While Nevada is best known for the glitz and glam of Sin City, there is so much natural beauty to discover in the Silver State. Southern Nevada, especially, is full of natural spaces for enjoying the outdoors with the whole family. These 10 treks are sure to please every child without requiring skill above their abilities -- they're truly some of the best hikes in Nevada, period!
1. Lost Creek Grotto Trail (Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area)
This lovely trail in Red Rock Canyon is 0.6 miles out and back with a small elevation gain of 75 feet. There is a small waterfall and pool at the end which is available depending on the season. The trail is lined with rocks and benches for resting along the way. There are also interpretive signs for children and adults. You have a good chance of viewing wild burros on this trail as well - be aware never to feed or approach the burros! Please admire them from a distance.The trail is part of the Red Rock Conservation Area which has a day use/parking fee. From Las Vegas Boulevard, drive north til you reach Charleston Blvd and go left (west). Take Charleston for 16 miles until you see the Red Rock Canyon entrance. To find the trailhead, take the 13-mile scenic loop road, and head right to Willow Springs. Park at the first parking lot. There will be a sign for Lost Creek and the Children's Discovery Loop trail.
2. Calico Tanks Trail (Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area)
Calico Tanks Trail is a little over two miles out and back with a gain of about 400 feet. The tank at the end is filled with water depending upon the season. There is a lot of rock scrambling involved so it may not be the best choice for very young children but older kids will love it.The trail is part of the Red Rock Conservation Area which has a day use/parking fee. From Las Vegas Boulevard, drive north until you reach Charleston Blvd and go left (west). Take Charleston for 16 miles until you see the Red Rock Canyon entrance. To find the Calico Tanks trailhead, drive about three miles past the entrance and look for the Sandstone Quarry/Calico Tanks trailhead sign.
3. First Creek Trail (Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area)
First Creek Trail is approximately 3.6 miles with an elevation gain of 534 feet. The first mile of the trail moves along a fairly flat desert, which eventually leads to more vegetation and a waterfall at the end. The waterfall is seasonal and most active during the spring. The trail is good for all skill levels, though a bit rocky toward the end and small children may need hand holding.It is part of the Red Rock Conservation Area but does not require a parking or use fee. Take Blue Diamond Road (NV159) and look for the signed parking lot located between Spring Mountain Ranch and the Red Rock Canyon fee area.
4. Calico Basin Walking Path (Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area)
This half-mile trail is part of the Calico Basin Red Springs Park which is just outside the entrance to the Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area. The park itself is free and does not require a parking or day use fee. This small hike runs along a wooden boardwalk that goes through tall grasses and trees. There are also regular hiking trails in the park if you and the kids feel more adventurous. After your hike, the family can enjoy a picnic or BBQ at the several picnic tables available in this lovely area.
5. Corn Creek Nature Trail (Desert National Wildlife Range)
Corn Creek Nature Trail is part of the Desert National Wildlife Refuge, located Northwest of Las Vegas. The loop trail is a little over two miles with a small elevation gain of 82 feet. This is an easy trail for all skill levels and is perfect for all types of nature viewing. Hikers are likely to see birds, desert wildlife, and possibly wild horses.To reach the park from Las Vegas, drive north on US95 and take the exit on Corn Creek Road. Follow the road to the parking area. The drive is approximately 45-60 minutes from Las Vegas proper.
6. Aliante Nature Discovery Trail (North Las Vegas)
This trail is a half-mile loop around a lovely park in North Las Vegas. Along the way, you will pass a man-made waterfall, ducks around the lake, and a delightful children's play area with dinosaur statues. The park is located at the corner of Nature Park Drive and North Aliante Parkway in North Las Vegas.
7. Duck Creek Trail/Wetlands Park Nature Preserve (Desert Wetlands Park)
Duck Creek Trail is part of the Desert Wetlands Park — a 130 acre nature preserve. The trail is a little over one mile and is relatively flat all around the loop. Your family will be able to see lots of local wildlife including rabbit, quail, coyote, and many species of birds and amphibians. The Las Vegas wash flows through the park area, creating a marsh habitat. There is no parking or day-use fee and there are even picnic tables at the trailhead for a family snack after a good long walk together.From Las Vegas, drive East on Sunset Road and turn left onto Sandhill Road, right on East Russell Road and left onto South Broadbent Road. The park will be located on your right.
8. Railroad Tunnel Trail (Lake Mead National Recreation Area)
This short hike is a favorite of Las Vegas locals. The trail is 7-1/2 miles out and back but you can do as much or as little as you like. Hikers can enjoy incredible views of Lake Mead along the way. The trail is part of an old railroad track that winds through five tunnels. There is an elevation gain of 643 feet. Several benches are available along the way for resting, with a water fountain and picnic tables found in an area at the end of the tunnels. The hike is available all year round but can be very hot in the summer so bring lots of water, sunscreen, and a hat.To reach the trail, take 93S from Las Vegas and turn left onto Lake Shore Drive. Look for the signed parking lot. There is no day use or parking fee to use the trail.
9. Mouse’s Tank Trail (Valley of Fire State Park)
In Valley of Fire State Park, Mouse's Tank is a little under one mile each way and is appropriate for all ability levels. The elevation gain is 59 feet. Children will enjoy seeing the ancient petroglyphs found on some of the rock walls. At the end of the hike is a water "tank" where the hike name comes from. According to legend, a Piute man named Little Mouse used the canyon as a secret hideaway. This hike is very sandy and is extremely hot in the summer so make sure you bring a lot of water and sun protection.Valley of Fire State Park is located at 29450 Valley of Fire Road, Overton, NV. Driving from Las Vegas, take the I-15 North for about 40 miles and take exit 75. Head east toward Valley of Fire/Lake Mead for about 17 miles until you reach the entrance. There is a day use/parking fee.
10. Rainbow Vista Trail (Valley of Fire State Park)
Rainbow Vista Trail gets its name from its colorful sandstone rock formations. The trail is 1.1 miles out and back with a gain of about 100 feet. You and the kids will enjoy the beautiful desert views. As with most hikes in the park, bring a lot of water, sunscreen, and a hat. There is no shade and temperatures during the summer can be extreme.Valley of Fire State Park is located at 29450 Valley of Fire Road, Overton, NV. Driving from Las Vegas, take the I-15 North for about 40 miles and take exit 75. Head east toward Valley of Fire/Lake Mead for about 17 miles until you reach the entrance. There is a day use/parking fee.
Have you tried any of these top Southern Nevada hikes? We think they are among the best hikes in Nevada! Share your experiences in the comments, or suggest some new hikes in the Silver State.
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