Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Liberty Bell Arch

    4.9 (22 reviews)

    Liberty Bell Arch Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Liberty Bell Arch

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Ed T.

    This review is for Liberty Bell Arch & Colorado Overlook which was a ~5.1 miles round trip that took ~3 hours to complete. Located about 30 minutes from Las Vegas; this was another spectacular hike in the area besides Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire. A third of the trail was through sand making it a little difficult to walk through. There were a few steep inclines near the end and also on the way back before the mining cart. Stunning views of the mountains, Colorado River and the Liberty Bell Arch! Short video of the hike for those interested! https://youtu.be/ZspcN8eeRlQ

    Terri C.

    This is one of our favorite hikes, and it's a great one to bring friends along. It's not particularly strenuous (but that is subjective), you get scenic views, and it's unique. We went with two friends again this morning. The weather was overcast, and we had a few sprinkles, but it didn't rain on us. The air was crisp, and we had the trail to ourselves for the first part of the hike. The trail is a combination of sand, gravel, and hard-packed dirt; I had to take my boots off at one point to get a couple of rocks out since I wasn't wearing gaiters. You get a good leg workout going through the sandy parts. Along this trail, you'll have some flat parts as well as inclines, but nothing too steep, IMHO. You will get views of the Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge in the distance as you approach the Liberty Bell Arch, so be sure to look to your right. I love a good arch, and this one is indeed shaped like the liberty bell. You could turn around at this point, but if you keep going up the trail about half a mile, you will be at the overlook where you have excellent views of the Colorado River. The out and back distance for this hike was 5.2 miles, according to my Garmin today. We spent about 20 minutes at the overlook, enjoying our snacks. Depending on your hiking speed and how long you want to enjoy the views, expect to spend about 3 to 3.5 hours total for this hike. It's best to do it now when it's nice and cool; this trail is closed during the summer because it's just too hot!

    Old cable car from the old mine
    LJ R.

    Liberty Bell Arch is another amazing hike not too far outside of Las Vegas. Featuring a rock arch that resembles a bell hence the name and an amazing view looking down at the Colorado River and a few of the hot springs hikes. The hike is about 2 miles to the arch and another .5 mile to the overlook. 5 miles round trip. And took about 3 hrs of actual hiking at an easy pace. Nothing too difficult but there are some inclines and declines, it wouldn't be fun without them. The arch is huge. It looks smaller at a distance. I wouldn't suggest climbing up it. It may seem easy but you might have trouble coming down it. There's also an old mine and cable car somewhere in the middle. The hike continues left of the cable car incase you can't find where to go. The trail is noticeable but I've heard sometimes it's not so people tend to turn back. There's a decent size parking lot that is shared with others doing the nearby hot springs hike. It's also not gated and has no restrooms. I'm definitely doing this hike again.

    Alexander C.

    Hiking the Liberty Bell Arch trail was one of the greastest and most important things I've done in my entire life. I cannot emphasize this enough. It's easy to get to the trail. Just drive past the Hoover Dam a little bit and pull off and park in Arizona. I got there around 6:30 AM on a Thursday and the only two vehicles in the parking lot were overnight campers. This is no toilet here, so don't drink too much coffee on the way. The hike itself is pretty easy. I didn't find it to be much of a challenge. You get to see birds along the way, as well as lots of cacti and yucca. Be careful not to fall into the abandoned magnesium mine! There is a lot of old, abandoned mining gear from the 1940s laying around. It is extremely dangerous around the mining holes. You will die if you fall in there. The Liberty Bell Arch is an amazing geological site. It was handcrafted by God for all of us to enjoy. God wanted everyone who sees it to stop and think about the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. If you're too lazy to fly to Philadelphia to see the real bell, this is basically the same thing. Keep on lugging upward until you get to the end of the trail. When you can see the Colorado River, you'll know you're almost at the end. The top viewing deck at the end is a great smoke spot. You can look down and admire the mighty Colorado River. This hike is pretty easy. I'm in terrible physical shape and I've had multiple leg surgeries in recent years and I didn't have even the slightest degree of difficulty completing this hike. I recommend bringing lots of water and dressing in layers of clothing. Best of luck to all hikers. Five stars

    Cassandra B.

