It's National Take A Hike Day and I found this out after I just did a hike here this morning with a…read morefriend. We opted to do 2 miles out and 2 miles back instead of the loop and had a great time. The first mile or so is a steady gain in elevation, but I didn't bring hiking poles and they shouldn't be necessary unless you need them for balance. The trail is easy to follow so you can't really get lost. We only saw one other person when we were on our way to the turn-around point: solitude! What I noticed about this particular hike is how quiet it is there, which makes for a very peaceful trek. We made it down into the wash area and then turned around to go back the same way we came. I recommend this hike if you're looking for something less difficult, but still full of terrific Red Rock scenery. Plus, it's free--no entrance fees here!

This was my first hike at Kraft Mountain and it was a pretty awesome loop!…read more It took me about 1 hour and 30 minutes to do it even with running parts of it. It was a perfect day to hike it because it was overcast for most of the time and I think the temperature was about mid 70's which is extremely rare for June in Vegas. I'd say that the loop itself was easy but maybe that's for someone who walks, jogs and scrambles often. Maybe if you are a total newbie to any hiking or physical activity then maybe it won't be easy. The hike itself going uphill was easy but going down past all the grey rock heading towards the boulders can be tricky because scrambling is required. So get ready to slide down on your butt, cling onto some boulders and wedge yourself between a few hard places while scraping your skin or knees on hard surfaces and brush. I was wearing shorts and did fine and most importantly do carry some sugary snacks if you need a quick pick me up. Pack some gummies and at least a tiny bottle of water and also emergency sunscreen because even in overcast you will get burned by the desert sun. Overall this is a loop I highly recommend to anyone whose never tried it before. It's easy to follow, can't really get lost and there's always people on the trail so if you need help, almost sure you're not going to be alone. Loved this mini adventure and so glad I gave it a whirl. It was beautiful and peaceful.

I was invited by friends to complete this hike today the first day of the new year and new decade…read more(1.1.20). I was excited to complete this hike as I have decided to complete a hiking challenge for this year and this would be hike number one. We promptly met at 9:00am in the Red Springs parking lot and begin our ascent up this so called staircase. There really is no set trail or staircase at all but lots of climbing and scrambling over and through large rocks. You just have to go with someone who has done it before and will guide you up the safest route possible. Luckily my friends complete this hike annually. I wasn't sure that I could handle this climb, but turns out that I was much stronger that I thought. It is strenuous at times and the cardio workout is real, but the reward at the top is so worth it. The views are epic from viewing the entire Red Rock Canyon and seeing way out toward Mt. Potosi. In the other direction seeing through Brownstone Canyon up to Mt. Charleston Peak. This hike also includes some stunning views of our beautiful city. I can only imagine how pretty it would be up here at sunset, but never mind going down would be way to challenging. Remember to Leave No Trace - Keep our public lands clean! #52HikeChallenge - #1

I wanted to go on an adventure this weekend and that I did. I left Central Vegas around 5:15AM and…read moreheaded towards Red Rock Canyon. It was super light traffic at this time on a Sunday so I made it to the Red Springs turnoff at 6AM on the dot. There isn't a clearly marked route so I recommend you go with someone who has done this before. If you go alone, when in doubt, head up! Be careful of loose rocks and wear sturdy shoes. The view from the top is beautiful and overlooks the scenic loop and the strip. You can see the contrast of the city and the mountains. It's stunning and colorful. Bring a light snack, water, and your phone for pictures. It's not a long hike, maybe 30 minutes each direction, but it is moderate and tricky in some spots.

