I hiked Gateway Canyon today and there have been some changes to the hike as a result of the flash…read moreflooding that we had this summer and fall. It is a more difficult hike than it was. There was one area soon after entering the canyon that was an easy walk on the sandstone to get to the lower level. Now it's a butt slide you must do carefully. There was some sign that some have tried to do a walk around but we didn't check to see if there was another way. There's a second drop off that is problematic. The flooding washed some gravel from the base of the sandstone. We got around this by carefully climbing up some sandstone to bypass the difficult area. One of our group couldn't do that and she slid down the sandstone and landed on her shoulder. Just a bit sore. There are also some new places where boulders have been placed below to make the step down easier. I'm not sure I'd take friends from out of town on this hike unless another heavy rain changes things again for the better like it did once before. If you do this hike, do it carefully!

A group of us hiked here today but was more of an exploratory…read more This canyon is located in the Calico Basin side of The Red Rock. It is a moderately strenuous 4-6 mile hike. The 3-mile Kraft Mountain Loop, also called Gateway Canyon Loop, circumnavigates Kraft Mountain, that borders the north side of Calico Basin. The route starts heading northwest across desert flats on a use-trail. Following Gateway Wash, the route passes a few spots of easy rock scrambling and seasonal pools of water. Most of our exploratory was on the east of Turtle Head Peak in Upper Gateway Canyon Trail. This is not on the scenic route. Temperature: Same as Las Vegas Distance: 4-6 mile loop Elevation change: 600 feet Hiking time: 3-4 hours Elevation Trailhead: 3,700 feet Elevation Saddle: 4,300 feet

In between Lost Creek and Willow Springs inside the Red Rock Canyon loop, there is a mountain call…read moreGoodman Peak. From the bottom, it looks unclimbable. After 30 minutes of hiking and 7 hours of rock scrambling, I was proven wrong and it was very much climbable with effort and team work. Only 4 miles round trip but feels longer with the full body effort required to dodge and climb rocks and boulders to summit. The views were spectacular. Parking and bathroom provided at the trailhead. Please come and create your own adventure.

Make a reservation unless it is in the summer. Other seasons, the timed park entries are very…read morelimited. May the odds be ever in your favor. Easy to visit Red Rock Canyon when the temperature soars to triple digits. Made a stop at the Park Ranger's Station and she recommended this stop. Just did a quick hike due to the summer heat. Make sure to bring plenty of water, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat. Lots of parking available in the summer. Stamp your park passport. National Park passes are accepted here. Take photos, leave footprints:

One of the overlooked hiking areas in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is Blue…read moreDiamond Hill on the east side of Charleston Boulevard. There are a number of trails here, many made by mountain bikers who use the area for its challenging terrain. This hike can be made as hard or easy as you want. I make a long one out of it, but you could hike in a mile or so and then return to your car. It depends on your skill and the time you have. To get to the Cave Canyon Trail, drive past the entrance to the Visitor Center and Scenic Drive on Charleston Boulevard. About 1/2 mile beyond the entrance, there's a small parking area on the left side of the road where you go to ride horses with Cowboy Trail Rides. Park in this lot. From the lot, follow the dirt road as it heads toward a corral which usually has a good number of horses. At the corral, the road heads to your right. Keep following the road. You're going up the road that leads to the Cowboy Trail Rides area where they have their meals that come with certain rides. Just before the horse area, the trail goes off to your left and drops into a wash. There are a couple of ways you can get into the wash. It doesn't matter where just as long as you keep heading toward the two canyons in the distance. You will come to a fork in the trail as you look at the two canyons. Take the left fork. This is Cave Canyon. Follow the trail into Cave Canyon and enjoy the stunning limestone. If you stop and look at some of the boulders, you can see the fossilized imprints of clams that once lived on the bottom of the sea that was here. As you hike up this trail, you come to a dry waterfall. There are some boulders piled below to help you get up the 6 feet or so to get past the dry fall. If this looks too challenging, this would be a good place to turn around. For those with hiking skills, going beyond the dry fall begins a journey of following the canyon back and forth as it winds its way up Blue Diamond Hill. Eventually, you'll come to the overlook where below you is beautiful, Lady Las Vegas. It's a great sight to see our city stretched out below. On clear days, you can see Lake Mead but this is becoming rarer as the lake drops more and more. Retrace your steps and enjoy the many cacti, especially barrel cacti, that like the limestone of Blue Diamond Hill. If you go all the way to the overlook, the total distance will be about 6 miles. Here are some photos I took when I did this hike on December 29, 2009. If you have any questions about the hike, send me a message and I'll be glad to answer questions. Happy hiking!

