We recently visited Las Vegas and discovered this amazing park and hiking trail. We tried out new…read morehiking poles that we bought while we were there. We were both impressed with how (mostly) clean the trails were and how nice of a hike one could go on (it was a Wednesday evening, not sure how crowded it gets on the weekends). The park adjacent to the hiking trail was also amazingly clean and well maintained and loved that it had a dog park. However , we didn't feel quite comfortable letting our crazy dog go 'unchained' in that dog park. Next time in Vegas, we'll be going back to this part/hiking trail!

Great spot for a hike or a walk along the mountain loop. It would also be amazing to ride horses…read morearound the trail and take in the scenery that way.

The views at the overlook are just wonderful and breathtaking. The trail up is well maintained, and…read morepretty steadily inclined, so pace yourself and take as many micro-breaks as you need. I took my dog and paused for him to catch his breath a few times, so it took just under 2 hours to get to the top. I was more focused on enjoying the trip than racing to the top. We saw a few deer on our way up which was cool. And we encountered an awful lot of horse poop, so watch your step lol. Once you get to the clearing at the top where a few other trails shoot off, you walk towards the right and just over the hill you will see the sweeping view of the canyon. I waited a few minutes for a large group of hikers to leave and then I had the entire place to myself for about 15 minutes. I was very careful and walked out over the rocks a bit to get a better view, but PLEASE be careful because one false step and you will have a long fall below you. I loved how quiet and peaceful this hike was, would totally do it again.

With its breathtaking views of Coxcomb Ridge, Kyle Canyon below, Mount Charleston and Mummy…read moreMountain; the ridge above Trail Canyon is a slice of Heaven. The Trail Canyon Trail is the stairway to Heaven. The most direct route to this stairway to heaven from Las Vegas is US 95 to Kyle Canyon Road (Nevada Route 157). I suggest filling up before the 18 mile drive to the trailhead. In 18 miles, the road nearly climbs 6,000 feet in elevation. The road shoots Northwest toward the end of Kyle Canyon. Immediately past the Fire House, the road abruptly changes direction on a hairpin curve. Before the hairpin curve, you want to keep straight the on Echo Drive. There will be a sign directing motorists to Mary Jane Falls, which shares the same parking lot. A few hundred feet the turn off is to the left. The Trail Canyon trailhead is on the north side of the unpaved parking lot. Please keep in mind that this is a strenuous hike where water is essential. If you forgot to bring water, I recommend stopping at the Mount Charleston Inn to pick up a water bottle. Trail Canyon Trail is a stairway to heaven that requires a workout to reach the mesmerizing views at the top. From the start of the trail which really is the westernmost point of Kyle Canyon to the saddle below Coxcomb Ridge and Mummy Mountain, the trail immediately climbs uphill on a two mile hike that ascends 1,500 feet elevation. It starts off at 7,785 feet at the trailhead to 9,308 feet at the top. To give you an idea of how strenuous the trail is, it is higher than climbing the Stratosphere Tower that stands at 1,149 feet. This is a workout to the sights and sounds of nature in a forest covered with Ponderosa pine, aspin trees, Bristlecone pine, and white fir. There is sufficient shade and logs along the trail, that provide relaxing places to pause and take a breather. I witnessed a few hikers getting out of breath. My strategy was to take timed breaks. I'd walk maybe 15 minutes, sit on a log and set my alarm for ten minutes. These were scenic spots to appreciate the limestone vistas of Coxcomb Ridge, chirping birds, woodpeckers pecking on trees, and the light breeze blowing through the forest. There was no other way around the timed breaks. This was my strategy for reaching Trail Canyon, previous hikes, and hopefully Charleston Peak. Speaking of Charleston Peak, Trail Canyon Trail overlaps the leading two miles of the Mount Charleston Hike. Every mile, I passed a sign advertising the mile achievement toward Charleston Peak. At the top of Trail Canyon, that I metaphorically called Heaven, is the junction for the North Loop Trail. Where Trail Canyon Trail ends at this breathtaking view, Charleston Peak bound hikers will make a left to continue on the North Loop Trail and follow it 6 miles to the peak. When I walked back down to the trailhead a couple hikers asked me if I reached the top. They were talking about Charleston Peak. After this hike, I more than ever wanted to hike to Charleston Peak. Despite the 1,500 uphill gain, this is a hike that is safe. The dangers of steep and slippery hills is nonexistent here. The climb is gradual on relatively smooth topography. On the leading segment where it leaves civilization for the Wilderness Area, it follows a wash on straight stretches with gradual elevation gain. Near the last half mile, it then follows a few switchbacks that conclude at the saddle where the trail ends at the North Loop Trail. The saddle is the spot to take in the beauty of nature. This is one of the grandest vistas of Mummy's Mountain. When you turn your head to the left, there is Charleston Peak towering above the Spring Mountains. Turning your head further are the canopy of treetops extending into Kyle Canyon below. Turning your head all the way are the majestic limestone cliffs of the Coxcomb Ridge. Resting your head, there is a level of calmness of being one with nature in a slice of Heaven up in the Stratosphere.