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

Great beginner hike for someone who wants beautiful views but doesn't like to go on an uphill climb.read more

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

One of my favorite places to hike in Las Vegas is Tule Springs. This used to be a state park but…read morewas tunred over to the City of Las Vegas when the state budget didn't have enough to cover operations. Since then, it has been a city park. There is an admission to Floyd Lamb of $6 per car. To avoid the charge and to do the loop, you park on Racel Street. There are entrances on Racel to access the South Loop Trail. The loop is actually a large retention basin for flash flood water. It is a 1.7 mile loop on a dirt track around this basin. There are wonderful views of the Las Vegas Range and you can see the Metro antennae on Gass Peak if you know where to look. Coming back to Racel, you see the Spring Mountains to the west. The views of these two mountain ranges is outsanding! The mountains offer the marvelous scenery, but don't miss the desert plants that have been added to beautify the area. Creosote bushes, desert marigold, mesquite trees, and other desert plants make the trail something to enjoy by looking at both the mountains and toward the ground. Roadrunners like this type of dry area and I've seen one hiking the loop. If you look at the center of the basin, you'll see an island. There are two trails--from the north and south--leading to this area where you can have a picnic in one of the covered areas. When I hike here, I leave the loop near the historic area of Tule Springs. If you do the loop and have time, take the side spur to the historic resort from the 1940s on, starting as a resort specializing in 6 week Nevada residencies for people wanting a quick divorce. Enjoy the springs, the animals, and the plentiful trees before returning to the loop and back to your car along Racel. There is a North Loop that I haven't done yet. Since it's cool weather again, I have some time to do it. From Neon to Nature. Go out and take a hike and enjoy our city away from the neon.

Great loop of a trail that demonstrates desert landscaping. Also perfect for walking your dog.read more

This was a uniquely special hike for me and while I normally hike in a group; I did this by…read moremyself.... But my safety net was I had friends waiting at the bottom just in case I needed help. Never hike alone, folks! The hike itself... stunning. I am terrible with directions and although the trail was well labeled throughout I still kinda got lost. However, there are plenty of people around so it was easy to right the course. I hiked early so there was plenty of shade. This is also inside the Red Rock loop so a reservation or a local hook up is required - I was lucky to have a local hookup and got in for free. So stunning and beautiful. There are parts that are moderately challenging but slow and steady, like a turtle with get you there. Please come and create your own adventure.

I've hiked nearly every trail at Red Rock Canyon NCA, and short of the Grand Circle Loop which is…read morejust challenging for its long distance (looping the interior perimeter of the entire park), Turtlehead Peak Trail is by far the most challenging hike inside the park. It's 4.6~ miles depending on if you don't lose the trail at any point (which is easy to do), you gain roughly 2,000ft of elevation and it can be fairly arduous depending on your fitness and preparedness level. It will cost you a $2 reservation fee, best purchased in advance, and if you do not have an America The Beautiful Nat'l Park Pass, an additional $20 park entrance fee. With the pass the entrance fee is waved. You'll take the scenic loop upon entering the park, and when you reach the Sandstone Quarry parking area you will be at the trailhead. Parking is limited so you're best off arriving early unless you're lucky with parking. The trail starts out fairly mellow, until about the 1/4 mile mark, and then the incline begins and never really faulters. The trail slinks back and forth through the desert landscape but there isn't much in the way of shade, so this is best not attempted in the middle of summer. Southern Nevada summers break records and hiking in a fully exposed desert can become very dangerous very quickly. Regardless of time of year, remember to bring plenty of water for everyone in your group. There are times when you're scrambling up shale and sharp rocks, and the trail will become narrow at times so be careful. Some portions of the trail are loose rock on steep sections so keep this in mind and wear the proper footwear. Because there is next to no shelter from the sun, be sure to wear sunscreen and something to cover your face and neck. You'll eventually reach a ridge line of sorts around the 1.75 mile mark, and you're nearly there, but it gets fairly steep here. Almost there and when you make it you'll be rewarded by panoramic views of the scenic desert cliffs, the Las Vegas skyline, the nearby summit of Mount Charleston and on a clear day you can see Arizona. Remember the summit is only half way so relax for a few, take pictures, replenish with a snack and then head back down. Back at the bottom you'll find 2 pit toilets with hand sanitizer, and you can celebrate having done something pretty cool outdoors just a few miles from the Vegas Strip.