    Liberty Bell Arch is about a 5-6 mile hike and the route is largely marked by cairns. It took my husband and I 4 hours to complete as first-timers. I utilized Norm. K.'s review in addition to the write-ups on hikinglasvegas.com and birdandhike.com to navigate the hike. The beginning of the hike was a bit discouraging - there is a complete lack of markers and cairns are extremely sparse. After maybe 3/4 of a mile in, the trails become more visible and cairns start sprouting up like seedlings during spring. Once you get about a mile in, you start coming across the focal points of the hike. First up is the old ore car and the abandoned mine. We explored the mine, although it's quite small. Still neat to check out though. Then you come across the hike's namesake, the Liberty Bell Arch. Last but not least is a view of the Colorado river. We took our snack break here taking in the views. I wouldn't recommend this hike for beginners. I'd also only undertake this hike in the winter or spring since there's no shade provided. Overall though, this hike was an adventure! YELP'S 2018 REVIEW CHALLENGE: #5

    The wash towards the trail
    Renee N.

    This hike has been on my list for a while and I was excited when a fellow Yelper agreed to go with me. She had done it before and I figured she knew where she was going. This was one of the prettiest hikes I have done and thanks to a wet and wonderful winter, plenty of blooming wildflowers decorated the trail. The hike is pretty easy to access. It is south of Hoover Dam on Highway 93. The parking lot is on the left side of the highway and easy to miss so be careful. I passed it and had to come back, but it is a nice size lot and hold plenty of spaces. Unfortunately, no restrooms here. Once you have parked the car, be sure to view the trail map for guidance or look at Norm's review for help. You will begin your hike by heading down a small hill and under the highway bridge. Be sure to stay in the wash (middle) as the trail will lead you down into a small canyon and then you will see the sign that directs you to the arch. This same area also houses the trail to the Arizona Hot Springs. It is approximately 5 miles round trip and there are plenty of opportunities for a light cardio workout. There is no shade so this trail is best for hiking during the spring and fall. We chose to complete it in March yet it was still pretty warm at times. The trail does ascend and descends quite often. After passing an old mining car that was used to mine ore, you are almost there. You can see the Arch in the distance and if you only want to look at it from a distance, great viewing from the top of this mountain. We chose to press on and get closer. The Arch is majestic and commanding. Mother Nature sure does produce some magical sites! In addition, if you take the time to look behind you, there is a nice view of the Mike O'Callaghan/Pat Tillman bridge. Once we reached the arch, we took some great shots and pressed on towards the overlook of the Colorado River. It is not recommended to climb the arch although there are always "those people" that feel they have to get even closer. The idea is to enjoy it from a distance and leave the rock undisturbed. The overlook of the Colorado River is an additional distance of a little over a half mile. Believe me, it is so worth it! The views of the river are phenomenal and makes you want to dive right off the cliff but don't. Lots of boats coming up the river and kayaks too. We just made ourselves at home for at least 30 minutes snacking and taking in Black Canyon and the Colorado River. This is a hike that I would definitely repeat again and again as it supplies all kinds of beauty and fun.

    The ore car resting on the bank.
    Norm K.

