If you’ve been cooped up a little too long, this list is for you. Pack your water bottles and sunscreen and head out for a morning on the trails. These family-friendly hikes near Las Vegas will give you some epic views and outdoor time with the kids.
Editor’s note: We’re making every effort to provide you with the most up-to-date information. However, sometimes closures occur at the last minute due to circumstances beyond our control, such as the spread of Covid-19. We highly recommend that you call ahead before you pack your kids (and all those snacks, and diapers…) and haul them across town. Stay safe!
Lost Creek Children’s Discovery Loop, Las Vegas
This self-guided interpretive trail introduces visitors of all ages to the many different features of the Mojave Desert at Red Rock Canyon, including pictographs, lessons of desert life, towering views and a hidden seasonal waterfall (December-April) in the canyon. Dogs on leash are welcome.
More info: redrockcanyonlv.org
First Creek Canyon, Las Vegas
This is a pleasant four-mile walk across a desert valley to a little waterfall with cottonwood trees, willows and other shade trees. Except for the last few feet, the hike follows a well-maintained trail. As with other falls in the area, these often are dry.
Learn more: redrockcanyonlv.org
Lone Mountain and Lone Mountain Loop Trail
From this spot you can take a 3.2-mile loop around the base of the mountain, or choose for elevation and take the 2.2-mile round trip trail to the peak to see views of the city.
Learn more: birdandhike.com
Lake Mead's Historic Railroad Trail
The Historic Railroad Trail is an easy, dog-friendly hike along a former railroad grade. It provides panoramic views of Lake Mead, overlooking the Boulder Basin area. You can walk, run, bicycle or even push a stroller on this flat easy trail. Along the trail you will see a section of rough, rocky road on the south side of the railroad bed that is believed to be the first section of pioneer trail or road for the construction of Hoover Dam.
Learn more: nps.gov
Pine Creek Canyon
Pine Creek Canyon offers some of the best of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area–beautiful and diverse plant communities nestled at the bottom of monolithic canyon walls. The ponderosa pine forest at the mouth of the canyon is a remnant from the last Ice Age, but it survives here thanks to the cool air and water flowing down Pine Creek Canyon. If you continue on the Pine Creek trail, you’ll also pass by the historical remains of Horace Wilson’s old homestead built in the early 1920s.
Learn more: redrockcanyonlv.org
Little Falls Trail
Little Falls Trail is a 0.7-mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Las Vegas, Nevada that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips and bird watching and is best used from March until November. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
Learn more: alltrails.com
—Kate Loweth
Featured image: iStock
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