The Las Vegas Strip is known for its blindingly bright lights, ear-piercing music, jam-packed casinos, and congested streets. So if you’re ready to escape the madness and step into nature, I’ve got some good news! You won’t have to travel far to hike some amazing trails near Las Vegas.
In this guide, I’m going to tell you about several trails near Las Vegas that will pull you away from the city lights and into nature. And you won’t have to drive more than 90 minutes from the Strip!
When to Visit Las Vegas
October through April is the best time to visit Las Vegas.
These trails near Las Vegas are all best explored in the late fall, winter, or early spring. Many of the trails are closed during the summer months due to extreme heat.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on the links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own. Thanks so much for your support!
Where to Stay Near Las Vegas
If you want to camp near Vegas, here are the campgrounds I’d recommend:
- Red Rock Campground – Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
- Atlatl Rock Campground – Valley of Fire State Park
- Arch Rock Campground – Valley of Fire State Park
- Boulder Beach Campground – Lake Mead National Recreation Area
If you want to stay in a hotel, check out this map below with real-time prices!
What to Bring on Your Hike
While this isn’t a full list, here are some essentials that you should bring with you on your desert hiking adventure!
Electrolytes. These sugar-free electrolytes taste so good!
Sun protection. Sun hoodie, sun hat, sunglasses, etc.
First aid kit. I build my own instead of buying a premade kit. Read more about what’s in my kit here.
Map. Paper maps and compasses always do the job. However, desert trails can be difficult to navigate sometimes, so it’s important to download offline maps. I use AllTrails! Get 30% off an AllTrails+ plan with code alexysabroad30.
Snacks and water. Stay fueled and hydrated!
For more desert hiking tips, make sure to check out my full guide!
Skip the Strip: Hike These Trails Near Las Vegas
1. Fire Wave and Seven Wonders
- Length: 1.9 miles
- Type of Trail: Loop
- Elevation Gain: 187 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Location: Valley of Fire State Park
- Distance From Vegas: 60 miles
This is one of the most epic hikes in Nevada! Located in Valley of Fire State Park, the Fire Wave and Seven Wonders Loop features swirly red and white sandstone, candy-colored striated rock formations, and pastel slot canyons.
The first section of the trail is the famous Fire Wave. With its colorful swirls, waves, striations, and ribbons patterned into the rock, these rolling slabs of sandstone are often compared to The Wave (Coyote Buttes North) in Arizona.
Surrounding the Fire Wave are rugged mountains, red and white rocks, and colorful domes, so there is always something breathtaking to look at.
Once you pass the Fire Wave, you can either turn around and head back to your car or continue the loop. This is where the Seven Wonders portion begins!
Past the Fire Wave, you’ll weave through a wide wash with yellow, pink, and white-striated sandstone before reaching Pastel Canyon (or Pink Canyon).
The Pastel Canyon is gorgeous. The pink, yellow, orange, and white walls reminded me of scoops of Neopolitan ice cream. But instead of sitting in a cute ice cream shop, you’re wandering through the Nevada desert.
After Pastel Canyon, you’ll cross White Domes Road to finish the trail. The final portion of the Seven Wonders Loop features Crazy Hill, Thunderstorm Arch, and Fire Cave.
Challenge: See if you can spot all seven geological formations that this trail is named for!
- Fire Wave
- Pink Canyon (Pastel Canyon)
- Crazy Hill
- Striped Rock
- Kaolin Wash
- Thunderstorm Arch
- Fire Cave
You can read more about this epic Fire Wave and Seven Wonders hike in my full trail guide here.
2. Owl Canyon
- Length: 3.4 miles
- Type of Trail: Loop
- Elevation Gain: 262 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Location: Lake Mead National Recreation Area
- Distance From Vegas: 25 miles
Since the water levels in Lake Mead have been dropping rapidly, brand-new discoveries are emerging every year. One of these exciting discoveries is a rugged, jaw-droppingly beautiful slot canyon – Owl Canyon!
Follow this unmaintained trail in Lake Mead National Recreation Area down a wash as it narrows and deepens into a slot canyon. 100-foot vertical walls tower on either side of you as you navigate the canyon.
Look out for owls! They’ve been known to hang out in the area.
READ NEXT: 11 Things to Know Before Hiking the Owl Canyon Trail
3. White Domes
- Length: 1.1 miles
- Type of Trail: Loop
- Elevation Gain: 177 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Location: Valley of Fire State Park
- Distance From Vegas: 60 miles
The White Domes Loop is just 1.1 miles on its own. However, you can combine it with the Fire Wave and Seven Wonders trails to make it one giant loop! This is what we did, and I highly recommend it.
As you travel along the sandy and rocky White Domes Loop, you’ll spot the remains of an old movie set, see small arches, and draw in sweeping desert views.
But the biggest highlight of the White Domes Loop is the 100-yard-long slot canyon.
While the slot may not be as colorful as Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona, or the Pink Canyon that’s on the Seven Wonders Loop, the narrow slots with the towering walls and sandy floor are still so fun to weave through. And the cooler air inside the slots feels so refreshing on a hot day!
READ NEXT: 11 Best Weekend Trips From Las Vegas
4. Ice Box Canyon
- Length: 2.1 miles
- Type of Trail: Out & back
- Elevation Gain: 439 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Location: Red Rock Canyon National Recreation Area
- Distance From Vegas: 25 miles
The Ice Box Canyon Trail is a fun hike in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area! Because of the towering rock walls surrounding the box canyon, this canyon rarely sees sunlight. Therefore, this trail is a shady oasis in the hot months.
The trail starts directly off the Scenic Drive and crosses the open desert before descending into a shady canyon littered with giant boulders. Follow the creek bed to the end of the trail. You’ll have to scramble boulders and loose rocks through the entire wash.
On the way back, keep your eyes peeled for cairns so you don’t miss your exit!
READ NEXT: Valley of Fire Vs Red Rock Canyon: Which Is Better?
5. Calico Tanks
- Length: 2.4 miles
- Type of Trail: Out & back
- Elevation Gain: 439 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Location: Red Rock Canyon National Recreation Area
- Distance From Vegas: 20 miles
The Calico Tanks Trail is probably my favorite trail in Red Rock Canyon! Similar to other trails in the park, the Calico Tanks Trail features a little bit of route finding and a lot of interesting rock scrambles.
The trail starts on a gravelly and sandy wash and then transforms into a jumble of mismatched sandstone boulders. Navigate the steep, rocky path until you reach a hidden pool of water and a spectacular viewpoint of Las Vegas.
Discover Your Next Adventure
Where to next? I’ve got some suggestions!
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Death Valley National Park
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
- Zion National Park
- Joshua Tree National Park
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