    This is one of my favorite hikes. It's moderately strenuous at just over 6 miles. I refer to it as a triple treat hike because there are three distinct features to see on this hike. To get to the trailhead, take the new O'Callaghan-Tillman Memorial Bridge near Hoover Dam and go south in Arizona to Mile Marker 4 on US 93. There is a left turn lane that crosses the northbound lanes and heads to a new blacktop road that goes up a hill and to a new large parking area. For those familiar with the Arizona Hot Springs hike, this is the new parking for that hike, too, as the new road has closed the old parking area. From the parking lot, head downhill into the wash. To get into the wash, follow the use trail that begins just past the interpretive markers at the end of the parking lot. After going down this path from the parking lot, make sure you go under the double set of bridges and follow the wash west for about 9/10 of a mile. This is where you make a right turn and head north out of this wash. There is a small cairn along the wash that is easy to miss. Hike up a small hill and you'll be in a small canyon that heads north. You pick up the trail easily here, and follow it for about 1/4 mile. Along the way, you'll find a very large cairn with a wooden stake. After this cairn, as you travel north, pay attention because the trail will leave this wash and head up a hill to an old mining road. You can see the stacked stones from when it was a road. At this road, turn left and follow the road. It eventually makes a curve near an old mine prospect which didn't get dug very much. There's another set of nice stonework along the road as you go up the hill. Continue along the road and you'll start to see debris from the mining that took place at a nearby manganese mine. When you crest the hill and come around a curve, on a hill in front of you, there's an ore car laying on the side of the hill. The old manganese mine is in the wash below this car on the other side of the ridge. Keep to the left at any trails you see. These spider trails just go to overlooks and a couple are dangerous, because a fall could land you 50 feet below in the old mine. The trail to the left goes over some jagged rock and then starts down the other side. Soon you come to a fork in the trail. If you want to investigate the mine (this is one I will tell you is safe to enter), it will add about 1/2 mile to your total hike. There are some rails in the dirt floor of the mine and several air holes are cut in the sturdy rock. To continue the hike, return to the fork and turn right. The mine is treat #1. The left fork continues down the hill and enters the wash. Periodically it will leave the wash and then come back in. At about two miles from the trailhead, or about 2.5 miles if you went to the mine, the trail comes out of the wash and heads west up a hill to a saddle. In front of you, Liberty Bell Arch can be seen. The best photos come from the south but feel free to take all you want wherever you are on the hike. At the saddle, make a left turn, and head southwest following the trail. You're going up another hill until you're almost in line with the arch. Near the arch, the trail cuts south and as you pass the arch and then look back, this is where you get the best view of the result of a natural erosion process. This is treat #2. Continue following the trail south. You hike past a field that has some enormous boulders that are amazing to see. At one time, they broke off the hill above and rolled here. The trail is very evident here as it is well traveled. The footing can be bad because the rocks can be sharp. Take care as you hike along. Eventually, you'll go around the side of a hill and the view of Liberty Bell Arch is gone until you return. From here, there are about 4 ridges to go up and over. Stop as needed and get your breath. Make sure you've brought enough water with you--you should be using a Camelbak for a hike like this. When you get to the last ridge, you come up on a mesa and below you to your left is treat #3, a view of the Colorado River about 1,000 feet below as it winds toward Willow Beach in Arizona. When you arrive on the mesa, the trail goes near the edge so you can get great views of the Colorado. It is truly beautiful up here. Explore the mesa, look north and see the bypass bridge, and stop and sit on one of the rocks for a snack. When you're done enjoying the mesa, retrace your steps. THe toughest part now will be coming back up the wash to the car from the Liberty Bell Arch turnoff. It always seems so tough to get that last mile done with gravel under foot. I have done this hike about 7 times, twice from the new trailhead, and it truly is a treat! I have posted on EveryTrail the explanation and GPS coordinates from my last hike. We passed the turnoff to Liberty Bell, so don't follow me there but turn where the waypoint is. The link is http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=904927 Happy hiking!

    Jennifer B.

    OH MY WORD, YOU GUYS!!! Today's adventure was simply amazing. We ventured off to the Liberty Bell Arch but do you think that we stopped there? Of course not!!! We had to keep going up to the view of the COLORADO RIVER!!! This has to be one of my favorite hikes simply because of the view at the end. Go. You won't be disappointed. , Me.

    Mel C.