We visited last saturday, which turned out to be a FREE entry day. This was a nationwide promotion…read morefor state parks. But not highly advertised. I think that this happens several times a year, every year. (Otherwise, it was $18 last year. This is the private area. Less people here. More people are at the free areas.) It was beautiful, the trees, the mountains, the scenery. Sunny, with it getting dark (chance of rain), at times, and some wind. At first, we went to a table that didn't have any shade. So we went a little further away. We went to Parking section H, which was not busy at all. Table number 71. Overlooking large white boulders. We saw chipmunks, a hawk high overhead, huge butterflies, and pesky horseflies. Also, a loud grasshopper making a mating call. (Section E was Reserved.) TIP: wipe off the tree sap with wet wipes! Good thing, my MIL brought a table cover to use. We had sandwiches, chips, cookies, bottled water, and sodas. (Some people were barbeque'ing. There are grills, but I suggest using foil, because they are black.) The blue dumpsters are in the parking lots. The dual bathroom, also located in the parking lots, is porta-potty style. There is a sign to "place the lid down". No trash bins inside. No soap to wash your hands. Good thing, I have hand sanitizer on my purse, always. (There is a purse hook inside, which is handy to use.) We went on a trail, which logged in 43 minutes of hiking, Past Discovery Trail, to the Fossil section, overlooking the mountains. Gorgeous. We brought the new pup along, and he didn't have any issues. He even jumped over a huge log on the ground! There was a random bench near the Bridge, which we noticed last year, too.

Amazing views at the top! I went in June, and parking is fairly easy on weekday mornings. By 9 AM,…read moremost spots are full. There are bathrooms in the parking lot but like any park bathroom, they're pretty gross. I always bring my own wet wipes and toilet seat covers just in case. The elevation gain was pretty rough as a casual hiker, and there isn't much shade. There are a couple benches along the trail here and there. The most difficult part was the loose rocks/gravel that paved the trail, making it pretty difficult to get stable footing with every step. I'd recommend bringing hiking poles just in case. If I were to do it again, I'd probably start at around 7-7:30 am because it gets hot pretty quickly.

I have hiked this trail a couple times now. It really is a great workout with some quick elevation…read moregain. I had no idea this peak actually has a name. I believe it's approximately 4.5 miles although my watch said less upon completion. Lots of uphill and for those that need them, bring your poles for the steeper downhill. There is really no shade on this trail so it's best to hike it in the fall, winter or spring. Views at the top are beautiful on a clear day and one can really see how much our city has grown. There is a cute little alcove in the mountain where it looks like a mini living room. It used to have a chair and wind chimes but they were gone when I last hiked this trail in November. This is the only area with some shade in the morning. A great way to get outside and enjoy some fresh air. Remember to #leavenotrace

Beautiful views! Get off the strip and get in shape baby!! Definitely worth the drive.read more

Semi tough trail and climb. Can get windy and extremely cold. Check the weather and dress…read moreappropriately. I definitely brought my water back pack and did it's job. We climbed to the radar tower and the climb down is worst. Knees hurt but the remedy is Blueberry Hill pancakes. After 6 miles...it was worth is. Bring a group but at-least 3-4 people to help motivate each other. Try it!

