Escape the Strip: 7 Best Easy Hikes Near Las Vegas
Las Vegas is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, world-class entertainment, and dazzling casinos. However, beyond the glittering lights of the Strip lies a natural paradise waiting to be explored. If you’re seeking a break from the hustle and are challenged to find beginner-friendly trails close to Vegas, well I got you covered. Lace up your hiking boots and venture out of the city. Here are some of the best easy hikes near Las Vegas, offering a blend of tranquility and adventure.
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Where To Stay In Vegas
Planning to spend your time hiking? These are my favorite recommendations of where to stay while visiting Las Vegas:
Harrah’s Las Vegas – centrally located on the strip – budget-friendly and my favorite!
The Cosmopolitan – higher end but still affordable for many
Bellagio – looking for a high-end option? Look no further if you want to splurge!
Best Easy Hikes Near Las Vegas
Calico Tanks Trail
Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area
| Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles) | Difficulty: Easy – Moderate | Dog Friendly: Yes, on leash |
| Out & Back | Elevation: 140 meters (459 feet) |
The Calico Tanks trail stands out as one of the most popular hikes in the Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area short hikes near Las Vegas. The trailhead, which is also shared with the nearby Turtlehead Peak, draws significant attention, making it a sought-after starting point.
This renowned hike offers unparalleled scenery, featuring breathtaking red, orange, and yellow sandstone formations against towering mountains. Culminating at the picturesque Calico Tank, a natural watering hole, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of Las Vegas. The trail serves as a refreshing departure from the bustling Las Vegas Strip, providing a serene and rejuvenating outdoor experience.
Securing a parking spot on weekends demands an early morning arrival, preferably before sunrise. Parking can also be challenging at this trailhead during the week, so make sure you plan your visit accordingly.
Mouse’s Tank Trail (Petroglyph Canyon)
Valley of Fire State Park
| Distance: 1.2 kms (0.7 miles) | Difficulty: Easy | Dog Friendly: Yes, on leash |
| Out & Back | Elevation: minimal |
This hike was named after a notorious outlaw who once used the area as a hideout. This short and easy hike takes you past ancient and beautiful petroglyphs through the canyon, towering sandstone formations, and the famous Mouse’s Tank—a natural water basin that retains rainwater for months after a storm.
It’s essential to refrain from touching the petroglyphs to prevent inadvertent damage, as these historical markings are irreplaceable and delicate. This easy hike near Vegas is a perfect introduction to the park’s surreal beauty, especially if you are a beginner hiker.
Big Dig Trail
Ice Age Fossils State Park
| Distance: 1.9 kms (1.2 miles) | Difficulty: Easy | Dog Friendly: Yes, on leash |
| Loop Route | Elevation: 15 metres (50 feet) |
Ice Age Fossils State Park is a 315-acre park opened in January 2024 on a portion of the upper Las Vegas wash in North Las Vegas. The State Park was once a habitat for several species of now-extinct mammals, including Columbian mammoths, American lions, camels, dire wolves, and ground sloths. As a local, this park is a favorite amongst many.
In this state park, you will find many easy hikes in Las Vegas including the 0.3-mile Megafauna Trail, the 1.5-mile Las Vegas Wash Trail, and the 1.2-mile Big Dig Trail. All trails are accessible from the visitor center and showcase the history and geography of this area.
The Big Dig Trail is a great beginner trail for the whole family. The trailhead is accessible by a 0.5-mile connector trail from the Megafauna Trail. You can learn about past discoveries while hiking through trenches created by the Tule Springs Expedition.
The park is open Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm and the entrance fee is $3 per person. Kids under 12 are free. There is a limit on the number of people who can be in the park at any given time. If the park reaches capacity, they will close the entry gates temporarily to allow for visitors to leave before reopening the gates.
Fire Wave Trail
Valley of Fire State Park
| Distance: 2.4 kms (1.5 miles) | Difficulty: Easy | Dog Friendly: Yes, on leash |
| Out & Back | Elevation: 70 meters (230 feet) |
The Fire Wave Trail is truly an unforgettable hike in the southwest and is one of the best things to do in Valley of Fire State Park. The trail takes you down into the red rocks that the state park is known for, and then into an area that starts to become filled with colorful, striated rocks. The Fire Wave is the crown jewel of these incredible rock formations – deep, distinct bands of red, pink, white, and cream swirl around a cone-shaped rock.