    The Liberty Bell Arch hike is one of my favorites. It's not a tough hike, but it does have its challenges. There is absolutely no shade. The sun will kick your buttocks if choose to do this hike after 12 PM. In fact, this hike is closed during the summer due to the extreme temperatures. The trail is visible on 95% of this hike. Some spots are not as clearly defined. My suggestion is to review the map located near the parking lot, go off memory if you've done the hike before, or have Norm K. as your guide. The hike is 2 miles from the parking lot to the Liberty Bell Arch and another .60 miles to the Colorado River overlook. Overall, this is another great hike not too far from Sin City. TIP #1: Location - Take the first left after the Hoover Dam is you're heading west on the freeway TIP #2: Follow the trail into the wash. A little less than a mile from the parking lot is where you turn right towards Liberty Bell Arch. There's also a sign and can easily be overlooked if you're not paying attention. TIP #3: Once over the first hill and towards the right is an old ore car that was left behind. Pretty cool. The mine is also located close by. TIP #4: I don't recommend climbing the Liberty Bell Arch. Don't do it. TIP #5: The views of the Colorado River is worth the hike. Just be careful. The drop down is over 1,000 feet. TIP #6: Bring enough hydration and snacks for energy. Peanut butter is my snack of choice. Leave no trace.

    Liberty Bell Arch
    Bethany E.

    Sometimes I just need to get my lazy butt off the couch. The Liberty Bell Arch Hike is wonderful way to kick off a hiking adventure. Parking is paved with an abundance of spots especially during the week. Unfortunately they do not have restrooms from the start so I would stop before you get there. Now the beginning point for Liberty Bell and Arizona Hot Springs hike begin at the same point. Just before hitting the mile point you'll see the trail fork for the Liberty Bell. Parts of the trail are loose gravel but for the most part it's pretty packed dirt. Along the way you can see some of the old mining carts. The scenery is very picturesque. It's an easier hike that's well traveled. The view at the end is definitely worth it.

    Sarah C.

    What an amazing hike! it exceeded my expectations. The hike is located along Highway 93, south of the Hoover Dam in Lake Mead National Recreation Area, about 45 minutes southeast of Las Vegas. From town, drive out to Lake Mead NRA, over the bridge into Arizona, and then down to the White Rock Canyon Trailhead. The hike is easy to moderate 5.5miles or so. There is a fair amount of up and down, and there is some scrambling and there's a good amount of walking through sand & gravel. You will be using the same trail-head as if you are going to Arizona Hot Springs. Instead of entering the slot canyon to the springs, you'll branch off to the right and follow a wash toward an abandoned magnesium mine. We saw an old ore hopper. Keep following the trail, you approach Liberty Bell Arch, which is a natural erosion of rock that resembles the Liberty bell. The entire hike was filled with beautiful colorful scenery and all kinds of terrain. The arch was grand and impressive. In the distance, you'll see the new O'Callaghan-Tillman Memorial Bridge that bypasses Hoover Dam. From the arch, continue following the trail as it goes up some ridges as you ascend to the highest point of the hike. The view from here is amazing. Below is the Colorado River separating Arizona and Nevada. It truly is an incredible sight as you look about 1,000 feet below and see boats and kayaks on the river.

    Suzanne O.

    This was a really great hike! The landscape was always changing so the hike stayed exciting- downhill and uphill portions, views of the old mines, the arch, and then the final beautiful view overlooking the Colorado River. I agree with the other reviews that this hike is moderately strenuous. There were some tougher uphill parts that left me a little winded, but the uphill parts were quickly followed by flat or downhill portions. The only tricky part of this hike is finding the trailhead. We knew we needed to make a right at some point (Norm K. said it was about 9/10 of a mile into the wash) but we saw a cairn less than half a mile in, and we decided to go that way. It looked like a path a first, but then the path kind of ended, so we somewhat forged our own. Luckily we ended up in the right place, but it was very unclear for a while. On the way out we followed the path that led us further into the wash. So it looks like you can take either trailhead, but the first one is not as clearly marked along the way. If you want a decent length hike (6 miles) with great views, then check this out!

