actually made it a pleasant walk. You're in a canyon with gorgeous views of La Madre and Red Rock mountains. We actually missed the beginning of the actual North Peak trail, which would have saved us about 3 miles total. However, we did take that missed trail on the way back and it was a lot steeper and rough! It would have probably taken us about the same time going up on that trail. The view at the end was absolutely magical. Surprisingly, there was just about no wind at the peak, so it made for a pleasant extended stay. There is also an ammo can with a journal to log in your accomplishments. There is some fun scrambling at the last stretch of the hike once you can see the peak in view. The great part about taking on these difficult hikes is that there's likely to be nobody on the trial so that you may be in more intimate with nature.

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

Nice trails off the main highway on the way from Vegas to pahrump that are free to access and do…read morehave a restroom. The trails go for a bit and have beautiful views of the mountains all around. Overall, the trails are pretty flat and are in the easier side, with lots of grave/rocks though. Much of the hike is in direct sun, so be prepared for that if coming mid-day. The rubber ducky trail is off of here where you can see the tree decorated with rubber ducks. It's a bit silly, but is a fun draw for the area.

Wow, what a wonderful trailhead! Note that this trailhead is in the middle of nowhere before you…read morereach Pahrump, so there is absolutely no cellphone reception in the area. This is a great trailhead for those that are new to hiking or just love hiking in general. The trails are mostly flat that loops around (5 miles total) and you have amazing Mountain View's all around. It was really windy that day so because of this we didn't hike the whole 5 miles. Though I was wearing the appropriate shoes and had a full bottle of water and walking sticks on me, I still felt like I wasn't really prepared for this trail, since I had my hands full and I did not have a backpack on me. Though I live in Henderson, making the 30+ minute drive out of the city to hike Late Night was definitely worth it! While it was windy overall, the temperature wasn't too hot or too cold to hike.

Updated info for them locals and for anyone who's planning an amazing hike....I've gone through and…read morethrough this trail three times absolutely 10/10 kinda disappointed it was closed but now I know

A really scenic trail that's off the beaten path. Not too many people hit this trail but it's super…read moreunderrated! Easy parking and moderate hike. Can bring dogs but just watch out for rocks

Desert hike in the Fall makes for a good Sat! Not crowded but saw hikers, bikers and rock…read moreclimbers. Good trails & a wash behind the Reverance neighborhood that was a bit rocky to walk on. Get out and walk!

I found this trail last year on a quick stop to this park. I then forgot about it till Norm K…read morereminded me. With Covid19 on the prowl, hubby and I got up before sunrise and headed out to hike. When we arrived, the only cars there were the police. The park technically opens at 7am but I asked the officer if it was okay to be there and he flagged us in. The trail is a 4.5 mile loop according to my watch and goes both directions. We opted to go right. Initially, you are hiking just above homes off of the 215 and also above a new park in the area. As you continue to hike, the trail turns more remote. The morning was just perfect. It was warm enough that we both only had to wear light jackets. Lots of wild flowers blooming. The trail curves to the left and there are a few markers to let you know you are on the trail. This trail also allows mountain bikers so I believe the markers are set up for them. The trail is primarily dirt, loose rocks and some solid granite here and there to hike up and over. Once you get around to the back side of the mountain, the view changes. This is yet another picturesque and different view of Redrock Canyon. There is even a slight glimpse of Turtlehead Peak. You will see more trails that extend further back into the mountains which allows you to add more mileage to your hike. We plan to come back and go deeper. For this hike, we stayed on the trail. This trail features two levels of trail in some areas. We always opted to go up higher for better views and a better workout. As you come around the last bend, the new Summerlin neighborhood of Reverence comes into view and before you know it, you are done. This was definitely a fun trail to complete when time is limited or one is just looking for a little time with Mother Nature. As always, please leave no trace and this includes your dogs poop too. Enjoy!