Best Hidden Gem Hiking in Las Vegas, Nevada
Story by Cassie Hepler, submitted images
Because moving your body is the only way to keep it moving until you’re an old fart… You would think that walking flat – not even up a mountain or hill – would not produce many results. But alas, it does! A body in motion stays in motion and if you can just keep moving forward, that is the key to longevity and life. Currently they say get in 10,000 steps a day however sometimes that is impossible. For me, if I have a goal to reach that seems to motivate me more. That and being a couch sloth for a full day usually results in some zoomies the next day. Besides gambling, drinking and partying in Las Vegas, Nevada, there are some amazing places to see from Mother Nature. Just don’t be a dumbass and go when it’s over 100 degrees outside. Pack lots of water, electrolytes, a snack or three, SPF, sunglasses and hat, your best walking or hiking shoes (no flip flops or Ugg-lies) unless you want to spend the rest of your visit in searing foot and back pain. And most importantly, take your time. We know you need photos and videos for social media but take them and put the phone back in your pocket. The whole point of hiking is to let go, get sweaty and enjoy nature’s high life!
Hiking in Las Vegas, Nevada
Historic Railroad Trail
Surprisingly, Las Vegas is home to many breathtakingly beautiful hiking trails, including the Historic Railroad Trail. With a serene view of Lake Mead, it’s easy to see why this hiking trail has so many excellent reviews. It’s a perfect lakeside hiking route snaking through five historic railroad tunnels toward the Hoover Dam. You can also lump them together for a perfect exploring day trip and won’t believe your eyes half the time. The trail is perfect for hikers (and bikers) and features incredible vistas of Lake Mead and Boulder Basin and five tunnels, each approximately 25 feet wide. But for the love of God, do not hike in the middle of summer especially if you’re from a cold weather area and you think it will be a breeze. It makes for great exercise so you can stuff your face more at the all your can eat buffets!
Clark County Wetlands Park
For visitors eager to explore the outdoors away from the glitz and glam or get some steps in, Clark County Wetlands Park spans across 2,900 acres on the eastern edge of the Las Vegas Valley. This nature reserve has a Tripadvisor rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars (!!) with more keywords in reviews related to being underrated, with “unique” and “overlooked” being the most frequently used. With a 210-acre nature preserve and five trailheads, it is the largest park in the Clark County, Nevada park system. Located on the east side of the Las Vegas, the flow runs from the various water treatment plants near the natural beginning of the Las Vegas Wash to where the wash flows under Lake Las Vegas and later into Lake Mead. Public restrooms and picnic tables are also available and you can even bring Fido to enjoy nature too!
Las Vegas Springs Preserve
Located about three miles west of downtown Las Vegas, Nevada, the Las Vegas Springs Preserve consists of 180 acres dedicated to nature walks, experiences and displays and is owned and operated by the Las Vegas Valley Water District. The Preserve is located approximately three miles west of downtown Las Vegas, Nevada. At this destination spot, adventure is right around the corner. In the middle of Vegas, there’s a place with 180 acres of adventure, history and learning where wild minds are free to explore and connect with nature. It’s where everyone can be a kid with wide-eyes wonder. A place where you can traverse hiking trails, participate in hands-on classes, jump on a train ride, wander through an eight-acre botanical garden, and much more to explore. Locals get discount tickets only, sorry tourists.
Calico Tanks Trail
This hike is not for amateurs, kids! The Calico Tanks Trail is a 2.2-mile two hour hike that is labeled difficult to strenuous because this scurry over jumbled sandstone leads to a hidden water pocket with great views. It is however the most popular hike in Red Rock Canyon because the scenery is spectacular with vivid shades of red, orange, and yellow sandstone formations. Located inside the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, it costs $2 for a permit (a lot of 2’s here) if you have a national park pass or $22 without a pass as of 2026. Or you can park for free in Calico Basin and then hike a few more miles to get to the Calico Tanks Trail. You also pass a sign for the Agave Roasting Pit, a historic Indian site and ascend two sets of sandstone stairs. Pack snacks and enjoy a lunch while grounding down into the red rocks!
Gold Strike Canyon Hot Springs
Looking for the ultimate very strenuous hiking workout with a hot springs reward at the end? Less than an hour from the Las Vegas Strip, head to Gold Strike Hot Springs, a 5.3 mile hidden gem located just outside historic Boulder City. This one-of-a-kind oasis is a favorite among more advanced hikers and well worth the trek for the amazing views and serene hot springs. The 2.5-mile, 600-foot descent into scenic Gold Strike Canyon means navigating house-sized boulders with the help of a fixed-rope system, so be prepared to work up a sweat for your soak. The Gold Strike Canyon trail is a challenging hike that takes you through a beautiful canyon to natural hot springs with stunning views of the Colorado River and Hoover Dam. To get through, you’ll need to scramble using both hands and feet to navigate the steep sections so no pets please. There’s free parking off Goldstrike Road near Boulder City, shortly before the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. Heads up: the helpful hiking ropes are not provided by the park, they were installed by hikers and left behind. So use at your own risk!
