Beyond the Las Vegas strip and nightlife, Vegas is a gateway to road hikes and outdoor activities perfect for a spring break family trip. I love exploring the surrounding nature areas with 200 scenic trails, from easy hiking trails to kid-friendly routes, all just an easy drive from the city center.
With AllTrails, I found hand-curated trail maps, reviews, and photos for 74 hiking trails, ideal for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts of any skill level.
Whether you hike, bike, trail run, or explore with boots, MTB gear, snowshoes, or microspikes in winter, the area offers fun, adventurous mountain biking, skiing, and historic sights.
Best Hiking near Las Vegas Desert Spring Break
The best hiking near Las Vegas for a Spring Break adventure includes Red Rock Canyon, Calico Tanks Trail, Historic Railroad Trail, Gold Strike Canyon Hot Springs, and Arizona Hot Springs. These desert trails offer stunning views, unique rock formations, and refreshing spring escapes just minutes from the city.
What is the best time of year for hiking near Las Vegas?
For a budget-friendly outdoor adventure in Las Vegas, the best months to plan your hiking trip are March and April during spring.
I’ve hiked in the Mojave Desert around Vegas, and the pleasant weather in these months makes hiking perfect, avoiding the hot summer heat.
Spring break is a great time to visit, as the mild temperatures let you enjoy the Vegas trails comfortably, making every step of your hiking journey refreshing and fun.
What to pack for a hiking trip near Las Vegas
For hiking near Las Vegas, pack smart for comfort and safety on rugged trails. I always bring long pants like Kuhl Freeflex or REI Trailmade for women, offering a flattering fit and functionality, paired with long sleeve wool baselayers or wool tops for sun protection and regulating body temperature.
For warmer days, quick dry shorts with a built-in belt or elastic waist work great, especially swim-friendly ones for paddling or swimming. A UPF sun hoodie is a must for sun protection, and a down puffy jacket that packs down small keeps you warm on cooler nights.
I love leggings with pockets for convenience, and a day hiking pack holds essentials like a raincoat, tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad if camping.
For backpacking, add backpacking gear and an America the Beautiful Pass for park access. My Oboz Bridger Mids hiking boots provide grip and ankle support, while Bedrocks hiking sandals or paddling sandals are perfect for water, as paddling guides suggest. Trekking poles help on tough trails. I’ve used these items myself, and they make every hike awesome!
Hikes Near Las Vegas (And More Vegas Outdoor Activities)
Las Vegas is an outdoorsy haven for Midwesterners seeking spring break destinations in March or April, with warm weather that’s not too hot.
I’ve loved hiking Vegas hiking destinations, easily reached with cheap flights under $200 round trip or last minute flights.
A five hour drive from the Midwest, plus affordable lodging, makes spring break adventures here a breeze for trail lovers.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Just .5 hr from the Vegas Strip, the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a vibrant oasis in the brown desert, offering impressive scenery and colorful rocky desert landscapes rivaling Arches National Park.
As a frequent hiker here, I love the 13-mile scenic loop drive, requiring a timed entry reservation from October to May, 8am to 5pm, with an entry fee of $20 per vehicle or an America the Beautiful annual parks pass.
Book permits here online in advance to secure a parking spot at the small lot for trails like Calico Tanks Trail, a 2.3 mile out-and-back through sandy washes and rocky canyons to stunning lookouts.
The park offers hiking and backpacking opportunities for all, from short beginner-friendly hikes to full day exploring.
Try the kid-friendly Lost Creek and Fire Ecology Trail, a one mile loop with desert views and a seasonal waterfall, or the 2.1 miles Ice Box Canyon for a technical scramble to a waterfall.
The .2 miles Petroglyph Wall Trail, accessed in winter, showcases ancient Petroglyphs. Purchase yearly passes or a pass for this beautiful area and canyon adventures.
Valley of Fire State Park
A .75 hr road trip from Las Vegas, Valley of Fire State Park is a vast majestic park in the brown desert, where fiery red rocks and uniquely colored rock formations create a fascinating landscape.
As a frequent hiker, I love the colorful red rocks and spectacular views, perfect for hikers seeking fun photo ops for Instagram.
The scenic drive on Mouse’s Tank Road offers viewpoints to enjoy, but day-use reservations are recommended on holidays and weekends due to limited cell service. Stop at the visitors center for maps, with a $10 fee for in-state plates or $15 for out of state vehicle entry.
