Nevada Hiking Guide

Red Rock Canyon

The most popular trail in Red Rock Canyon — a scramble through a narrow red and white sandstone canyon to a hidden water tank with views of the Las Vegas Strip in the distance. The contrast of rugged desert rock framing the distant city skyline is surreal. Some rock scrambling required. Go early on weekends — parking fills by 9 AM.

Red Rock Canyon

A geological showcase where ancient gray limestone was thrust over younger red sandstone by tectonic forces. The trail climbs through a canyon to the visible contact point — one of the most dramatic geological formations in southern Nevada. The interpretive signs explain the 65-million-year story written in the rock layers.

Red Rock Canyon

A shaded canyon hike that lives up to its name — significantly cooler than the surrounding desert. The trail follows a rocky wash into a narrow canyon with seasonal waterfalls after winter rains. One of the few Red Rock trails with shade, making it a good summer option with an early start. Some boulder hopping required.

Red Rock Canyon

The toughest trail in Red Rock Canyon — a steep, exposed scramble to the summit of Turtlehead Peak with 360-degree views of the entire conservation area, the Spring Mountains, and the Las Vegas Valley. The final push is a hands-on-rock scramble. Bring extra water and start before dawn in summer.

Valley of Fire

A short trail to one of Nevada's most photogenic natural features — swirling bands of red, pink, and white sandstone that look like frozen waves of fire. The formation is similar to Arizona's famous Wave, but you don't need a permit. The trail is sandy and exposed with zero shade. Bring water and avoid midday sun in summer.

Valley of Fire

A short loop through a slot canyon, past movie set ruins, and around towering white and red sandstone formations. This trail packs maximum visual impact into minimum distance. The narrow slot canyon section feels like walking through a cathedral carved from stone. Great for families and photographers.

Valley of Fire

A short walk through a sandy wash to a natural rock basin (the "tank") surrounded by Ancestral Puebloan petroglyphs dating back over 2,000 years. Named after a Southern Paiute outlaw who hid here in the 1890s. The petroglyphs along both canyon walls are some of the most accessible ancient rock art in Nevada.

Valley of Fire

The longest trail in Valley of Fire traverses the park's backcountry through a landscape of petrified sand dunes, rainbow-colored rock, and sweeping desert views. This is the trail for solitude — most visitors stick to the short scenic walks. Carry plenty of water and plan a car shuttle or out-and-back. No shade for the entire route.

Lake Tahoe

One of the most scenic sections of the 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail, climbing from Spooner Summit through pine forest to Marlette Lake — a pristine alpine lake with stunning views of Lake Tahoe below. The Flume Trail (a continuation) is one of the most famous mountain bike trails in the world, but hikers love the Marlette Lake section.

Lake Tahoe

A lesser-known gem on the Nevada side of Tahoe — a forested trail to a massive granite boulder that resembles a monkey. The real reward is the panoramic views of Lake Tahoe from the rock outcropping. Quieter than the California-side trails and equally stunning. Great for families with older kids.

Lake Tahoe

A short, steep scramble up a volcanic rock formation on the Nevada shore of Lake Tahoe. The summit offers one of the best panoramic lake views on the east shore. Cave Rock is sacred to the Washoe people — please stay on designated trails and respect the cultural significance. The parking area also has a small beach.

Lake Tahoe area

The highest peak in the Lake Tahoe Basin at 10,776 feet. The trail climbs through meadows bursting with wildflowers in July, past a waterfall, and through a volcanic landscape to a summit with views stretching from Lake Tahoe to Reno. Start early — afternoon thunderstorms are common above treeline. Snow blocks the upper trail until mid-June most years.

Las Vegas area

The most popular trail in the Spring Mountains — a steady climb through ponderosa pine and white fir forest to a seasonal waterfall in a limestone grotto. The waterfall flows strongest in spring from snowmelt. At 7,800 feet, temperatures are 20-30 degrees cooler than the Las Vegas Valley. A welcome escape from summer heat.

Las Vegas area

The longest and most demanding trail near Las Vegas — climbing to the 11,916-foot summit of Charleston Peak through ancient bristlecone pine forests. Views from the top extend across the entire Las Vegas Valley and into California. This is a full-day expedition requiring early starts, plenty of water, and solid fitness. Snow lingers on the upper trail into June.

Las Vegas area

A forested trail to a limestone cliff face with views across Kyle Canyon. The trail winds through mixed conifer forest with wildflowers in spring. Less crowded than Mary Jane Falls and equally rewarding. The final section is steep and rocky. At the top, you're standing at 8,500 feet — a completely different world from the Strip below.

Las Vegas area

A high-altitude loop through a grove of ancient bristlecone pines — some over 3,000 years old. The trail starts at the Lee Canyon ski area at 8,600 feet and traverses a subalpine landscape. These are among the oldest living organisms on earth, and the gnarled, weathered trunks are hauntingly beautiful.

Great Basin

The trail to the summit of Wheeler Peak, Nevada's second-highest point at 13,063 feet. The route climbs above treeline through alpine tundra with wildflowers in July. The final stretch is rocky and exposed. Views from the summit extend across the Great Basin — an ocean of desert ranges stretching to the horizon. Start before dawn to beat afternoon storms.

Great Basin

Walk among the oldest living things on earth — bristlecone pines over 4,000 years old. The trail continues to the only permanent glacier in Nevada, the remnant of an ice age in the shadow of Wheeler Peak. At 10,000 feet, the air is thin and cool even in summer. The ancient, twisted trunks of the bristlecone pines are unforgettable.

Great Basin

A loop trail past Stella and Teresa Lakes — two alpine lakes set in cirques carved by ancient glaciers beneath Wheeler Peak. Wildflower meadows in summer, golden aspens in fall. The lakes reflect the surrounding cliffs and are among the most photographed spots in the park. A good introductory trail for the Great Basin high country.

Great Basin

A point-to-point trail descending from Wheeler Peak Campground to the Upper Lehman Creek area through diverse vegetation zones — from subalpine meadows to pinyon-juniper desert. The trail follows the creek through aspen groves and offers solitude that's rare in national parks. A car shuttle makes this a great one-way downhill hike.