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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I have hiked this trail a couple times now. It really is a great workout with some quick elevation…read moregain. I had no idea this peak actually has a name. I believe it's approximately 4.5 miles although my watch said less upon completion. Lots of uphill and for those that need them, bring your poles for the steeper downhill. There is really no shade on this trail so it's best to hike it in the fall, winter or spring. Views at the top are beautiful on a clear day and one can really see how much our city has grown. There is a cute little alcove in the mountain where it looks like a mini living room. It used to have a chair and wind chimes but they were gone when I last hiked this trail in November. This is the only area with some shade in the morning. A great way to get outside and enjoy some fresh air. Remember to #leavenotrace

Beautiful views! Get off the strip and get in shape baby!! Definitely worth the drive.read more

May, 2024. This is a campground managed by BLM in the unique Mojave Desert environment. It features…read morestandard, RV, and group campsites in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Just 3 miles from the Red Rock Scenic Drive & Visitor Center and about 20 miles, and a world away, from the Las Vegas strip. The conservation area features hiking, rock climbing, bike riding, horseback riding. and scenic driving (reservations required October 1-May 31, 8 am-5 pm). Be mindful of the weather. Temperatures are scorching in the summer, and the campground closes seasonally during the hottest months (June 1-August 31). All standard sites include picnic tables, grills, and fire pits. (Some, but not all, picnic tables are covered -- a welcome sight on a HOT day). There are common vault toilets, trash cans, and drinking water (but no facilities to fill water tanks or to dispose of RV waste). All sites are nonelectric. The views within the campground are of a unique and pretty desert landscape, but they are not as spectacular as the scenic drive area just a few miles away. Temperatures were hot but bearable during the day and cooled nicely at night. The price was reasonable for a standard nonelectric site. $25 camping use fee, minus $12.50 discount for senior NPS pass, plus $8 online reservation fee = $20.50 for one night. Only two small quibbles to mention. (1) The signage within the campground could be improved. We had site 42 and drove around a few times before finding it. (2) There were quite a few restrooms with vault toilets. Each building had two separate rooms with toilets -- BUT the campground locked one side on two of the restrooms that we tried so only one toilet was functional. This created a queue in the morning. We would stay here again.

No campground host. People don't pay and hop from site to site. Also people in huge expensive vans…read morewith LED lights creating their own sun at midnight. You're better off just driving another 15 miles and parking in blm areas. Or just pull up and don't pay. I stayed there a few days without paying and no one questioned it once, I did this as no one else was paying. Also I would rather just did a hole to poop in then use their toilets

Short Walk for a Single Sight…read more This is a short, clearly marked 0.1-mile trail located close to the picnic area and three other trailheads. The Sight: You walk to the end of the path to see the petroglyphs. It is just one small area on a rock; there isn't anything else to see. This walk is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. It's worth the 5-10 minute detour if you are already at the picnic area or finishing a nearby hike, but don't make it your primary destination.

All along the Scenic 13 mile drive there are various hikes to choose from. One hike that I always…read morerecommend to our visitors is this trail. The majority of people visiting almost always request an easy hike. This fun little jaunt is only one quarter of a mile. It leads you to a beautiful wall with petroglyphs and writings dating back 700 - 800 years ago from the Southern Paiute Indians. Everyone seems to really enjoy. It is easily located at the Willow Springs picnic area along with some other longer but great hikes. Be sure to check this hike out when visiting Red Rock Canyon.