Hiking Near Las Vegas: Trails That Surprised Me

Vegas_Authority

/ 4 months ago

Isn’t Vegas just casinos and shows?
Who hikes in the desert, anyway?
Can there really be good trails in the middle of all this heat?

That’s what I thought before I actually tried hiking near Las Vegas. I always pictured the Strip, pool parties, and maybe a Red Rock photo op. But after one boring hotel breakfast and too much scrolling on Reddit, I saw a post about hiking in Nevada near Las Vegas — and that changed my whole day.

I threw on sneakers, grabbed a water bottle, and decided to try something off the Strip. Here's what I found.

Red Rock Canyon: The Go-To for Hiking Near Las Vegas

The first trail I hit was Calico Tanks at Red Rock Canyon. It came up again and again when I searched “best hike near Las Vegas” and Reddit folks seemed to love it.

Was it crowded? A little.
Was it worth it? 100%.

It starts off with a chill sandy path, then it gets rocky and fun to climb. The big reward is at the top — a view of the Strip from way out in the desert. You’ll probably see a tiny pool of water (the “tank”) depending on the season.

Trail Name	Calico Tanks Trail
Distance	2.2 miles (out & back)
Difficulty	Moderate (some scrambling)
Location	Red Rock Canyon NCA
Time from Strip	About 30–40 mins drive
Fee	$15 per car entry

Tip: Go early. It gets hot fast, and parking fills up.

Turtlehead Peak – For When You Want a Challenge

Someone on Reddit called this “painful but worth it.” They weren’t lying.
This one was tough. But if you’re into long hikes and don’t mind scrambling over rocks, the views are amazing. It’s one of those trails that makes you feel like you did something real.

It’s also one of the more intense options for hiking near Las Vegas — so don’t show up in flip-flops.

Trail Name	Turtlehead Peak Trail
Distance	4.6 miles round trip
Difficulty	Hard (very rocky)
Location	Red Rock Canyon NCA
Time from Strip	About 40 mins
Best for	People who hike often and want a workout

Mary Jane Falls – Cooler Temps, Real Water

If the desert heat kills your vibe, Mary Jane Falls might be your spot. It’s in Mount Charleston, so it's usually cooler by 15–20 degrees. You get pine trees, shade, and even a little waterfall at the top if the season’s right.

Locals on Reddit swear by this as one of the best hikes in Nevada near Las Vegas, especially during spring and early summer.

Trail Name	Mary Jane Falls Trail
Distance	3.2 miles
Difficulty	Moderate (lots of stairs)
Location	Mount Charleston
Drive Time	50–60 mins from Vegas
What’s Cool	Waterfall and shade — yes, real shade!

Sloan Canyon – Petroglyphs and Peace

Not a lot of tourists know about this one, but Sloan Canyon is a favorite with locals. The hike is calm, not too crowded, and you get to see petroglyphs (real ones — over 300 panels carved into the rocks).

It’s part of the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, and Reddit hikers love it because it feels quiet and remote without being far. This is a solid pick if you want a cultural touch with your hike.

Trail Name	Sloan Canyon Petroglyph Trail
Distance	~4 miles round trip
Difficulty	Easy to Moderate
Location	Henderson, NV (25 mins from Vegas)
Best For	History lovers, peaceful vibes

Final Thoughts: So… Is Hiking Near Las Vegas Worth It?

Totally. I came here for neon signs and left with red dust on my legs and way too many trail photos in my phone.
If you’re someone who wants more than clubs and buffets, hiking near Las Vegas is way better than it sounds.

Here’s a quick breakdown if you're trying to decide where to go:

Trail	Best For	Drive Time
Calico Tanks	First-timers, views	30–40 mins
Turtlehead Peak	Strong hikers, big climbs	40 mins
Mary Jane Falls	Shade + nature sounds	50–60 mins
Arizona Hot Springs	Hot springs + river	1 hour

So next time you're in Vegas? Ditch the brunch line. Grab your shoes and hit a trail.
You’ll sweat, maybe swear, but you’ll also see a side of Vegas no one talks about.
You can also explore Unique Things To Do In Las Vegas.