Cute little park. Quick stop on the way to Red Rock Canyon Park…read more But.....no burros. Maybe. Next time.

Blue Diamond is the most lovely little town. This park is nice with a skate park and baseball field…read moreand playground. However it is FULL of turds from the donkeys.

My first ever hike that I took 16 years ago in Vegas. I took there so many friends, I took there…read morehusband when we were dating and now my kids. It never fails, it's super easy and in the spring so beautiful when snow is melting and provides creek with water. I have to say that with growing population of our city, this hike is super popular too. It was packed this past Sunday. Just be prepared. Kids were talking about waterfall for days. Our nature is so different and so beautiful

In A Nutshell:…read more -First Creek Trail is nice little out & back trail system 8 miles down the road, just outside Red Rock Canyon. -You will may see some wild donkeys grazing if you keep scanning your environment. -The trail is dog friendly. -You will engage in various terrain consisting of both desert, shrubs, trees & water in the creek. -The sound of fresh water flowing is nice, especially when you don't hear it over human voices. Overall, this is an easy hike to start your day off right.

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.

The Sandstone Canyon Loop Trail is located in the Spring Mountain Ranch State Park…read more Drove to the park after Red Rock Canyon was closed to all visitors who did not have a reservation. The Spring Mountain Ranch State Park is just a few minutes away from Red Rock Canyon. It was a nice find. Entrance to the park is $15 for a day pass. Lots of parking available on a sunny Saturday. Explored the ranch house first to learn more about the history of the park and then explored a couple of trails. The Sandstone Canyon Trail passes Lake Harriet. So peaceful to hike on a beautiful day just enjoying nature. Check out the Overlook Loop for stunning views of the park. Definitely a nice break from the Vegas casinos. Just a short drive away.

This trail is in Spring Mountain Ranch state park. It starts next to Lake Harriet and then goes up…read moretowards the mountains.

This hike is like Mountains Edge exploration park hike x10!…read moreLove the that it's in the Valley and not too far from my house but still a pretty long hike with multiple little trails.

Love the trail. It has a very good view if you go further up. I'll do it again. Highly recommended.read more

Located in the southern portion of Red Rock, Hollow Rock Peak is reached by St Rte 160, at Mountain…read moreSprings Pass. The hike is 6 mile RT and has a 1000 feet of elevation gain, which makes it a pretty decent hike. The first portion of this is all trail, and the last portion is mostly sandstone scrambling, and one you reach the peak, if anyone in your group has webbing, there is class 4 scramble to the actual "hollow rock". (it's an easy climb, maybe 20 feet). Great views from the top, you can see the entire city, as well as portions of Black Velvet canyon, Windy Peak area. Bonus, Mountain Springs Saloon is just down the road, makes a nice place to stop after and grab a drink.

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.