With this PLANdemic going on. We try to stay busy, and made sure that our little 1 1/2 year old…read moregets his outdoor time to burn energy off. I was looking for a good hiking trail that was kid friendly, and I stumbled upon this. It is located in the Red Rock conservation area. There is an entrance fee of $10 per vehicle. Which isn't bad since it is 13 miles of scenic drive/area. We definitely enjoyed this hike.It took us about an 1hr to 1 1/2hr to finish the trail, and that was with our little boy and our puppy. We only took one snack break, and our little boy walked most of it (with a little bribery with a lollipop ). The hike has enough shade, so it wasn't too hot. I love how it wasn't too steep, so it wasn't scary for our little one. The hike had enough scenery, and we definitely enjoyed it. I heard there's a small waterfall, and pond, but we weren't able to see it due to it being dried out. Lots of trees and plants for kids to see and enjoy. Just like any hike. Bring a backpack with snacks and water, wear sunscreen, and comfortable shoes and clothing. It is such a super easy hike. We will definitely do this again.

Lost Creek Children's Discovery Trail is inside the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area…read morewhich is about 21 miles from downtown Las Vegas, Nevada. USA, baby! Not a five star experience for the simple fact that the trail was not clearly marked. I mean, come on, this was created for children. Adults need to be present, but I'm the kind of parent that encourages my kids to figure out stuff on their own. Kind of hard when there are areas that look like the trail, but they weren't. For that matter, snap a photo of the map before you head down the 0.6 mile loop. Other than that, the trail is super easy for active kids. Mine hustled me through it in about 30 minutes. Lol. The elevation does not get incredibly steep, but if you're carrying other children it might get slightly to moderately difficult for a short while. Nothing too dangerous. My kiddos loved walking over the boardwalk, pretending to be mountain lions in a cave-like area, staring up at the colorful rocks, throwing rocks in the dry arroyo, reading some of the trail info, and pretending to slide down a slick bedroom-sized rock formation. The waterfall and creek was bone dry when we were there on 6/8/21. The weather was in the upper 90s. Parking is free and plentiful with your pass into Red Rock. There are restrooms near the lot.

Griffith Peak is only the 3rd highest peak in Southern Nevada. Don't get scared. The hike isn't too…read morebad and it's worth it considering the view you get. If anything the distance is what makes this hike difficult. I don't know the exact distance but time wise it took us about 3 hours each way going at a decent speed with short breaks when needed. Most of the hike is shaded from traveling under tree coverage or between the mountains. There are also a lot of switchbacks and the incline isn't really too steep except for maybe the very bottom and very top. Along the hike, probably towards the middle, there's an overlook looking down at, I believe, Cathedral Rock or Echo Cliff. Be careful while along the edge cause it is a long way down. Near the top, there's a signage pointing you in the direction to Griffith Peak or Charleston Peak. You'll see that there was a huge fire once. The view from here is pretty nice but continue on towards the top of Griffith Peak to enjoy that view. There you'll find a box which I'm assuming there's some type of notepad to log that you made it up there. I was so busy enjoying the view I forgot to look inside. I'd diffently do this hike again. Who knows I might just decide to go to Charleston Peak when I reach the signage. Excellent hike. Being plenty of water with you to carry and leave some in car for after the hike.

Close to Vegas perfect place in hot summer to cool down beautiful wildlife peaceful campgroundsread more

I shared many photos during our hikes here but I realize I didn't leave a review…read more Big Falls is one of my favorite trails at Mt Charleston any time of year. I love the little bit of climbing we can do, the views we find, and as always, the people who come with us. I haven't visited this trail in so long, so I don't have fresh or new commentary. It's been over 8 years since I've been here. All the photos I see I shared here are with my old dog, who passed away, and maybe one day I'll return with my current dog.

After wanting to do this hike for years, I finally got to go this morning with a friend leading the…read moreway. Since there isn't really an official trail to follow, I'm glad that I had someone who knew where to go. Even though it's June, there is still snow in parts of Mount Charleston due to the amount of rain that we had in the past few months. The snow is melting, so there was lots of water to see on this hike, which I loved. My friend, her dog, and I crossed quite a few areas with running water, so I was glad to have waterproof boots. It was also helpful to have hiking poles, as there were parts of the trek that they came in handy, notably when we encountered some snow to get to the falls. Big Falls itself did not disappoint; it's a beautiful sight! We had it to ourselves, too, which made this hike even better. We did see a couple of people on our way back to the parking area, but it's definitely not crowded like Mary Jane Falls or Cathedral Rock. Our hike was about 3.2 miles round-trip. Be advised that the amount of running water will depend on the weather and time of year; our timing was just right today.

