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10 BEST LAS VEGAS HIKES FOR FAMILIES
Just beyond the bright lights and thrills on the Las Vegas Strip is an amazing display of nature waiting for you. Las Vegas offers many opportunities for hiking and nature exploration in its local parks, state parks and national parks. These are our favorite hikes for families in the Las Vegas area.
First Creek Trail
First Creek Trail, located in Red Rock Canyon, is a well-traveled trail that is just under 3.5 miles, round trip. The moderate hike is suitable for families, and dogs are also allowed. There is a “hidden” waterfall just off the trail if you veer right just before the mouth of the canyon. This trail can be accessed from just outside of the fee area, and is a great option for beginner hikers.
Lost Creek Trail & Children’s Discovery Loop
Lost Creek Trail & Children’s Discovery Loop is a favorite for families at Red Rock Canyon. The short hike is just over a half mile, and features a seasonal waterfall, grotto and benches. Go early or late, and keep an eye out for wild burros on the trail.
Know Before You Go – Red Rock Canyon
Timed reservations are required for vehicles entering the Red Rock Scenic Loop from October 1 – May 31. Make your reservation HERE.
Vehicle Entry is $20.
Every Kid Outdoors!
Have a 4th grade student? Don’t forget to grab your Every Kid Outdoors pass which offers FREE access to our public lands including Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
The Red Rock Canyon Visitor’s Center is open daily from 9am -430pm. Don’t skip this fun part of Red Rock Canyon. The visitor’s center has several indoor and outdoor exhibits, including desert tortoise habitats. Don’t forget to become a Junior Ranger while you are there!
Red Rock Canyon FEE FREE Days 2023
Monday, January 16, 2023 – Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr.
Monday, February 20, 2023 – Washington’s Birthday
Monday, June 19, 2023 – Juneteenth National Independence Day
Friday, August 4, 2023 – Great American Outdoors Day
Saturday, September 23, 2023 – National Public Lands Day
Saturday, November 11, 2023 – Veterans Day*
Fletcher Canyon Trail
Fletcher Canyon Trail is a popular trail located on Mt. Charleston, about an hour from the Las Vegas Strip. This hike is about 4 miles round trip and includes a seasonal water flow. Expect to be surrounded by the beauty of the forest, with interesting limestone features and breathtaking views. The trail is appropriate for any skill level. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Deer Creek Picnic Area
Deer Creek Trailhead and Picnin Area is in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (Mt. Charleston) between Kyle and Lee Canyons. The trailhead offers a parking area and a picnic area. Much of this trail is paved making is an easy trip for all skill levels and a nice trail for strollers as well. Along the left side of the trail is a seasonal creek. One of my family’s favorite places on the mountain, Deer Creek Trail is perfect for a walk, a picnic, a long hike or even day camping.
Know Before You Go – Mt. Charleston
Pack in, Pack out! Please do not leave your trash behind.
Don’t feed the animals. It is illegal to feed wild horses and burros.
Fill up your tank. There is no gas on Mount Charleston.
Bring plenty of water.
You can reserve a picnic area or campsite on Mt. Charleston HERE.
You can find events on Mt. Charleston HERE.
Don’t forget the Spring Mountain Visitor Gateway!
Junior Ranger programs are offered at Mt. Charleston. Check the event calendar for upcoming programs.
Clark County Wetlands Park
Wetlands Park Nature Preserve Loop is a 1.6-mile, fully paved loop around the 210-acre section of the park that is home to hundreds of species of animals. This trail is ADA accessible, and includes restrooms, shady areas, and connections to unpaved trails for additional exploration. While dogs are not permitted in the Nature Preserve or its trails, there are other trails in the Wetland Parks that are suitable for dogs, cyclists and even horses.
Lone Mountain Trail
Lone Mountain Trail and the Lone Mountain Loop Trail are located just off the Bruce Woodbury Beltway. Choose between a 2.2-mile round trip up and down the mountain, or a leisurely 3.2-mile stroll around the base of the mountain. This dog-friendly trail is accessible year-round, and is ideal for walking, running and just taking in nature and the beauty of Las Vegas. The path is well traveled, making this hike perfect for any skill level.
Floyd Lamb Park
Floyd Lamb Tule Springs Park Trail is a paved trail around Floyd Lamb Park, a City of Las Vegas Park. The park features a lake with abundant ducks and geese, as well as roaming peacocks in the open fields. The trail is less than a mile in total, and is accessible to both dogs and horses. This stroller-friendly trail is perfect for all ages and skill levels.
Fishing is allowed with a permit. Restrooms are available. Here is a $6 entrance fee per vehicle.
Desert National Wildlife Refuge
Corn Creek Nature Trail is part of the Desert National Wildlife Refuge, located northwest of Las Vegas on US95. Desert National Wildlife Refuge is another favorite spot of my family, and offers a great escape from city life. The 2-mile loop is an easy trail for all skill levels, and can accommodate strollers as well. It’s a fun nature hike for kids, great for birding, and is convenient for families with the visitor’s center and restrooms located nearby.
Mouse’s Tank Trail at Valley of Fire
Mouse’s Tank Trail is located at Valley of Fire State Park. The trail is less than 2 miles in and out. Fun for kids because of the name and story behind it, this sandy trail is appropriate for anyone of any skill level. Along the trail you can view ancient petroglyphs in the rock walls and at the end of the hike there is a water tank that gave the trail its name. Legend tells us that a Piute man, called Little Mouse, used this canyon as a secret hideaway.
Entrance fee to Valley of Fire is $10 per vehicle.
River Mountains Loop Trail
River Mountains Loops Trail is a 34-mile loop that features paved and concrete sections 12 feet in length to help accommodate all of its visitors. This trail is suitable for strollers and wheel chairs. The surrounding River Mountains are home to Nevada’s largest population of Bighorn Sheep and if you’re lucky you may catch a glimpse of them during your visit. Keep your eyes open for other wildlife including roadrunner, deer, and our favorite, the desert tortoise.
The River Mountains Loop Trail offers many trail heads in Henderson, Boulder City, and the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Our favorite trailhead is located at the First Creek Trail where you can access bathrooms, water, and maps. This trailhead location is shared with the Historic Railroad Trail another great hike for families. The Alan Bible Visitor Center is in Boulder City, off U.S. 93 on the way to the Hoover Dam.
Historic Railroad Tunnels Trail
The Historic Railroad Trail is part of the River Mountains Loop Trail. During the construction of the Hoover Dam, more than 30 miles of railroad was constructed to connect Las Vegas to Boulder City to the Hoover Dam, that railway is now a well-maintained trail that you can’t miss. There are five tunnels, amazing landscapes, and often some Nevada wildlife to be seen.
This is an easy trail and suitable for strollers as well. Access the trail at the Alan Bible Visitors Center or the Hoover Dam Parking Garage.
The Alan Bible Visitors Center is located at 10 Lakeshore Road in Boulder City and open daily from 9am – 430pm. Lake Mead National Recreation Area does have a Junior Ranger program, you can pick up your book at the visitor’s center.
FEE FREE Days in 2023 at Lake Mead National Recreation Center
January 16: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
April 22: First day of National Park Week
August 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
September 23: National Public Lands Day
November 11: Veterans Day
If your child is in 4th grade you are eligible for an Every Kid Outdoors pass offering FREE admission to all of our public lands.