Blue Diamond Hill is an extraordinary place off the beaten path in The Red Rock Canyon National…read moreConservation Area. Its open spaces, western landscape, and beauty has touched my heart. Unfortunately, when I recently hiked in its Cave Canyon Trail it destroyed my heart. Seeing the graffiti epidemic creates a wound that band aids and water can't cure. A precious area of Blue Diamond Hill with so much to give is being wasted away by graffiti. The graffiti is so bad that it is running out of giving. What a difference a couple of years makes. The last time I hiked in Cave Canyon, with the exception of the lower cave, the graffiti was as sparse as a Park Ranger patrolling Blue Diamond Hill. Now it is on the level of a barrier wall in a ghetto along some parts of the canyon. Where is paradise-turning-into the ghetto of Red Rock Canyon? Facing north, it is on the right (east) side of State Route 159 between the exit and entrance of the 13 Mile Scenic Drive. The Cowboy Trails parking lot is the trailhead. This is the same parking lot of the Las Vegas Overlook. The parking lot is small and unpaved. It fills up fast. When I hike up Blue Diamond Hill, I park in the paved Red Rock Canyon Overlook parking lot, then walk approximately 1/2 mile alongside State Route 159 to the trailhead. So, from the unpaved parking lot, you want to continue hiking on a dirt road past two horse corals. Compared to the graffiti ahead, the scenery of horses with Blue Diamond Hill in the background is a 4 star picture spot. The horseriders add to the western landscape. On this note, it amazes me that people complain that the horses are destroying the landscape when criminals are doing severe damage vandalizing it. Anyway, the dirt road stops at the second coral and narrows into foot/ equestrian trails. To aim for Cave Canyon you want to envision a clock. Cave Canyon will be toward the 11 'o' clock position. Now you want to follow the trail into the wash and toward the canyon that will be toward the 12 'o' clock position and not toward the right at the 3 'o' clock position. The trail passes on a covering of desert sprinkled with creosote, Joshua trees, and rocks. Unfortunately in mid-2014, graffiti is the landmark to the canyon portion. "Enoch" in large black letters welcomes the hiker. Whatever it means, "Enoch" would be a common sight along the uphill trail. Into the canyon, the trail ascends a hill to the right. It follows the mountain wall to the right and the view below to the left. Halfway to the right is a small cave. I posted a picture that shows how graffiti destroyed this cave. Bird&hike.com also shows the graffiti infestation. A short distance past the small cave, you will reach a wall of rocks. From this point forward, class three scrambling is required to reach the upper cave. Of course, graffiti is the landmark. The reward for all the graffiti on the way up is the breathtaking views of Red Rock Canyon on the hike down. From this angle, you could see a post card view of Red Rock Canyon. The funny thing about Cave Canyon is that the surrounding trails are still untouched beautiful western landscapes. With Cave Canyon on fire from graffiti, until the National Park Service attempts to control it; I highly recommend reaching the top of Blue Diamond Hill from the Las Vegas Overlook Trail or the Cowboy Trails system. In conclusion I give Cave Canyon 3 stars. The way I see it, somebody has to give something to this unloved place that wants to give some kind of love. Hopefully the National Park Service will give Cave Canyon back to health so that it can in turn give future generations uplifting experiences in the caves of Blue Diamond Hill.

A must for locals and visitors. Amazing mini adventure and view that requires more diligence than…read morethe usual beginner hikes, and requires light climbing/scrambling. DON'T miss your exit from the scenic loop route to get there.... Because it's a 1 way route (3rr exit). The hike takes around 40min-1hour to finish. For those who don't exercise like me, maybe 1-3 breaks would help but expect jelly legs half way there. Below are some instructions for myself that could be helpful to you. I posted photos from beginning of our drive, to the trail to Amazon end hike view. Fee at Entrance: $15 Vehicle. Takes credit card. No wifi reception at entrance gate for rsvp and during parts of scenic drive. Some patches of wifi. Scenic Loop Route to find your stop is one way 25miles-ish/40minutes-ish. So don't miss your in between destination stop. Can't go back. Exit 1: Calico I Exit 2: Calico II Exit 3: Sandstone Quarry (with Calico Tanks trail is the most popular/View of Vegas) Etc with other stops. There's 2 restrooms with toilet paper and maybe some sanitizer. Trail: Calico Trails to Sandstone Quarry. There will be signs or at se point just a bunch of rocks bundled to make a pole stand...follow those. There will be man made steps to areas that is harder to identify as a trail...so just use your best judgement on what works best for you to move forward/up. Sandstone Quarry's Calico Tanks is not for entry level. But it's possible with - breaks, - if you have the ability to climb/down climb - ability and being light foot would help (I'm clumsy). Coming from no exercise/hiking person....it's like a stair master situation, where your thighs will feel like jello. Canyonish hiking - Terrain changes from shards/pebbles to sandy, to boulders. - Rocks looks smooth and slippery but actually has sand paper grip here. - Easy chill beginning, middle stair master to light climbing boulders. Coming down requires more attention to not slip or mis-step. - The shade is very cool in temperature. Basically little to no shade. Secret little box of letters at the end. There is a pen and maybe some paper space. We had a Costco receipt, so just put our couples name and date of the hike. Enjoy!