    Mike C.

    this was an excellent hike. Easy to find thanks to all the reviews on here, first left past the 3 mile marker on highway 93 southbound. Since it has been so nice out the parking area was crowded so we parked on the side of the road exiting the area. Wile walking under the interstate there are options for the Hot Springs or the Liberty Bell Arch. The Liberty Bell is to the left and there is somewhat of a trail, it becomes clear after you are on it for a bit. I also didn't see where to continue to the Arch from the ore car at first but after seeing people coming up the hill it became obvious. The views are great seeing the different color rocks along the way to the Arch and the final scenic area where the Colorado can be seen below. Bring plenty of water and take your time, if an out of shape person like myself can make so will you!

    The amazing view

    See all

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tina A.
    146
    272
    1556

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 3
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ed T.
    101
    356
    2829

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Terri C.
    259
    1527
    18387

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of LJ R.
    932
    626
    6982

    7 years ago

    Helpful 35
    Thanks 1
    Love this 27
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    8 years ago

    Helpful 11
    Thanks 0
    Love this 8
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 0
    Love this 8
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Norm K.
    1426
    3269
    19688

    15 years ago

    Helpful 17
    Thanks 0
    Love this 11
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mel C.
    309
    1802
    12204

    9 years ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bethany E.
    1016
    1099
    4800

    8 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ed V.
    1727
    654
    1741

    9 years ago

    Helpful 15
    Thanks 0
    Love this 12
    Oh no 0
    Photo of N F.
    0
    38
    17

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Edwin P.
    678
    518
    1680

    10 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 8
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Liberty Bell Arch

    Review Highlights - Liberty Bell Arch

    Once we reached the arch, we took some great shots and pressed on towards the overlook of the Colorado River.

    Mentioned in 17 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Desert Adventures - Aaah million dollar view

    Desert Adventures

    4.4(188 reviews)
    1.2 mi

    My husband and I did the full-day Black Canyon kayak tour with Desert Adventures and I seriously…read morecan't recommend it enough. I grew up in Vegas and have been on this river a ton by boat, and I've also hiked to both Gold Strike and Arizona Hot Springs. Those hikes are super rewarding but honestly brutal. This experience was completely different in the best way. Being able to get out of the river and be steps away from hot springs was amazing, and the views from the water are hands down the best. We met the team bright and early at 5:30am for launch, and everything was super smooth. They shuttled us, got us fitted for life jackets, handled waivers, and gave a quick safety rundown. Launch timing is strict because of the park service, but they made it feel easy and not stressful at all. Definitely be on time, though, because due to this strict timing, they will leave without you. The kayaks were such a game-changer. They were longer touring kayaks with foot-controlled rudders, dry storage, and actual back support. Super comfortable for me and somehow also worked great for my 6'2" husband (he had a larger boat). Since it was just the two of us, our guide Holmes customized the whole day to our pace. He took us to hidden spots I had never seen before, even as a local, and helped us avoid crowds. We did some hiking, rock scrambling, used ropes at Boy Scout Canyon, and explored hot springs that you can only get to from the river. It felt adventurous but still very safe, and he gave great tips the whole time. He also knew so much about the area. History of the Hoover Dam, plants, wildlife, etc. I learned a ton - even as someone who felt familiar with the area. This is exactly why I'm glad we didn't just rent kayaks. Having a guide made it feel like a next-level experience. We got to relax more while he handled the route and found the best spots. We got lucky with perfect early April weather. No wind, super glassy water, and we could see fish deep in the water. The 12 miles honestly felt way easier than expected, especially with how well Holmes guided us through the current so we could just float and chill a lot of the time. They also packed a great lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. You really just need a sun shirt, hat, sunglasses, swimsuit, water shoes, and sunscreen. They take care of the rest. Even though we leaned a little more adventurous, I could totally see this being doable for beginners, too. You don't need to be super athletic to enjoy it. Pickup and cleanup were easy and seamless. They handled everything while I grabbed a snack and relaxed, which honestly made it feel even more special. This was such a cool experience, and I would 100% do it again. Already recommending it to friends, and I would definitely consider doing the overnight version next time.