I've hiked the Bonanza Trail twice and don't plan to do it again. It's a strenuous hike of about…read more10 miles round trip to the summit and back. To get to the trailhead, you have to drive US 95 north past the two roads that lead to Kyle and lee Canyons at Mount Charleston. You turn left where the sign says Cold Creek. The road goes between the two prisons along US 95. Drive west about 10 miles to the village of Cold Creek. The last section of the road is rough and it's best to have a high clearance vehicle. There is a parking area at the trailhead and a group camping area. From here, you go cross a meadow for about a half a mile to get to the first of many, many switchbacks. One website says there are 80 switchbacks. The elevation gain makes the hiking tough. Part way up the switchbacks, you'll come to an old burn area and you can see how the forest has tried to recover. None of the large trees are growing much and it will take a long time. After what seems an interminable hike, you reach the saddle. From the saddle, the trail heads south in the direction of Mount Charleston. The Bristlecone Trail in Lee Canyon is only 8 miles down the trail. As you start toward the limestone peak to the left of the trail, there is a small use trail that goes to the peak. If you get to the cairn in one of my photos, you've gone a little too far but you can get to the summit from there. From the saddle, as the trail heads south, find a spot where you can head to the left and get on top of the limestone cliffs. If you go left too soon, you'll have a climb up the cliffs. If you stay more to the right, you'll be able to get to the summit without any climbing. I used my GPS unit to find the summit. Once at the summit, it's time for a well deserved rest and a chance to enjoy the view. Find the ammo box and sign the register. There is cell phone coverage for almost the entire hike so doing it alone is not a problem. After your rest, retrace your steps. This is a different trail for another reason. It's one of the few trails I hike in the Spring Mountains that you can see the parking lot for a good part of the hike. That's interesting but not essential information. I would not recommend this hike on a windy day. The winds at the summit can be fierce and you'll be fighting your way up the mountain. If you do this hike, take plenty of water, wear good hiking boots, and a GPS unit for finding the summit is always a good idea. Happy hiking!

Trailhead is located in the small town of Cold Creek, about an hour or so from Vegas (depending on…read morewhat end of town you are coming from). You are almost guaranteed to see wild horses every time you drive up the road to Cold Creek, so be careful, drive slow and let them pass. This is great hike to get in shape for Mt. Charleston Peak or any other peaks around there. It will def put you in check. It's all trail, well maintained, there are a few spot where you will need to climb over a tree stump that hasn't been cleared off my Forest Service just yet, but it's all Class I trail, no scrambling at all. There are 80 switchbacks, yes 80, although the elevation club is only 3000 feet of elevation climb, you definitely feel your heart beating and your lungs doing double time in certain areas. This trail is easy to follow, you will reach a false peak about halfway to the top, and about a third of the way to the top, when you reach your very first DOWNWARD switchback, do not follow the trail, look up towards your left, you will see a cairn, that is the trail you need to follow. This other trail will take you all the way to Lee Canyon, which is another 10 miles. Once you are at the peak, you have a great view of Mt. Charleston Peak, you can see down into Pahrump, and to the East you can see to the other side of the I-15. I've done this hike twice, I don't plan on doing it again. My hamstring tendon was killing me for about two weeks after due to the 80 switchbacks downhill. Quick stats 10 miles RT 3000 feet elevation gain Strenuous Bring 2-3 L of water Sunscreen, even though it's usually 20 degrees cooler than Vegas, and it's mostly a shaded trail, the sun is still hitting you on most of the trail. Bring a lightweight windbreaker, it can get windy at the peak. PS. The last mile or so of the road that leads up to the trailhead is not paved and very rocky, definitely not accessible with a low profile vehicle, If you don't have a 4 wheel drive or HCV, you can park and walk, it will just add a few miles to the hike.

LOVE THIS TRAIL. The first half of the trail isn't super cool only because the path is pretty wide…read moreand standard looking. But about 3 miles in you reach a sign where you could either turn back and go the way you came or keep going which is another 3 miles back just another way. We decided to keep going and i'm so glad we did. The second half of the trail was so much fun because it was more through the forest and had a tighter path with lots of rocks and branches. The path during the second part is only wide enough for one person. Super fun for me and my friends, but might not recommend for little kids.

Awesome 6.5 mile hike! Beautiful views and peaceful trail. It's mostly flat with a bit of incline…read morebut nothing difficult, my son was able to keep up easily. There were alot of chill spots to have a quick snack break or take pics. The hike went by quickly and definitely didn't feel like 6+ miles. Love Mt. Charleston!