We went on a windy day and although the views are great, the wind was not. We parked at the casino…read moreand they have a nice little trailhead that's well marked. Overall, I would recommend the trail but not when it's windy. It also provides little areas of shade so super hot days are probably not the best either. This trail does have areas of higher traffic. It also has so incline to it.

This hike starts out at the North Loop trailhead and goes all the way to Raintree, when you get to…read moreRaintree, you will go towards the right and follow that trail around, pass Mummy Springs and keep going. This is great because you will get a good warm up doing Raintree, once you hit the trail to Mummy's Toe, you will think Raintree was a breeze. Once you hit around 10,000 feet elevation, there really is no defined trail, and it's very steep and strenuous. You will need to look for the cairns because it's easy to lose the trail. The last pitch up to the peak is basically dirt and scree, one step up and two steps back. Once you get to peak, you're rewarded with amazing views into Lee Canyon and beyond. Lots of different vegetation throughout the hike. Bristlecone, Bottlebrush Pine, tons of wildflowers. Quick stats: Strenuous 8 miles RT Up and back hike 2,600 feet elevation gain 10,925 feet elevation at the peak Trekking poles were very helpful, as well as gloves for a few spots for the hike down

If you are looking for a place to beat the Vegas heat, head to Mt. Charleston/Spring Mountains…read morearea. There are activities around the Las Vegas area that don't involve 'The Strip'. The Mummy Mountain is a great hike. The North Loop trail head has a small parking area, so get here early if you can. The hike to Mummy's Toe is a pretty strenuous one, about 2,000 foot of elevation gain in 8 miles; so be prepared, and there are no places close for provisions; so plan ahead. Pay close attention to weather for both temperatures and thunderstorms. When you start hiking from the North Loop parking lot, it's about 3 miles to get to the Raintree (3,000+ year old Bristlecone Pine) where you can see the top of the Toe and cliff face. There you will see a sign showing the way to the Mummy springs, taking that trail starts you to the Mummy's Toe. When you pass the spring, the trail is going to start to get difficult to see. Not too many people go past the spring would be my guess why the trail is hard to find/follow. Getting to the peak takes an effort, but the views are great. As stated in other reviews; trekking poles and gloves are advised. As far as I know, dogs on leashes are allowed in this area and my pup did fine on this hike. However, keep in mind there are some pretty steep parts to this ascent, so consider your dog's age and abilities for this hike. (Be a responsible pet owner, bring water and snacks for them, and clean up after them too). Have fun, but know your limits; Stay safe. See you on the trail.

It was a nice walk but very short trail. But wit the scenery who cares it's beautiful up thereread more

I was looking to get back on the trail after recovering from a foot fracture and a severe ankle…read moresprain. It has been what felt like forever since I had been able to hike and the mountains had been calling me back for a while! My friend Norm gave me this trail as a suggestion so hubby and I got up early Sunday morning to check it out. The trail is located behind the Spring Mountain Gateway Visitor Center so you either have to wait till the center opens at 9:00am to utilize the parking area or you can park across the street and walk over. The trail is easy to find as it is located behind the center and down the hill. Once you are at the bottom, you turn left and follow the path across a wash and you will walk by some beautiful Noble fir trees growing in the wash. You then need to turn right and you will begin to ascend up this path. There are many informational signs educating you about the area. Each sign lets you know how far you have hiked, tells you about the mountain caves across the street, and about the flora and fauna. I found it interesting that the trail is named after the Acastus Checkerspot Butterfly which is only found in the Spring Mountains. I have hiked many trails in the Spring Mountains and these little butterflies have crossed my paths countless times. They say when a butterfly crosses your path, that either your life is about to change or joy will be entering your life. This trail is mainly an uphill climb but super easy, not challenging but still enjoyable. The only issue is that it is at a lower elevation so it is quite a bit warmer in the summer time. I would suggest doing this hike either very early morning in the summer, spring or the fall for maximum enjoyment. The trail climbs all the way up to the Fletcher View Campgrounds and then your return is all downhill. This trail was a perfect start for me to begin to hike again and I really appreciate Norm's suggestion. This is a great trail for people with small children and you can take your dog too!