    Desert Adventures is great! We did a self led excursion…read moredown the Colorado river but used this company to drop us off and pick us up! They provided a large trailer with ample shelves and space to put are gear onto. A safety speech was also given. This company has special authorization to enter the Hoover Dam property and take people down to launch from the entrance of the Hoover Dam. They instructed you to move quickly as there was a time limit for getting everyone/everything Into the water and away from the area. The next day, they were prompt with their pick up and helped us load our gear back onto the trailer. I would definitely use this company again and recommend them to others.

    Photos
    Desert Adventures - Launch at Hoover Dam

    Launch at Hoover Dam

    Desert Adventures - On the Colorado River. Our second night of the Bighorn Classic 3-day river trip.

    On the Colorado River. Our second night of the Bighorn Classic 3-day river trip.

    Desert Adventures - Fun day, fun times!

    See all

    Fun day, fun times!

    Historic Railroad Trail - Hoover Dam

    Historic Railroad Trail

    4.6(170 reviews)
    3.4 mi

    Hey Yelpers! This is…read morea super easy mostly flat hiking trail with the most beautiful views. This is the best time of the year to hike it, too. You can easily drive into the parking lot like you are heading to the visitor center, but drive past it down to the restroom parking lot close to the trail and it's perfectly marked for easy no brainer adventure. About half way or an hour in there is another restroom with a covered picnic table for a break. Then you can continue on down to the Boulder Dam. There are amazing views there as well as awesome retro restrooms , memorials, and water. There used to be a cafe. I forgot to look if they are still open. Before the dam is a parking structure. You can take the stairs or an elevator. We usually start our hikes about 8 am. The restrooms were still clean and stocked. I bring hand sanitizer. Be sure to bring water and a snack just in case. Dogs are welcome but please pick up after them and keep them on a leash. The later it gets the more busy it gets. I like to go here at least once a year. It's just so nice to get out into nature and experience Nevada. Parking is free. You can check out the visitor center while you are there. They have cool stuff. I recommend this trail. Check it out!

    Free Parking this is the beginning 1 mile until you hit the 1st rail tunnel. You are walking…read morebasically on the removed railroad tracks where the rail cars were used to remove and bring in materials to build Hoover Dam. Walk, Jog, or bike love this spot for the beauty and the history. $25 to enter lake Meade State Park if you choose to go in if you have a pass it's free. Hoover Dam Hotel Casino and Hoover Damn are also in the area to visit to see the sights along with the small town of Boulder City which offers restaurants bars and small shops & antiques.

    Photos
    Historic Railroad Trail - Almost made it to the Hoover Dam

    Almost made it to the Hoover Dam

    Historic Railroad Trail - @Historicrailroadtrail #Historicrailroadtrail

    @Historicrailroadtrail #Historicrailroadtrail

    Historic Railroad Trail

    See all

    Shoreline Trail - One of the cool rock formations on the hike

    Shoreline Trail

    4.5(4 reviews)
    10.0 mi

    I hike part of the Shoreline Trail several times each winter when the temperatures permit. The…read moreShoreline Trail stretches from the former Las Vegas Bay boat launch area to the 3 Islands Overlook at 33 Hole about 2 miles south. When I hike this trail, it's because I'm hiking through what's known as White Owl Canyon and after going through some pipes to get to the old road, I return to the car by joining the Shoreline Trail about a mile from the parking area for 33 Hole and the 3 Islands Lookout. Some volunteers have done some nice work over the last couple of years by placing boulders along the trail so one knows where to go. This section has changed over the 7 years or so that I've been hiking the trail. The boulders work now because the level of the lake has fallen so much there's little danger that the trail will be covered by water and the rocks become useless. In fact, it has been very discouraging to watch the level of the lake drop so much that you now have to leave the trail to get to the edge of a stream that was once the lake. It is nice to see the water fowl and it's a pleasant hike when temperatures permit.