Sandstone Quarry is one of the most popular stopping spots by tourists and locals. There is a…read morehistory to the area. There are several multi-ton blocks of sandstone abandoned when the third try at quarrying sandstone declared bankruptcy in 1912 and the quarry closed. The Bureau of Land Management contracted to have several parking areas and the Scenic Drive re-done at the Red Rock Canyon NCA. Sandstone Quarry was one of them. There are extra parking spaces that were added when the lot was enlarged. This is the starting point for 3 hikes or just a casual explore. You can hike the Grand Circle, Calico Tanks, or Turtlehead Peak from the lot. Unless you're doing the Grand Circle in sections, starting here is not a good idea. I have been to this area countless times to document Indian rock art and artifacts, to hike, or to just enjoy the explorations that can be done from here. The sandstone cliffs beckon and there's much to see. There is a pit toilet at the parking area.

This a peaceful hidden gem. Spring Mountain Ranch State Park is located just a few minutes outside…read moreof the Las Vegas strip. Surrounded by red rock cliffs, and lots of greenery. This place is perfect for a nice walk through the garden a picnic or even a hike. The historic ranch adds a nice touch, with great photos and views. I found that this place is less crowded compared to all the other parks and outdoor scenic areas that we've been visiting.. definitely worth a visit if you're looking for a peaceful escape away from the city. Also, while you're here don't forget to check out the little gift shop which offers a variety of sweet treats, such as chocolate covered strawberries, chocolate covered marshmallows, and so much more, which are all delicious.

Spring Mountain Ranch State Park is a tranquil gem in the southwest side of Las Vegas, offering a…read morefantastic escape. The huge, grassy field is perfect for picnics, and the restrooms are very clean. It's also pet-friendly, with leashed dogs welcome on the trails. There are several different hiking options, from easy to moderate, with beautiful views. Don't miss the historic ranch house, once owned by Howard Hughes, which is open for tours and has a small gift shop. Very peaceful and tranquil for a lovely afternoon visit.

I was born and raised in Las Vegas and have visited Redrock Canyon countless times throughout my…read morelife. I gaze at the majestic sandstone spires and colorful formations in complete awe every time I see them. The range looks like a biblical tidal wave of stone on the verge of cresting over west Las Vegas. It has been a lifelong dream of mine to explore and camp above this magical range. I have hiked all over the different trails to include oak creek and first creek and was never able to find my way to the peaks south of the highest point Mt Wilson. I probably could have used technical rope climbing to get there but that's not my thing. One day as I searched youtube I found a video posted by foryoursuccess that mentioned a place called little zion. I watched as this man hiked the beautiful escarpment of where the limestone meets the sandstone and saw vistas that were even more beautiful than I could imagine. Through some creative use of Google maps I was able to identify the trail head in Mountain Springs and somewhat of a route. I called up my good friend Paul W. and set a date to find this illusive and magical place. You first come to limestone peak where there is a sign in log for those who find it. It is an up and down trail with little limestone ball bearings that will send you flying if you are not wearing appropriate shoes. The view of the back side of the sandstone peaks takes the experience to another level, It seems that every 20 yards exposes a different view that's worthy of winning a photo contest or gracing the cover of an outdoor magazine. The trail pretty much goes along the top of mountains that make the western skyline north of Mt Potosi. There are a few other peaks you can hike to however we weren't stopping until we found Little Zion. As we marched along the limestone peaks that were carved be the elements for millions of years they stood stoic in beautiful anger with their sharp edges and deadly cliffs. Finally we located the magical valley. There is kind of a trail down to it. Once there you forget where you are as you stand in the shadows of pine trees that appear to be growing out of rock. There is a land bridge on the west end of this little slice of heaven. We ate a quick meal, explored a little bit and hiked on out. A little over 4 miles each way with some challenging uphill and down hill. My friend and I then made plans to camp overnight in this place. We researched some alternate routes and made a plan to be dropped off. We started off Lovell Canyon Rd off SR160 west of Mountain Springs. There are tons of trails and roads. Silly me for not printing out a map of the route I picked after painstakingly reviewing Google earth. My friend did the same. We were dropped off and once we got to a place where there was cell service, we discovered we were a touch off course. A 2 mile hike turned into a 7.5 mile grind through raw terrain. With heavy packs and extra water we scoffed at our GPS's and truly believed they were wrong. We made our adjustment and pushed our limits of pain to a new zip code. We finally made it to the magic place called Little Zion for an overnight camping trip. We set up camp and ate like kings. It was windy yet extremely beautiful. It was a great time though we got an extra workout in going a few extra miles. We hiked out and took the trail back to Mountain Springs. This hike is not for the faint of heart and is not really easy to find. The landscape is extremely treacherous yet beautiful. Bring lots of water and wear good shoes. If you are interested in this magic spot the GPS cords are N36'03.065' W115'28.656' the elevation is 5822 ft. Enjoy and remember to pack out what you pack in to keep this magic place in its current pristine state.