The Fire Wave Trail, a 1.5 miles out and back, is beginner friendly with iconic patterns, closed June to October due to heat conditions.
For short hikes, the Seven Wonders Loop Trail, a 2-mile loop, offers spectacular views and a hidden bend in the terrain, great for morning or afternoon Spring hiking to avoid hot midday sun.
The Mouse’s Tank pull off gives a road view of petroglyphs, adding fascinating history to your hikes. Despite the elevation drop, the trail is accessible to discover the park’s beauty. Plan your visit, picking trails wisely to enjoy this colorful wonderland.
Zion National Park
Only 2.5 hrs from Las Vegas, Zion National Park is a spring gem for hikes, where I’ve explored its stunning canyons.
The Narrows, a bucket list trek, needs permits for its 16-mile backpack route—use a detailed guide to plan your trip.
For easier hikes, Scout’s Lookout (3.6 miles, moderate) offers epic views, while Emerald Pools (3 miles, moderate) features waterfalls.
The Watchman Trail (3 miles, moderate) and Canyon Overlook Trail (one mile) deliver breathtaking vistas, perfect for a spring desert trip.
Death Valley National Park
A 2.5 hours drive from Las Vegas, Death Valley National Park is a spring break gem with diverse trails perfect for a day of adventure. I love the sunrise views on the less than half mile Zabriskie Point walk, its colors popping vividly.
The Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes (2.5 miles) offer a fun hike, while Artists Palette is a quick, colorful walk.
For a challenge, Dante’s Ridge (8 miles) takes hours but rewards with epic vistas. Plan your hikes in this National Park for next year to explore its stunning desert during spring break.
Havasupai aka Havasu Falls Trail
The Havasupai Hike on the Havasu Falls Trail, 4 hrs from Vegas, is a beautiful backpacking route on Havasupai Nation Sovereign Land.
I hiked this 11-mile trail, 22 miles round trip in 2024, amazed by bright blue waterfalls in a red rock canyon. Permits are required and competitive, and they were my primary reason for flying to the US. Pack a backpack for this incredible hike!
Grand Canyon, South Rim
A 4.5 hrs road trip from Vegas in a rental car, the Grand Canyon South Rim is a bucket-list spring break backpacking destination.
I hiked South Rim Hikes with a friend in March, using a beginner’s guide. The beautiful year round views and Valley of Fire stop were epic. Camp or book a cheap hotel for a night, but set realistic expectations because Rim to Rim is tough. I’m planning next year with a guide.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park, 3.5 hrs from Vegas, is a dream outdoor hiking spot. I camped under the legendary night sky, using a resource for trails. These best spring break spots offer unique desert hiking, which is perfect for a camp adventure near the city.
Sloan Canyon Conservation Area
Only 20 minutes from Vegas, the Sloan Canyon Conservation Area is a hidden spot for desert hiking during spring break, where shade is rare but views are epic—I’ve hiked here early to beat the brutally hot summer heat.
The popular Petroglyph Canyon Trail lets you catch a unique glimpse into the past with over one thousand petroglyphs etched on rocks, following a wash that’s mostly empty on a Sunday morning despite its fame.
For bigger views, the challenging Cowboy Trail climbs higher, while the route from McCollough Trailhead suits mountain biking too; this free park offers diverse trails like the Petroglyph Trail for an unforgettable hiking adventure.
Spring Mountains National Recreation Area
The Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, run by the US Forest Service, is a free gem for hiking near Las Vegas, perfect for a spring break visit.
In summer, hike the picturesque Fletcher Canyon Trail or try mountain biking on lower trails with fat tire bikes, enjoying views of the canyon and surrounding mountains.
In winter, locals use sleds, snowshoes, or microspikes to explore snowy hillsides. My time exploring these mountains felt like a Colorado escape, with the visitor gateway offering tips and maps.
Book a stay at the Retreat on Charleston Peak, which overlooks Charleston Peak, or relax at nearby campgrounds.
Mountain Biking and Skiing at Lee Canyon
For a Las Vegas spring break escape, I swapped desert hiking for Lee Canyon, Southern Nevada’s top ski resort, where locals and I found a welcoming environment and diverse fun. Skiing on fresh powder suits beginners to advanced terrain, with lift tickets at $19 on weekdays plus a $10 credit for food and drinks.