    YELP 365 CHALLENGE 2014-(313/365) "A Hiking We Will Go! "…read more Any time there's a chance to explore the outdoors, it's an automatic 5 stars for me. Add to that, a bunch of great people and our resident hike expert Norm leading the pack, you got yourself one heck of an excursion! There were 10 of us on this chilly morning and it was my first time inside the Lake Mead Area. The views here are so breathtaking, pictures and reviews don't do any justice...you gotta get out there and experience this yourself! This hike is about 3 miles and involves different elevations, a bit of rock scrambling, going through a few tunnels and a brief time inside owl canyon where we saw great rock formations, and even an owl who was guarding his/her huge nest nearby. there were also tons of clam shells scattered around and old Budweiser and Coors cans from the peel tab era. There also was a random wood frame kinda thing during our hike which made all of us clueless as to why anything was being constructed. After a short walk on the paved road way, we looped around and began the trek back to our cars along the rock formed trail taking in the awesome scenery and a last scramble up the same hill we first went down back to the parking lot. Thanks again Norm for another great hike, and we'll join you on the trail once again for your next hike! ALOHA!!! Shaka Meter: \uuu/ \uuu/ \uuu/ \uuu/ \uuu/ 5

    Photos
    Shoreline Trail - Inside the Tunnel. Up ahead .... Norm, Terri & Mel

    Inside the Tunnel. Up ahead .... Norm, Terri & Mel

    Shoreline Trail - Great short hike

    Great short hike

    Shoreline Trail

    See all

    River Mountain Trail

    River Mountain Trail

    4.8(6 reviews)
    0.6 mi

    We have lectric bikes and boy did we take em out for a Spin!…read moreWe rode the entire 35mile loop. It took us about 5 hours with one of them Being breaks. Even with help this trail is a beautiful beast. Steep hills and a steady gradual I cline in the middle. It sure was beautiful though. Great views. Some nature. Just some chipmunks and lizards mostly.

    This is one of the few cycling trails in the extended Las Vegas Valley that allows you to ride for…read moremiles while separated from cars (another is on the west side of the 215 Beltway). It is a 34 mile loop including almost 3,000' of climbing--both long, slow grades (up to Boulder City) and very steep, short hills (The Three Sisters). Road cyclists regularly take advantage of the well-paved path. You will also see pedestrians walking along the way. The path passes the edge of Boulder City at Bootleg Canyon, goes behind Railroad Pass Casino, passes Lake Las Vegas, and enters Lake Mead National Recreation Area. It continues along the main road in the park, then starts the uphill slog just before the park's Visitor's Center. There, it crosses the park road and the path continues up to Boulder City. Accept on part of the climb to Boulder City where the path is in the flood channel, it is in pristine condition with nicely paved asphalt. There are not many water stops which is a problem for summer workouts. You can get water at Bootleg Canyon, the water district (just past Railroad Pass Casino), and two places in the park (including Boulder Beach). Except for the water district and one of the Lake Mead stops, there are bathrooms at each of the water stations. There is also a bathroom on the path by the Visitor's Center. Almost all riders go in a clockwise direction. I prefer this direction because it is really uncomfortable coming down the flood channel at speed. There are lines in the cement that cause little bumps that are both a problem in the nether-regions and they slow you down. A great workout is to do the loop clockwise and then counter-clockwise. If doing this, you may want to do the CCW-Boulder City-to-the-Lake section on the highway instead of in the storm drains. Other than the flood channel, what I don't like about the RMT is its curviness on the lake side. There are some excellent descents and ascents, but there are usually compact turns at the bottoms of the hills so you lose your speed before having to climb the next hill. And, you can't maintain your speed through the curves because many of them drop 100' to the desert floor below. The views are wonderful. You see the lake during a third of the trek and the Las Vegas skyline during another third. Caution: This is a HARD ride and water is not quickly accessible. Carry MUCH MORE water than you think you'll need. I experienced true thirst only once in my life and it was on this path. Also, I've had to stop on more than one occasion to give others desperately needed water.

    Photos
    River Mountain Trail - Parking lot.

