Discover The Wild Side of Las Vegas

When you think about Las Vegas, you probably think neon lights, wild parties, and nonstop entertainment. But did you know that a hidden adventure world is just a step from The Strip? That is right, Las Vegas also boasts some of the prettiest hiking trails that have soothing scenery and experiences that renew the soul. Are you ready to swap out the slot machines with slot canyons and neon lights with starlight skies? Well, you’re in luck because you’re in for a treat.

Valley of Fire: Where Adventure Awaits Awe

Elephant Rock: Sweet and Brief with a Twist
Whoever had that notion that elephants resided in Nevada deserts? Well, not really, maybe, but Valley of Fire’s Elephant Rock is convincing enough that a short hike is worth it. The hike is shorter than a mile, though, and allows you a good look at that strange rock formation that does look just like an elephant. Although you can also spot it from alongside the road, hiking up is a different experience altogether and is wholly worth it. It is short, easy, and wholly worth a selfie on Insta!

Fire Wave, White Domes, and Seven Wonders Loop: A Rainbow Dreamscape
Just picture hiking in a red, pink, and orange-colored terrain. The crown jewel loop is Valley of Fire. The gorgeous red-colored rock outcrops and enthralling canyons will have you feeling as though you’ve landed on another world. The hike is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will have you stopping at regular intervals in order to take a picture.

Rainbow Vista Trail: A Bit of a Letdown
All hikes are not winners. Rainbow Vista is short with a swift ending signaled by a sign that reads, “End of Trail.” It is pleasant but not remarkable, especially in comparison with some more impressive nearby colored trails. Skip it except as a means of completing each trail in the park.

Red Rock Canyon: A Paradise for Adventure Seekers

Scrambling Adventure at Kraft Mountain Rock
Ready to be a little boy/girl again? Rock crawling over big boulders and climbing 10-foot high fun rock walls is what Kraft Mountain is all about. The hike is a fun adventure that keeps you on a high, with a wonderful vista over the Vegas Strip in the background. A challenge you don’t care about getting a little dirty is a requirement.

Calico Tanks: The Scenic Overlooks That Steal The Show
Calico Tanks is the gem of Red Rock Canyon. The trail is a series of turns, curves, and wonderful desert views in Nevada. But at the payoff is a jaw-dropping vista over the Vegas Strip at the top. A surreal combination of desert wilderness and urban lights. If you can manage just a single hike in Red Rock Canyon, do this hike.

Ice Box Canyon: A Cooling Oasis
Escaping desert heat is as simple as a break in Ice Box Canyon as you hike into its shade with walls closing in on either side. A great, adventure trail with some leaping over big rocks. The dry waterfall at the trail termination (the gift of a 200-day dry spell) did not keep us away. The lovely views in the canyon made it worth it.

Lake Mead: Where Wilderness and Water Meet

Historic Railroad Tunnel To Hoover Dam: A Walk Along History
This is not a hike; it is a walking tour into history. The trail is on an old railroad bed that delivered material to build the Hoover Dam. There are panoramic views of Lake Mead as well as five tunnels that have been dug out of volcanic hills. Scenic as well as educational, this 8-mile loop is a wonderful outing. Add on the Hoover Dam Walking Tour for a mile and a half more adventure.

Spooky Canyon: A Slot Canyon Adventure
If you are interested in slot canyons, Spooky Canyon is a gem that is worth seeking out. A bit tricky to spot (find a trailhead 30 feet from the highway), once you are in, it is a mystical maze of narrow passageways and old stone buildings. Eerie, beautiful, with little side trips that add to the adventure.

Fortification Hill: Not a Place for the Faint Hearted
This is a monster hike, especially if you’ve already tackled some other hikes in a single day. The hike is a direct shot straight up a difficult incline that does not let up, becoming a “pick your adventure” climb towards the end. The views at the top are great, but halfway up are just as gorgeous. Be prepared to sweat, though.

Unforgettable Camping Experiences

Lovell Canyon: A Night Under The Stars
Nothing is more wonderful following a hike than camping out in Lovell Canyon at night. The scenery in the mountain range is just lovely, and the silence is calming. I camped overnight in a 4Runner in a winter storm warning, and though it was cold, it was a trip I will not soon forget.

Kingman Wash: Lone Lakeside Camping
If you are in a mood for a tough adventure, visit Kingman Wash. The dirt trail is bad, and you will have to take a 4×4 truck in order to drive on it, but you will be treated with a secluded campsite with dreamlike scenery overlooking Lake Mead’s canyons and hills. It is a great destination in which you can relax following a tough hike.

Why Substitute Neon Lights for Starry Nights?

Las Vegas is known all over the world as a destination with a lively nightlife, but in all that glitz and glory is a world of raw beauty and adventure. Colorful canyons, desert scenery, rigorous mountain hikes, and lakeside camping are just a few examples of a different kind of adventure waiting in Vegas for those with the nerve to play its wild side. The next time you are in Sin City, play the trails, not just play the casinos. Who knows, you might just win a new kind of jackpot.