Little Zion (LZ)? WTF, is that? Zack M. told me of tales of this location and it stoked the…read moreprimal fires that dwelled within me (and all of us for that matter) to find this magical place. Having moved to Vegas and been a visitor of Red Rock many times, I dug deep into the memory housing group to find any recollection of previous tales told about this location. I could come up with nothing. Some google searches along with some YouTube videos would arm us with just enough intel for a future trek. On February 14, 2016, we would push out with limited knowledge but a disheveled pioneer spirit and explore. The initial exploration was an amazing experience! Starting off from Potosi Pass we climbed both in elevation and spirit as we took in views heading north along the escarpment. Various views of the Vegas Valley and wonderment of ancient sandstone peaks fueled each step forward. When LZ came into view (See Zack M's GPS coordinates) we made for assent into the beautiful canyon. It was a totally different perspective looking east instead of being several thousand feet below and looking west. On this particular day, ice was still around. It coated the slaps of ancient sandstone. This required one to walk gingerly or risk becoming a casualty. Upon reaching the bottom we were amazed at the beautiful Ponderosa Pines which provided ideal camping location. A deal was struck to visit again and sleep under these beautiful trees at a later time. A short walk to the cliffs on the east side give one an eagle eye view of Bonnie Springs, Red Rock and the Vegas Valley. From the pass, one can expect a little over 4 mile journey to LZ and (depending on where you drop down and exit) the same amount heading back. On April 22, 2016 (Earth Day), we made good on our agreement to chill under the Ponderosa. While attempting to find a shorter route, we each reviewed google map and google. We however, did not confirm any of our perspectives on a shorter journey with one another. Mistake learned and not to be repeated. Our infiltration point was somewhere off Lovell Canyon Road put us over seven miles away from the Pines (Did not know at the time). Delirium would cause us both to miss read our GPS systems. Every ridge line was a mind fuck. What was meant to be a staycation of sorts, turned into a death march (with a happy ending). Our packs were heavy and we both marched with a gallon of water in hand. The wind.....ahhhh...the wind nipped at our faces and our souls. I have always operated under the idea that anger is better than despair. Zack M. was the opposite of my foul mood. His optimism and at one time producing two 12 oz. cans of Miller Light from his heavy pack kept me motivated to lay my head under the pines. Eventually, we would find LZ after a 7+ mile bush busting trek. Goods time were had as we attempted to figure out my Biolite stove while attempting to charge my cell phone (did not work). We at Meals Ready To Eat and sipped unicorn tears. The wind continued to be the bane of our adventure. The view of valley partially obscured by particulate matter. The full moon spoiled. With all that..there was still a sense of accomplishment. The morning would come early and after a meal of Quinoa & oats, and some Mountain House biscuits & gravy....we packed up our still heavy packs and made for our exfiltration at a familiar place...the pass of Potosi. As I bleed over my keyboard, I am still recovering from this most recent adventure. But as I heal, I can now laugh at the trials and tribulations of an adventure and wish that I was sleeping under the pines tonight.

I LOVED HOW BEAUTIFUL AND CALM IT WAS... so many pretty birds and rabbits …read more Go on this walk if you need to clear your head or work something out.

Hoorah! Come and share a few minutes with me…read more Lean in! Here's a secret, we have nature here in Las Vegas . Do you like to go off the "regular path." Come out to the wetlands and see parts of "Vegas," one could only imagine. There are no casinos . It's park of a walking paved trail system, but you are able to detour and walk off into the mountain area. So much to explore here . Be mindful that no bathrooms exist. This is not part of the park system. You can walk off and get lost . The wetlands area is huge and has lots to offer . Be prepared ahead of time. No casinos here . We are going out to the wilderness . It's water and food type stuff you need. It's truly a blast. Remember where you parked. You're going to get those steps in today. Let's see where the day goes. Not only are these walking trails but bike trails too. Be careful and remember those around you. Your in nature and wild animals exist. You can sit on a cactus or something. Have fun and enjoy yourself and those among you.

It's fun and laidback. The slot canyon section is short but it was very peaceful out there. Only…read moresaw to other parties (total of three people).

Absolutely gorgeous Head out there before the weather gets…read moretoo hot Vegas has a little of everything Hiking, fine dining, clubs, shows The options are endless