    Parking lot.

    River Mountain Trail - Boulder City rest area

    Boulder City rest area

    River Mountain Trail

    See all

    Boy Scout Canyon - This is a narrow spot in the hike.

    Boy Scout Canyon

    4.8(5 reviews)
    0.0 mi

    Boy Scout Canyon can be a 4 or 8 miles round trip depending on the vehicle you have and how far you…read morewant to hike. I've done it both ways and I prefer the shorter version. To get there, drive to Boulder City and continue straight on Nevada Way to Utah Street. Do NOT head for Hoover Dam. Make a right on Utah Street and follow it until it ends at the Boulder City garbage transfer area. Turn right onto a graded road and follow it for less than a mile. You'll see a left turn for a gun range. Turn left here and follow this road for a short time. There is another turn to get to the gun range. DO NOT take that left turn. Continue to the next left and then go down a steep hill that runs along the south side of the gun range. You'll soon enter the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Inside the fenced area is where you park if you do not have a 4x4. This will make your hike 8 miles round trip. If you do have a 4x4, continue driving down the wash for another two miles. The rocks are sharp in places and close to each other, so drive this with care. At the end of the 2 miles, you'll come to the trailhead--a place that's wired off so vehicles can't go any more. Park here. From here, follow the wash as it heads to the Colorado River. The rock formations are amazing and the views are great! At about 1/3 mile from the trailhead, you come to a 15 foot dry fall that's easy 3rd class. The best side to scramble down is on the left as you're looking down the wash. Take care, but this isn't a hard down climb. As you near the end of your wash, the canyon narrows and soon you come to the end of this part of the hike. The end is a 20 foot dry fall you can only get down using ropes. There are some hooks in the rock above, but I would not recommend you do this. At the bottom of the dry fall is a pool like area in which I've never seen water. Beyond this small pool is a high pour over that's more than a 300 foot drop. Enough said. You don't need to explore down there! The next part of the hike entails retracing your steps about 3/10 of a mile. Look to your left as you're hiking back and you'll see a use trail leave the wash and go up a hill. Follow this trail which has some ups and downs and eventually it will lead you to a magnificent view of the Colorado and the Black Canyon Wilderness area. This is a good place to have a snack and take photos. When you're done, go back to the wash and head back to your car. This is a great hike with lots of pretty vistas. Wear hiking boots and take water. A Camelbak is best! Happy hiking!

    I did a little UYE hiking action with Norm K and August C last weekend. I won't reiterate all of…read morethe useful information that Norm has already listed. If you need directions to the trailhead, I refer you to his excellent review. I found this hike to be pretty easy. There is one scramble down (and back up) a 15-foot spillover in the wash. Other than that, it's a very gradual descent toward the Colorado. You don't actually make it all the way to the river on this hike. There is a 25-foot dry fall that basically serves as the end of this out-and-back hike. Even if you decide to brave that drop, Norm says there is a 300-foot drop waiting for you just moments ahead of that. Instead of pressing downward, we backtracked and found our way up to a ridge where we had a great view of the river and the Hoover Dam bypass bridge. All told, we hiked about four miles. Of course, the hike could have been longer if we didn't drive the two miles down the wash until the point where they prohibit vehicles. That's probably the one thing that would prevent me from doing this hike again. Most of the "road" is fine, but there may be parts where having a 4x4 is recommended. I probably won't ever do this hike again, but it was an enjoyable morning and I'm grateful that I can cross it off my (nonexistent) list.

    Photos
    Boy Scout Canyon - The wash narrows as your near the first 20 foot dry fall and it's quite pretty!

    The wash narrows as your near the first 20 foot dry fall and it's quite pretty!

    Boy Scout Canyon - This is Boy Scout Canyon.  That's about 500 feet down.

    This is Boy Scout Canyon. That's about 500 feet down.

    Boy Scout Canyon - The Colorado from the side trail overlook.

    See all

    The Colorado from the side trail overlook.

    Liberty Bell Arch - hiking - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...