The trail itself is very easy and is only 1.5 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of 230 feet. However, instead of doing an out-and-back, you could also continue and do the Seven Wonders Loop, which takes you through more of Valley of Fire and is only 2.3 miles round trip.
Note that the Fire Wave is often closed during the summer due to intense and dangerous heat conditions, so visiting during fall, winter, or spring is highly advised. Valley of Fire is about 45 miles (and 45 minutes) away from Las Vegas, and easy to get there by car.
Aliante Loop Temporary Trail – Tule Springs
Upper Las Vegas Valley
| Distance: 5.25 km (3.25 miles) | Difficulty: Easy | Dog Friendly: Yes, on leash |
| Out & Back | Elevation: minimal |
Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument is just a half-hour drive away from the Strip, and has some easy hikes in Las Vegas, offering visitors an escape from the neon lights and bustling crowds to a serene desert landscape. The entire monument spans over 22,650 acres of stunning geological formations that are perfect for exploring without needing to drive far out of the city.
One of the best easy hikes near Las Vegas and the closest one to the city is the Aliante Loop Temporary Trail. Visitors can get year-round scenic views of the Mojave Desert scrub habitat and the Las Vegas Range while learning about the flora and fauna of the area on a self-guided tour.
The hike is very easy, making it perfect for families with little ones, or those just looking for a quick walk or trail run family-friendly hike in Las Vegas. I live just a few miles from the monument, and it makes for a great change of pace from running on sidewalks past people’s houses without needing to drive for longer than my run would last.
First Creek Canyon Trail (to the Grotto)
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
| Distance: 5.5 km (3.4 miles) | Difficulty: Easy – Moderate | Dog Friendly: Yes, on leash |
| Out & Back | Elevation: 433 feet (132 meters) |
This delightful journey runs for one through a desert valley leading to a charming waterfall surrounded by cottonwood trees, willows, and various shade-providing foliage. Except for the final stretch, the trail is meticulously maintained, ensuring a pleasant hike.
Before reaching the entrance of the canyon, make sure you veer off to the right (by a group of trees) and go about 100 feet to discover the concealed waterfall. Upon reaching the falls, the path veers onto a designated use trail along the wash’s edge, offering access to the falls. It’s worth noting that like many falls in the region, these may occasionally run dry.
If you keep following the trail you will eventually reach the grotto. Make sure you are wearing good shoes as there are some rocks to climb over at the end of the trail.
Weeping Rock
Zion National Park
| Distance: 0.5 km (0.31 miles) | Difficulty: Easy | Dog Friendly: No Dogs Allowed |
| Out & Back | Elevation: minimal |
There are a lot of hiking trails and outdoor activities near Las Vegas. Zion National Park has many hiking trails and is only a 2-hour drive from Las Vegas. Weeping Rock Trail is one of the easiest hikes to do at Zion National Park. Once you arrive at Zion National Park Visitor’s Center, you will need to take the park shuttle to stop number 7 for the Weeping Rock Trailhead to begin your 10-minute hike.
Weeping Rock trail is mostly paved, with a few areas of broken pavement. The trail is short and manageable for most abilities, but it is a steady uphill walk the whole way, ending with some stairs to the ‘viewing area.’ Because of its steep incline and broken pavement, it is not accessible for strollers or wheelchairs.
At the end of the hike, the Weeping Rock is a large, beautiful alcove with water running over it. The amount of water will depend on the weather and the amount of rain that day. The area is always slippery, wet, and mossy because of all the dripping water. Even though the trail was always crowded, I loved the solitude and peaceful quiet that seemed to be in the alcove.
Tips for Hiking in the Las Vegas Area
Additional Information
These easy hikes near Las Vegas provide an opportunity to reconnect with nature and rejuvenate your spirit and can easily be done on a day trip from Las Vegas. If you are looking for ideas of where to stay, we have recommended places to stay in Vegas to suit different budgets.
If you place to spend a weekend in Vegas or more, you could consider doing a bus tour to the Grand Canyon, though it doesn’t include time to venture off and do any hiking on your day trip.
While Las Vegas may be synonymous with glitz and glamour, its surrounding natural wonders offer a refreshing contrast—a chance to slow down, breathe in the fresh air, and connect with nature. Take advantage of the city’s diverse offerings and make the most of your desert getaway. Venture beyond the neon lights and embark on one of the best easy hikes near Las Vegas. If you are up for exploring, some of the best national parks aren’t that far away for a hiking adventure.
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