In summer, hit the mountain biking trails from the resort, with on-site rentals and a lodge serving vegan and gluten-free options—perfect after shredding those paths.
Lake Mead Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail
Just a 30-min drive from Las Vegas, the Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers a fun and easy hike on the Railroad Tunnel Trail, perfect for a spring break visit.
This well-maintained, flat, crushed gravel path is suitable for hikers, bikers, and even strollers with bigger wheels, making it popular with young families, children, and elderly couples.
I took my granddaughter and our husky for a leisurely stroll, and we loved the breath-taking views of Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam, especially from the 5th tunnel, which has a rest area with a table, shade, bathroom, and water fountain.
The trail, a 4-mile one-way multi-use path, hovers over a section of the old railway with exhibit signs sharing interesting history. It’s highly recommended to start at the Lake Mead visitor center, where the super kind ranger helped us navigate using Google Maps. There’s no fee to access this national park trail, and the parking lot is just 25-30 minutes from Vegas by car.
The trailhead is wide, well-compacted, and easy to walk or ride on road bikes, gravel bikes, or mountain bikes. I biked the there-and-back route, which is about 2.2 miles to the 5th tunnel, where the path drops steeply toward the dam, so we turned around there.
The tunnels, 25 feet wide and 30 feet high, are dark, so bring a headlamp for safety. The terrain is nice for a casual walk, jogging, or even riding at a gentle 2 mph speed, and it’s good for strollers or wagons you can push or pull.
On a hot day, the tunnels offer relief from the sun, feeling 10 degrees cooler, and the beautiful lake views are amazing. I saw folks enjoying a picnic lunch and jogging with pups, and the good views made every step exciting.
For a full loop, plan about 25-30 minutes to reach the first tunnel and enjoy the spectacular great view of the boneyard and Hoover Dam. The area is super kind to all visitors, and I’m looking forward to returning to this popular trail. With no payment needed, it’s a nice spot to run or hike and enjoy the spectacular national park scenery.
Jackrabbit Mountain Bike Trails
On the northeastern edge of Las Vegas, the Valley of Fire State Park offers the Jackrabbit Trails, a fun and challenging spot for mountain biking and hiking during spring break.
These MTB trails, with green and black routes, are well marked and well maintained, perfect for desert riding with stunning views.
I rode these trails on an early morning during a holiday weekend, and they were surprisingly empty, despite the brutal heat of the summer season.
Using the Trailforks digital map app helped me navigate the routes easily, avoiding prickly things in the desert.
I recommend tubeless tires to handle the terrain, as my ride on these trails was a thrilling way to hit the outdoors near Vegas.
Hikes Near Last Vegas: Bottom Line
Kauaʻi’s lush parks and trails are a calm escape, perfect for outdoor activities during a spring break getaway. Years ago, I spent seven days hiking the Vegas desert, seeking a break from the city’s hustle and the noisy strip with its blackjack tables.
On Kauaʻi, I found similar beauty in hikes that feel like secret destinations. Unlike the crowded Las Vegas scene, these trails let you slow down and take it easy, offering an adventure that rivals exploring the Best Game Of Thrones Malta Filming Locations for its epic, cinematic vibe. Each hike weaves through cliffs and beaches, blending thrill and peace in a way that feels uniquely Kauaʻi.
Faq
What is the best hike near Las Vegas?
Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area, just .5 hr from Vegas, is my favorite for epic hikes, but Valley of Fire State Park (2.5 hrs) stuns with red rocks. Zion National Park and Death Valley National Park (2.5 hours) or Havasupai’s Havasu Falls Trail (4 hrs) and Grand Canyon South Rim (4.5 hrs) are worth the drive for unforgettable trails.
Is Las Vegas a good place to hike?
Yes, Las Vegas has 15 trails with scenic viewpoints. I loved Guardian Angel Pass and Calico Hills to Calico Tanks Trail on Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive. Wetlands Park Nature Preserve Loop is calm, while Muffin Ridge, Boneshaker, and Bomb Voyage offer thrilling hikes.
Can you do a day trip to Zion from Las Vegas?
A Bryce and Zion Canyon Tour from Las Vegas to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks in Utah is perfect. I saw sandstone cliffs, Checkerboard Mesa, and hoodoos on rim walks and short hikes—a full day of beauty.
What’s the best time of year to hike?
March to October is the prime hiking season in the south United States Northern Hemisphere. I found September and February best for Las Vegas trails, avoiding extreme heat.