Few geological landscapes of comparable grandeur lie within such immediate reach of a major…read moremetropolitan center as Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, where vermilion sandstone, pale sedimentary outcrops, and formidable mountain escarpments reveal the complex geological history of the Mojave Desert. Barely removed from Las Vegas, the conservation area possesses a seclusion scarcely anticipated so near the city, enhanced by conscientious preservation and facilities maintained to an exacting standard. The 13-mile Scenic Drive begins with its most visually commanding formations: the richly pigmented sandstone of Calico I and Calico II. Across their undulating surfaces, successive sedimentary layers trace intricate contours through crimson ridges and weathered outcrops. Sandstone Quarry introduces a juxtaposition of pale and crimson sandstone, its lighter formations interrupting the predominance of red before the roadway advances into increasingly mountainous terrain. The ensuing panoramas exchange the flamboyance of the initial sandstone formations for the more austere contours of rocky slopes and distant escarpments, affording a broader appreciation of the desert's varied geology. From High Point Overlook, an expansive prospect encompasses substantial portions of the Scenic Drive, with the unobstructed vantage offering opportunities for panoramic photography. During favorable early-evening conditions, the distant illumination of Las Vegas may also appear along the horizon, a fleeting reminder of the urban landscape beyond the desert. The pleasure of traversing such varied terrain is reinforced by an exceptionally well-maintained roadway. Across approximately 2 years of frequent visitation, the pavement has exhibited consistently smooth surfaces and scarcely perceptible deterioration. Parking areas, scenic overlooks, restrooms, and adjoining grounds receive similarly meticulous attention, reflecting a sustained standard of maintenance. Precautionary management is equally apparent during inclement weather, when closures restrict access to vulnerable turnoffs or roadway sections threatened by flooding. The condition of the facilities and the discipline exercised in safeguarding public access attest to the conservation area's conscientious stewardship. Although the Scenic Drive provides an admirable introduction to the conservation area's topography, an extensive network of hiking trails affords closer examination of formations and canyon interiors. Route maps, estimated durations, difficulty classifications, and preparatory guidance are prominently displayed at trailheads, allowing prospective hikers to evaluate their intended excursions before departure. The visitor center supplies further information through knowledgeable personnel, whose courtesy and professionalism are matched by the attentive staff at the entrance stations. Trail mileage alone, however, provides an incomplete indication of physical difficulty. Ice Box Canyon, for example, may feature a seasonal waterfall following suitable precipitation, although rocky passages and boulder scrambling can complicate the approach. Advance consultation regarding route conditions and physical requirements is therefore advisable, as are precautions concerning desert heat, variable weather, and native wildlife, including rattlesnakes. Beyond its recreational attractions, Red Rock Canyon benefits from its proximity to Las Vegas. The America the Beautiful annual pass facilitates repeated admission to participating federal recreation sites, while complimentary passes are available to eligible veterans and individuals with qualifying permanent disabilities. Applicable reservation requirements and separate fees may still apply. For local residents, recurring access encourages spontaneous excursions for photography, sightseeing, or respite from urban activity. During quieter weekday hours, diminished traffic and sparse visitation permit a contemplative encounter with the landscape, when the desert's expansive silence offers a reprieve from the congestion and incessant stimulation of metropolitan life. Such tranquility lends the conservation area enduring appeal beyond the novelty of an initial visit. It should be acknowledged that the Scenic Drive and its accessible overlooks encompass only a fraction of Red Rock Canyon's geographical breadth, leaving the more secluded canyon interiors and extensive hiking network for further exploration. Nevertheless, the principal vehicular circuit provides a substantive introduction to the region's geological character, while sustained observation attests to the exemplary condition of its infrastructure, the diligence of its personnel, and the conscientious administration of visitor safety. Red Rock Canyon rewards repeated visitation through the quality of its scenery, attentive maintenance, and accessibility, with the surrounding desert offering an enduring refuge from the demands of metropolitan life.

For being so close to the touristy strip, this should be a must do for everyone visiting Vegas…read more Great scenic loop with lots of photo ops. Cell service very spotty. Go prepared with snacks and drinks. Stop at the welcome center for souvenirs.