The trail is washed away and is no longer accessible. They have yet to fix this. Also, all of the…read moresurrounding picnic areas are closed so there's really nowhere to stop for a picnic table.

What a great little hike!…read more I took my two littles, ages 2 and 4 on this little paved hike. Since it is paved, a person can easily bring a stroller or wheelchair on it and during this hike, we saw plenty of them as it is a popular hike for families and groups due to the abundance of picnic tables you can use throughout the hike. The parking lot for the trailhead is on the opposite side of the street. The parking lot is one of the larger ones and there are bathrooms available there as well. Once you cross the street, you will then be on the paved path that walks parallel to the street for a good block or so and then it veers off, slightly downhill, into the forest. There are numbered picnic tables along the hike so it is super easy to bring snacks or lunch and have a picnic. I didn't see any trash cans so PLEASE be sure to pack up your trash and take it back to you. I saw plenty of wheeled coolers and ice chests so you could definitely pack one of those in as well. Mid-hike there were also little forts that have been built (which is fun for the kids - one even has a table inside) and another set of bathrooms. There is also a very small creek that runs along the path, When we were there it did start to rain very hard so we ended up staying on the paved path as the small creek was starting to get larger in size and we didn't have a change of shoes for the kids. Overall - a nice, easy hike for anyone in a wheelchair or stroller. You could pack a lunch and spend a good amount of your day there exploring and taking in the beautiful scenery.

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.

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.

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!

The trailhead is at North Loop, and you take the same trail as Raintree, but right before you hit…read morethe actual Raintree, you will turn left and follow the ridge up to the peak. If you've done Raintree and are used to the elevation, this hike shouldn't be too difficult for you. The last push of 300 feet to the peak does get a bit steep and you will definitely be feeling the elevation. I like this hike because it takes you through so many different vegetations. On the way up you will see a ton of bristlecone trees, wildflowers pine trees and shrubs. Once you hit the summit, you will have a fantastic view of the entire Lee Canyon, and the other side you can see N. Las Vegas. On the way out, you have an option of going a different route, you can follow WIldhorse Canyon down which will let you out onto the road about 0.25 miles from where you parked, or you can follow the original trail back. I prefer going a different route back, but that's just me. Wildhorse Canyon is full of different trees and vegetation as well. It's a narrow trail, but no exposure. Quick stats: 7.5 miles RT 2,500 feet election gain Fletcher Peak is 10, 320 feet Trekking poles are helpful, but not necessary No bathrooms at trailhead, no water.

I figure I should review this since Angela T is the only one so far. This is a worthwhile hike,…read moreespecially if you're into finding and signing notebooks inside of ammo boxes. It's hardly the tallest peak, but it's still a peak, so get out there and do it! The usual starting point is at the North Loop trailhead along Deer Creek Rd. If you've done Raintree before, you've already done most of this hike. The left turn toward Fletcher is about halfway between the high point of the Raintree hike and the ancient bristlecone pine. Look for a cut up fallen tree log or just keep scanning to your left. The bird and hike website is a good resource for figuring out where to make the turn. Worst case, you reach the Raintree, admire it, then backtrack a bit. (In our case, we started out at Trail Canyon, so we indeed passed Raintree on the way to the peak). There are actually a couple of "peaks." The ascent to the "false peak" is the steepest section you will encounter. The good news is that you're almost there. There are great views from this spot and you should readily find the ammo box and notebook to sign. First timers who want to truthfully say they've summited Fletcher will need to continue to the real peak. There isn't really a trail but the direction you need to head is obvious. Though you might start questioning yourself at this point, I'm here to tell you that it's a pretty short distance. I was at the real peak before I knew it. There's supposedly another box or some sort of jar hidden by the trees at peak-proper, but I failed to find it. The view isn't great from here, so head back to the other peak to rest and enjoy the view.